clarencex,

The federal government's guidelines for conducting polygraph examinations, although unclassified, are treated as a state secret. The Defense Security Service, parent agency of the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DoDPI), which is responsible for the training of all federal polygraphers, has recently refused to release the salient portions of DoDPI's Federal Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Examiner Handbook, which sets forth the U.S. Government's official techniques and procedures for the conduct of polygraph examinations. Can you think of any legitimate forensic test whose standardized techniques and procedures are a secret of the state? (See the message thread Can a Forensic Test Be Secret?)

This much is known: the administration of a "post-test" interrogation is not highly irregular. It's standard operating procedure. It's what polygraphy is all about. See Chapter 3 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector for a detailed description of how polygraph "testing" really works (and doesn't). Despite the U.S. Government's desire to keep this information from the public, it is well-documented. Regarding interrogation tactics, see the DoDPI Interview and Interrogation Handbook (5.2 mb PDF).

Note: please don't post the same message to more than one forum. It's counterproductive because it divides the discussion of the issues raised.

Hello:

I would appreciate any opinions on this situation.

I am assisting a woman who had a difficult experience with an FBI polygraph test.  She was called in to discuss a problem that she had reported.  When she arrived, she was told she "needed " to take a polygraph test.  In her desire to be cooperative, she agreed.  The test was given to her by one of the FBI agents.  After he administered the test, he continued to interrogate her for four hours!  At one point he left the room and returned with the "results" of the "test" and reported to her that she had been lying about the facts of her case.  He then continued to interrogate her in an arrogant and abusive manner.  E.g. "I knew you were a liar the moment you came in."

Here is the question that I would like some assistance on, if anyone would care to comment.  (We are aware that she should not have agreed to take the test, but it is too late to change that.)   From my research at this site and elsewhere, it seems that the guidelines for carrying out polygraph "tests" are vague and uncertain. But, is not everything about this scenario wrong:?   Is it not highly irregular and unprofessional for the person who administers the polygraph to then stay and interrogate the witness? 
                                               
Thanks for any comment you might have.

Clarencex

P.S.  I am submitting this item to two forums. I hope I have not offended anyone by cross-posting.