Lie detector book brings quick end to job interview with State Patrol
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- The application process for a man seeking a job with the State Patrol came to an abrupt end because of the reading material he left in plain view inside his car.
Officials said the man was at State Patrol Headquarters on October 6 being interviewed for a civilian management job when a State Patrol employee saw a book titled "How to Beat the Lie Detector" on a seat in the car parked next to hers.
"I was just shocked," said Heather Anderson.
The job candidate was inside the office undergoing a polygraph exam at the time, and officials said they determined that the car and book were his.
"They gave him an opportunity to let them know if he'd looked at some research materials or not and he apparently said 'no,'" Anderson said.
That quickly put an end to the interview process, and the man was told he would no longer be considered for the job.
"We're hiring at a time when we know many good people are unemployed," State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said in a statement. The employee's "sharp eye helped make sure our jobs are going to people with honor and integrity."
In a news release, Captain Jay Cabezuela said that past mistakes don't automatically disqualify someone from being considered for a job with the State Patrol.
"If you disclose fully and speak openly you also have a chance to show us you've learned from your mistakes," he said. "But we have no tolerance for someone who tries to deceive us."
Sgt. Jim Dunn says he's uncovered some whoppers while giving polygraphs to potential employees at a local sheriff's department.
"I've had 'em completely fictitious educations, and when I asked why the certificate isn't with the application, the reply was 'I was thinking about going there,'" Dunn said.
Anderson received a chief's coin from Batiste for helping keep her workplace honest.
"I just felt like I was doing my part," she said.
The patrol says learning how to beat a polygraph doesn't disqualify someone from a patrol job, but lying about it during the exam does.
Officials said the man was at State Patrol Headquarters on October 6 being interviewed for a civilian management job when a State Patrol employee saw a book titled "How to Beat the Lie Detector" on a seat in the car parked next to hers.
"I was just shocked," said Heather Anderson.
The job candidate was inside the office undergoing a polygraph exam at the time, and officials said they determined that the car and book were his.
"They gave him an opportunity to let them know if he'd looked at some research materials or not and he apparently said 'no,'" Anderson said.
That quickly put an end to the interview process, and the man was told he would no longer be considered for the job.
"We're hiring at a time when we know many good people are unemployed," State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said in a statement. The employee's "sharp eye helped make sure our jobs are going to people with honor and integrity."
In a news release, Captain Jay Cabezuela said that past mistakes don't automatically disqualify someone from being considered for a job with the State Patrol.
"If you disclose fully and speak openly you also have a chance to show us you've learned from your mistakes," he said. "But we have no tolerance for someone who tries to deceive us."
Sgt. Jim Dunn says he's uncovered some whoppers while giving polygraphs to potential employees at a local sheriff's department.
"I've had 'em completely fictitious educations, and when I asked why the certificate isn't with the application, the reply was 'I was thinking about going there,'" Dunn said.
Anderson received a chief's coin from Batiste for helping keep her workplace honest.
"I just felt like I was doing my part," she said.
The patrol says learning how to beat a polygraph doesn't disqualify someone from a patrol job, but lying about it during the exam does.
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