Quote:

Just don't put all your "vocational eggs" into only one basket.

Hello1997,
I am taking my poly in jan. Any Advice?

1977, hypothetically speaking...

How many charts were run altogether?

What kind of stim test, if any, was used?

What were the control questions? Were any of the CQs directed lies?

Were there any breakout tests?

How long did the post-test phase last?

Oh yeah.  If I hypothetically did take a polygraph, I PASSED!

The following story is 100% hypothetical and in no way reflects any actual events that took place in my life.  Nothing I say is true and nothing I say is an admission to lying or using countermeasures on a polygraph.  This is merely a story that I am writing for fun, as is my right.*

Hello everyone.  Before I begin I would like to once again thank George for his amazing content and helpful and timely responses.

About 7-14 days ago I took a polygraph for a certain Federal Agency and/or State or local law enforcement agency for employment screening purposes.  It begins the moment you walk in.  You are being monitored at all times.  I had my game face on, dressed in my best, close shave, fresh haircut.  Firmly shook the examiners hand, introduced myself confidently, yes sir, no sir, looked at him in his eyes, never looked around nervously, never flinched or cowered.  A small amount of smiling, joking around and small talk briefly if the examiner initiated it.  I never complained about how cold it was or how tight the blood pressure cuff was or explained how nervous I was or how long he made me wait in the room alone (while a camera is watching me).  People bring stuff like that up apparently and try and relate those things to why they might not do "well" on the test.  Bad idea.  Allow them to feel completely in control and do whatever they want you too (except make admissions, of course).  Don't complain about anything.

I feel like there is more to talk about regarding the pre and post test phase than the actual test itself.  The test is pretty cut and dry.  All the questions can essentially be found on this website if you dig deep enough.  Proper countermeasure usage and which questions to utilize them on is also on this website.  I don't feel like I need to go over any of that.

The most important part is likely the post examination portion aka the interrogation.  When the examiner leaves the room after the tests are finished, prepare yourself for them to come back into the room with a completely different attitude.  Everything was cordial and friendly pre and during the test.  After the test the examiner came back in quite angry and confrontational.  I was prepared for this, make sure you are as well.  Stick to your guns.  Don't change any story or make any admissions.  Have a response in mind that explains why you could show "deception" while at the same time make sure that response gives them nothing.  Something like, "Ever since I was young I have always gotten nervous when being questioned by my father, even if I was telling the truth and did nothing wrong."  Don't get confrontational or defensive.  Calmly, respectfully and with confidence just stick to your answers and give no admissions.

Now once again, I am not admitting to lying or using countermeasures during a polygraph.  I did not use countermeasures and I was 100% truthful.  That being said, it is my belief that if I *hypothetically" needed to lie on a polygraph, I would have passed, *hypothetically* using countermeasures to assist.

I do not condone lying on polygraphs or the use of countermeasures.  I also must stress again that the story provided is 100% fictional and if I did take a polygraph I did so without the use of countermeasures and was 100% truthful answering all questions.