Question.. what exactly is the NSA saying here??  Are they admitting that the charts themselves are useless?


6.  Use of Polygraph Examination Results:

               a.  Any final administrative determinations rendered in cases
in which a polygraph examination is taken shall not be based on the results of
an analysis of the polygraph charts.

This kills me too.

ANNEX C

e.  The polygraph instrument shall not be utilized as a
psychological prop in conducting interrogations.

If they can't rely on the charts and can't use the machine for its intended purpose then why are they paying examiners to perform pre-employment polys?

Another laugh.        

5.  Public Demonstrations.  Polygraph examiners shall not participate
in any public demonstration of the polygraph technique that includes a mock
test in which there is an attempt to interpret the results of the test.  This
does not preclude a public demonstration to show the physiological changes that
take place during emotional stimulation, provided no attempt is made to
interpret the changes and no unfounded claims of application or reliability are
made.  Only polygraph examiners certified under the provisions of Annex C of
this Regulation may be used as instructors, lecturers, or demonstrators of the
polygraph.

They are only allowed to show us poor lay people how the fancy machine charts BP and heart rate.  I can go to any corner drug store and get the same show for free!


Sounds like the NSA knows its limitations as a way of measuring physiological changes only.  Yet they contravene their own policy when interrogating someone after the test.