Category «Polygraph»

“N.M. Senators Seek to Rein in Polygraph Testing by DOE”

Maria Cranor reports for the Albuquerque Tribune. Excerpt: U.S. Sens. Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman have introduced legislation to reform current Department of Energy polygraphing practices at the agency’s national laboratories. Domenici was a vocal opponent of Congress’ decision to expand polygraph testing in the DOE’s nuclear weapons labs last year. The expanded program, introduced …

Robert S. Mueller III on FBI Polygraph Policy

At the first day of his confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, FBI Director designate Robert S. Mueller III voiced his support for continued polygraph screening of senior FBI officials: Sen. Hatch: …We understand that the FBI is now requiring polygraphs for managers handling national security matters. Are you willing to …

“FBI Describes Polygraph Failure Rate as ‘Surprisingly Low'”

Lenny Savino of the Knight Ridder Washington bureau reports. Excerpt: WASHINGTON – “Less than 25” top FBI officials and other personnel in sensitive positions failed to pass polygraph exams initiated in the wake of the Robert Hanssen spy case, according to senior bureau officials. Failure to pass could mean either that the findings were inconclusive …

“Officers in Abuse Case to Take Polygraph Tests”

Nashville Tennessean staff writer Kathy Carlson reports. Excerpt: Two Metro police officers charged with violating department regulations by abusing or failing to report abuse of Hispanic residents will take polygraph tests Tuesday that will help Deputy Police Chief Deborah Faulkner decide the case. The officers, Michael Mann and Jason Beddoe, were formally charged May 30 …

“New Details on Condit’s Polygraph”

MSNBC reports. Excerpt: July 25 — A private polygraph administered to Rep. Gary Condit, D-Calif., asked 10 questions, four dealing with Chandra Levy and none with allegations by a flight attendant that the congressman tried to persuade her to sign a false affidavit, The Associated Press has learned. THREE INDIVIDUALS who have seen the test …

“Lie Detector Tests Take Center Stage: Polygraphs Aren’t Perfect, But Skilled Examiners Use Interviews as a Tool to Find Clues and Confessions”

Sacramento Bee staff writer Ralph Montaño reports. Excerpt: Douglas Mansfield and Jeannie Overall know when you’re lying. Both have spent 20 years watching for the telltale signs: a jumpy pulse, a sweaty palm or a pause before a breath. As polygraph examiners for the California Department of Justice, they spend most of their time asking …

“Polygraph Theism”

Slate senior writer William Saletan comments on polygraphy. Excerpt: Two weeks ago, besieged by speculation that he had killed former Washington intern Chandra Levy, Rep. Gary Condit, D-Calif., launched a strategic retreat. He granted the police a long interview, reportedly admitting to an affair with Levy. The cops emerged to say he had answered all …