While reading Bill's point #3, a question came to mind that maybe someone can answer.  Can a polygrapher detect or guess a CM after the test by comparing reactions to the Controls to the previous tests?  For example, I failed two FBI polys prior to any knowledge about CMs, but if I go in and take another one and use CMs, can those reactions be compared to my previous tests?  I suppose it would be unlikely that the control q's would be exactly the same for all the tests, but I wanted to ask if anyone had any experience or advice on that.   

Shleppy...  Good luck.  Please read through this site as much as you can and just educate and prepare yourself.  I wish I had known about this site before my polygraphs.

its tough. this happened to me at the FBI. it can be more difficult because now you are sensitive to the question because of yor experience regardless of if you did the thing or not. you have a few options

1. do nothing and hope you pass on round 2
2. try to figure out why you reacted and get rid of what caused the reaction. Sometimes you may associate guilt about a question because of your proximity to the item in question even tho you are innocent. I tried to do this and it didnt work for me. 
3. Learn how the test works and enhance your reaction to the control questions that they compare with the one you reacted to, otherwise known as countermeasures. I didnt try this- I think it takes some practice to do right but other people on the board could tell you better.

Just after completing my polygraph for a local P.D. I was told by the examiner, (after I was un-hooked) and she returned to the room after excusing herself to do whatever, that I was showing "strong reactions" to a couple of the questions and was there anything I wanted to admit to that I hadn't before. 

NO, I had been truthful, in fact I felt very at ease and calm throughout the process. I thought maybe she was just fishing for an admission but there was none to give. Two days ago I got a letter saying that I did not fail but since I showed a strong reaction they wanted to do it over again.  I have already taken off a few days of work for this application process, now I need to take off another one AND, now I DO feel anxious and that there is a cloud of suspicion hanging over my head. Not to mention they have yet to contact my family, friends, neighbors, former employers to check out my character.....they just assume that since the test came back as inconclusive I have to take more vacation time and do the whole thing over again...now more than likely under a cloud of suspicion....I DO understand that LEO's must be checked out carefully but to rely solely on a polygraph, without doing any good old fashioned investigating and door knocking seems very short sighted.  Any advice would be appreciated...