Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common
questions.
- How long does it take to get a custom examination created for my company?
- Can using beta blockers help you beat the polygraph examination?
- Is the personality test of the police exam a medical examination?
- What makes the BCT, LLC prep-courses the best?
- I'm confused? What is a NJ Civil Service (NJ DOP) Police Department?
- What law enforcement titles does the NJ DOP Public Safety Entry Exam cover?
- How much is the seminar?
- What Blue Collegiate Training locations are still available to enroll in?
- Can I speak to a former BCT, LLC student before I register for the Seminar?
- Can I get a discount if I register for the Florida and New York Police Exam?
- Who provides the instruction at the Seminars?
- Is the 2010 NJ DOP exam the same as the 2008?
- How long does it take for BCT, LLC to create an examination for a business?
- Where do the BCT, LLC seminars take place for the 2010 civil service test?
- What is the minimal contractual agreement in regards to examination creation?
- My agency is in Arizona, how can I meet a specialist?
- Can BCT, LLC also create a Web-Site for our agency?
- How accurate is a lie detector/polygraph examination?
How long does it take to get a custom examination created for my company?
Our specialists will set a time frame depending on the individual
needs of the client. The psychometrician examination(s) will be
scored as well by BCT, LLC as part of the contracted price.
Examinations can be prepared as quickly as seven (7) business
working days. Please contact us direct at 888.BCT.1980 or enter
your client number to address specific questions.
Can using beta blockers help you beat the polygraph examination?
Many questions have arisen recently regarding the use of beta
blockers as a counter-measure in efforts to "fool" the psycho-
physiological detection of deception examiner. The use of alpha
(1 and 2) as well as beta (1 and 2) agonists (stimulants) and
antagonists (blockers) may produce profound autonomic nervous
system (ANS) effects. That said, the well known beta-1 blockers
have well-demonstrated effects (direct and indirect) on
myocardial function (and elsewhere), i.e., inotropic (force of
contraction), chronotropic (heart rate), as well as on the rate
of spread of electrical conduction within myocardial tissue.
These profound effects are of little pragmatic concern in a
polygraph examination, inasmuch as they are tonic effects (not
phasic effects) which will affect the cardiovascular physiology
monitored over the totality of the polygraph exam, effecting both
control and relevant question responses whose intercomparison is
the basis for polygraph scoring. Indeed, the goal of one who
attempts polygraph countermeasures is to increase control
question responses relative to relevant question responses, not
reduce (or increase) all responses equally. The Central Nervous
System (CNS) effects (antianxiety) nevertheless, the same is
likely to exist for these effects as well as they would likely be
undifferentiated amongst responses to control and relevant
questions. Thus, such pharmacological intervention is simply
futile in this respect, however; they may be of some value in
some situations in reducing all responses yielding an
inconclusive result. Beta Blockers or Beta-adrenergic receptor
antagonists are usually prescribed for hypertension (very high
blood pressure). As the name suggests Beta blocking drugs stop
the uptake of norepinephrine in cardiac tissue. Simply put, Beta
blockers tend to reduce galvanic skin response reactions
electrodermal activity and the greatest effect is seen here and
of course in the cardio tracings. If an examinee is presently on
these medication(s), it may have an effect on tracings and what
their normal physiological state is. The most common of the
aforementioned is Atenolol a generic form of Tenormin. I have
also examined individuals prescribed Metoprolol, Propranolol,
Sotalol, and Timolol, That said, a competent examiner will be
able to easily detect the latter.
Special note: I have noted examinees who have complained of
joint pain that did not reveal the use of the latter until
questioned repeatedly.
Respectfully,
Adj. Prof. Michael J. Woodrow
Is the personality test of the police exam a medical examination?
No, the psychopathology/psychometrician examinations are not
medical examinations where there is an identifiable physical
pathology to use as a metric for comparison. No measure of a
psychological construct will reach absolute 100% specificity.
Few medical tests can reach this threshold even. For example, the
blood test for HIV is 97.9% accurate in most instances. However,
the bottom line is, if you are psychologically healthy, the test
will show this. I have discussed the statistical logic behind
this previously. Both the sensitivity (proportion of actual
positives which are correctly identified) and specificity
(proportion of negatives which are correctly identified) of the
individual subscales is very high when they were normed on
clinical samples of patients already known to have the disorder.
Sensitivity and specificity both in the upper 90 percent range on
average. Continued research using varying populations, (i.e.,
normal, clinical, and forensic) have consistently shown high
levels of sensitivity and specificity across populations. Peer
reviewed literature is available. Fitness for duty as defined by
individual departments is relative. The psychologist is working
as a consultant for them. The ultimate decision rests on
departmental guidelines/policy, with the input from the
psychologist. I mentioned before that they are looking for
personality traits and/or pathology that is contraindicated for
being a law enforcement officer. Consensus can be concluded; the
majority really do not care if you are 'slightly' anxious, as
this has few ramifications it can be argued for you performing
your duties as an officer; ie., Proceed with caution is my motto=
SA, A, U, D, SD -
Respectfully,
Adj. Prof. Michael J. Woodrow
What makes the BCT, LLC prep-courses the best?
WE UNDERSTAND THE TEST CREATOR(S) LIKE NO OTHER! Subsequent to
an exhaustive amount of research in the field, we offer the most
comprehensive tutorial available in a simplified non-complicated
manner.
I'm confused? What is a NJ Civil Service (NJ DOP) Police Department?
A NJ civil (DOP) service department" consists of those
departments or agencies (Police, Sheriff's, Corrections, etc.)
that fall under the hiring practices of the NJ DOP. They are not
Chiefs jurisdictions. Generally speaking; both jurisdictions
represent 50% of there respective departments.
What law enforcement titles does the NJ DOP Public Safety Entry Exam cover?
Municipal Police Officer (City, Township, Borough, etc.),
Sheriff's Deputy, Campus Police Officer, County Correction
Officer, NJ State Correction Officer, Park Police Officer, NJ
State Ranger, etc.
IT DOES NOT COVER THOSE JURISDICTIONS WHICH FALL UNDER THE
CHIEF'S TOWN AGENCY JURISDICTION.
How much is the seminar?
Please check the registration section for the exact cost of each
seminar. The price will vary depending on which course you
choose. Each seminar generally includes eight hours of in-depth
classroom instruction as well as all materials to be taken home
by the student for study. Presently the 2010
eight hour entry law enforcement exam seminars start at $450.00,
excluding the NJ State Police (video assessment). PLEASE SEE THE
REGISTRATION LINK FOR UPDATED TUITION COSTS.
What Blue Collegiate Training locations are still available to enroll in?
Most locations are available for enrollment. We will place you
in the nearest location to your residence availability permitting.
Can I speak to a former BCT, LLC student before I register for the Seminar?
Yes, please contact us and we will have a student contact you
depending on your preference; Police Officer, State Trooper,
Corrections Officer, Etc. No other school provides this service.
Can I get a discount if I register for the Florida and New York Police Exam?
Yes, if you are unsure of whether you wish to be a law
enforcement officer in New York or Florida, BCT, LLC will offer
60% off the second prep course you choose.
Who provides the instruction at the Seminars?
We employ only the finest pool of instructors including: Criminal
Justice Professors, Police Executives, Psychiatrists, etc. They
are responsible for teaching the subject matter.
Is the 2010 NJ DOP exam the same as the 2008?
NO! Their are many revisions being made to the examination. The
exam also may be released in late spring or summer 2010 depending
on many factors!
Contact BCT, LLC for updated information.
How long does it take for BCT, LLC to create an examination for a business?
Please contact a specialist directly. They will be able to
address all your inquiries.
Where do the BCT, LLC seminars take place for the 2010 civil service test?
The seminars take place throughout the State of New Jersey. You
will be placed at the location nearest you or by your own locale
preference.
What is the minimal contractual agreement in regards to examination creation?
A minimum order of two thousand examinations is required; please
contact via-phone for further information.
My agency is in Arizona, how can I meet a specialist?
A BCT, LLC specialist will meet with your agency to determine
what examination best suits your needs at one of our convenient
locations in New York, New Jersey, Florida, or Arizona.
Can BCT, LLC also create a Web-Site for our agency?
Yes, we are able to custom create a Web-Site for your agency in
partnership with WorkNotes.com Please click the icon on the
upper left corner of the home Web-Site page for further
information.
How accurate is a lie detector/polygraph examination?
The APA states it is 98% accurate, depending on the competancy of
the psychophysiological detection of deception examiner or psycho
physiologist.
