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While a lot of polygraph abuse does occur, I would not go so far as to tar all polygraphers as being "sleazy." That said, even the most ethical polygrapher must rationalize an awful lot: lying to and deceiving every single person he/she polygraphs, including, on a routine basis, in the case of pre-employment polygraph screening, honest, law-abiding citizens whom they have no reason to suspect of any crime.

You are right not to trust them: as part and parcel of polygraph methodology, even the polygrapher with the best of intentions must lie to and otherwise attempt to deceive the examinee throughout the polygraph process.

But many polygraphers seem to truly believe in what they are doing, and see themselves as contributing something positive to society. One needn't question their collective motives to question what they are doing.

Thanks for the info. No, I haven't heard of this being done, but just from what I have heard about people who have gone through polygraphs, nothing surprises me. I think the people that administer these tests are sleazy and I don't really trust them. I would rather not go through the polygraph at all. The thought makes me shudder, but it is unavoidable since I want to go into police work.

This tactic might well be employed in the context of a criminal investigation, but I don't know of any agency where threatening the examinee with jail if he/she doesn't tell the truth is standard operating procedure for pre-employment polygraph screening. (Note however, that you may or may not be read your Miranda rights before a pre-employment polygraph; I understand that the US Secret Service routinely does this.)

If this were to happen in a pre-employment polygraph exam, it would likely be in the context of a post-test interrogation, and you have nothing to gain by staying. The proper reaction is to politely but firmly maintain your truthfulness, terminate the "test," and leave.

Why do you ask? Have you heard of this tactic being employed in pre-employment polygraph screening?


Last modification: George Maschke - 02/06/01 at 23:39:44

Do the investigators administering the polygraphs, threaten you by telling you that you are going to jail if you don't tell them the truth? How are we supposed to react to this? Thanks!