applicant2010 wrote on Nov 29^th, 2010 at 4:39am:


My understanding is that federal agencies routinely share applicant polygraph results with each other, but not with state and local agencies. Some state and local law enforcement agencies have regional applicant information-sharing agreements, but these are not well documented.

George--can you tell me what the policy is for an agencies to share the results of a poly--especially unsuccessful ones?

thanks.

With regard to your first question, any information provided during a pre-employment polygraph examination may potentially be used to initiate a criminal investigation. In practice, however, criminal investigations are rarely launched on the basis of admissions made during pre-employment polygraph screening.

With regard to your second question, any laws or regulations governing the sharing of information about law enforcement applicants will vary from state to state (and possibly even among counties). You might want to consult a local lawyer regarding the applicable law where you live.

After reading through the many stories of pre-employment polygraphs and denials/confessions et al, I was wondering, how (other than just deny employment) can the agency that ordered the pre-employment poly use the information garnered in it?

If a young eager cadet confesses to say using pot or even a "hard" with his frat buddies the other year, are they allowed to ask for names and then pursue the buddies?  Can they pursue family members in a similar way?  (i.e. examinee flips and confesses that drugs upset him because brother is a user/addict of XXX.... so police start investigating brother....)  It really becomes quite creepy to even think about it, but it's just a question I have not heard covered.  Some of the information given out is very sensitive, and some of it is given under duress (so veracity is in doubt).  How can it be used?

Also, while I've read that agencies often share info, what are the legalities on the sharing of application files and exact polygraph info containing such sensitive information?  (i.e. the video/recording, polygraphists notes, etc.)

Another question, a bit off topic of polygraphs, but along similar privacy lines.  I know companies cannot access personal medical files.  Are they allowed to demand full access as a condition of possible employment?  Can they request that information about parents/siblings/spouse?