Dear where is the integrity,

I tend to agree with you. However, I think the overriding point with the polygraph is that it is not an accurate device for detecting criminals let alone weeding out otherwise unsuitable candidates. The problem exists where innocent individuals are wrongfully and permanently branded liars, while unsuitable candidates (or even criminals) are pass through. Look at Rick Ames, who ‘passed’ his way through at least 5 times while committing espionage or, in the criminal sense, we can turn to Gary Ridgeway, who continued his killing spree for an additional 20 years (!) after a polygraph cleared him as a suspect and turned the focus of the investigation on to an innocent man who ‘failed’. I’m surprised that none of the victims have filed a wrongful death suit against the investigating department for such a folly.

My point here is not to argue the utility of the polygraph, but to point out the dangers of continuing to rely on it as it is used today, be it a police department or an intel agency. The point is that their accuracy is highly suspect, it harms innocent individuals (not just applicants, but victims in the Ridgeway care), and poses a grave danger to the law enforcement and especially the intelligence community – bad people DO get through regardless of the polygraph. Until this is changed, it will do significantly more harm than it ever can do good.

Fletch.