I am takin my poly for police department X in a week.  I had a couple of questions that I would greatly appreciate responses to.

1) When employing countermeasures to control questions, do you need to induce a response to all/the majority of control questions, or just a select few to give the polygrapher the reaction he wants?

2) How common are pneumatic seat cushions (for detecting countermeasures)?  Do they really detect the sphincter contraction or are they just a deterrent from using it?

3) The rate of applicants disqualified by the poly varies greatly.  I've heard anywhere from 30-50%.  In your opinion, what is the biggest contributor to disqualifications- damaging admissions or the actual readings of the chart that 'indicate deception?'  In other words, do polygraphers generally rely more on their impression of the applicant and the admissions they make or the actual readings of the chart?

4) Are all polygraphers awkward, socially unadjusted people?  My (admittedly limited) experience observing them would indicate so.  I tend to think that the kind of person who would even want to do something like that for a career would be a little different.  What do you guys think?

I would greatly appreciate any feedback from anyone who has any experience with polygraphs.  I have never taken one but I imagine that withing six months I will be an expert with how many departments I am applying for.