Quote:i just found this site researching polygraph tests after taking a job with a contractor that requires the ability to obtain a security clearance (though I believe there are many employees who do not have one). I have some questions, and am quite worried (I tend to get very stressed about things involving wires, health issues, stress, etc.). at present, I don't need a clearance for a job. I'm relieved about that, but concerned that at some point they will tell me that I must get a clearance or lose a good job doing software. If anyone can help with these questions, I would be very appreciative.
1. Skimming material so far, it seems that poly operators always say that things are totally private, that they will never tell anyone what you say, and so forth. But, I'm concerned that is not true. Can what you say be reported? Like, if you admit to running redlights, or a hit and run, or whatever crime (misdemeanor to felony), will you be prosecuted for it? Will someone be told about it? Short of murder, which presumably is an admitted exception. I doubt that you would be prosecuted for anything "uncovered" in your past other than espionage and improper handling of classified material
2. For a defense contractor, I am not sure if I would be required to take a full-scope poly, which apparently (just starting research) involves a lifestyle poly. Does anyone have info/experience about this, and whether lifestyle polys are generally required, and whether they go into sexual stuff, for instance?
[color=#00ff00]2. If the work involves CIA or NSA "assets" or "equity", very likely you would be asked lifestyle questions, including those related to sex. (although as I understand it, "open" homosexuality is no longer an automatic bar to IC employment[/color]
3. Related to that, if I have something I remember like viewing porn at work and being disciplined but not fired, or sex experimentation as a minor with another minor, would those things be asked about, or reported?
3. Generally, they won't ask about incidents which occurred prior to your turning 18. (to be continued) As far as the viewing porn at work, that's something that would likely come up during the BI. A question is often raised during a polygraph is whether one has ever
stolen anything from an an employer. Technically, viewing porn while at work might be construed as "theft of time" from the employer. Of greer concern, I'd suspect, would be whether or not the viewing of child pornography had been involved.
4. Is it best to refuse to answer questions, or decide not to take a poly in general? If an investigator is convinced you're lying on a poly, is that grounds for investigation? I have read a few stories on this site and already see horror stories about people's homes being raided merely because they seemed to fail the poly.
I doubt very much that your home would ever be raided, unless possibly it was found that you had been involved with espionage, improper handling of classified material, or child pornography. NO, you do not enjoy the prerogative of choosing which questions you wish to answer, unless of course you wish to terminate the employment application process!
5. If you decide to resign a job rather than take a poly, does that mean you are subject to investigation or severe penalties or anything? Does it hurt your chances of getting another job? What if you can cite other reasons for resigning, such as location or stress or pressure?
I doubt if the mere refusal to submit to being polygraphed would subject you to criminal investigation, except under the circumstances indicated above. However, as noted previously, such refusal would result in the termination of your application. It would certainly bar you from consideration for [color=#ff00ff]employment in any other government or contractor position requiring a polygraph "interview". The circumstances of your resignation from any position would likely be scrutinized during any field BI.
Thanks a ton!
