Civil service OK's lie tests for policemen

From First Page grounds of consistency.

The meeting developed a flurry of motions and a heated exchange between Garey and the commissioners.

Commission President Bruce P. Foster opposed polygraph tests for anyone at any level. He said the tests are discriminatory and are used to keep minority people off the force. "I hope the court judge throws it out," Foster said.

The two motions for polygraph tests at the entrance and promotional levels passed 3-2.

A polygraph test would be one of the last steps a recruit or promotion candidate would take. Rookies also face written, medical, psychological and psychiatric tests and a background check.

It is uncertain who will make up the polygraph questions. Foster said an advisory panel would do it. Weissman said the police polygraph unit, which will administer the tests, probably would do it.

Suggested questions for recruits asked whether the applicant ever had stolen anything worth more than $20, used drugs or engaged in homosexual activity.

A polygraph test for promotions would include similar questions, the commissioners said. It is believed the test could check on corrupt practices of present police-

men.

Weissman voted against the test for recruits, then moved to use the polygraph in promotion considerations.

"If it's going to be used for entrance, it should be used for everybody," he said later.

On that basis, a veteran would have to be fired, Garey said afterward. He opposed such a move based on a deception uncovered by a polygraph test that allows no follow-up questions.

Foster and Mrs. Schrenk raised questions about invasion of privacy.

On the motion for entrance-level polygraph tests, Foster and Weissman voted no while Mrs. Schrenk,

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commission secretary William B. Lehecka and Frances Tensy voted

yes.

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On promotion-level polygraphs, Weissman, Mrs. Schrenk and Mrs. Tensy voted yes while Foster and Lehecka voted no.

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