Donald A. "Don" Weinstein, the outgoing chairman of the board of the
American Polygraph Association, gave a speech at a luncheon held during the APA's annual seminar, which was held in Sparks, Nevada from 3-8 August 2003. Mr. Weinstein, who is also an instructor at the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute, delivered a luncheon speech, an abridged transcript of which was included in the 16 August 2003 issue of "The Polygraph Chronicles," a bi-weekly electronic newsletter published by
The Polygraph Place. Regarding polygraph critics, Mr. Weinstein stated:
Quote:...To be sure there are public detractors to what we do. There probably always will be. Generally speaking they are a relatively small in number disorganized band of malcontents. They always seem to ring a familiar tune. A melody that is brought about when they have difficulty successfully completing an examination and achieving what they had hoped to acquire, whether it was a security clearance, or a position that required a particular level of trust. They seem to fall into the same category that is often shared by those who steal, cheat, harm others and molest our children.
Their resounding battle cry? I didn't do it! We know better and as long as we guard the gate using the best technology and equipment, and as I see it most importantly, keeping knowledgeable of the most current methodology, abreast of the best possible research, practice our profession with the highest of ethics and adherence to standards, they will not achieve their nefarious objectives.
It would appear that Mr. Weinstein does not believe in
false positives...
Although Mr. Weinstein does not refer to AntiPolygraph.org by name, it seems likely that he had us in mind. Mr. Weinstein identified himself as a longtime reader of the site in a post to this message board in which he falsely accused me of lying about the LAPD's polygraph policy and vaguely asserted that I "routinely" mislead people about the polygraph." (See the message thread,
LAPD Dropping Requirement to Pass Polygraph?)
Gino Scalabrini posted a courteous response to Mr. Weinstein, seeking elaboration on the way I have misled anyone about polygraphy. Mr. Weinstein did not reply. (See the message thread,
A Message to Former APA President Don Weinstein.)
The very fact that Mr. Weinstein felt the need to mention (let alone smear) the public detractors of polygraphy in his address suggests that our efforts are of more concern to the polygraph community than he would like to acknowledge.
Tell me, Mr. Weinstein, does the National Academy of Sciences also fall within the "band of malcontents" who "seem to fall into the same category that is often shared by those who steal, cheat, harm others and molest our children" to which you referred?
???
