Thanks for the responses. It's good to know that there are people out there who understand.

Twoblock: I fear that you are right about my record being available to anyone. However, I don't think I'm in a position to sue because I have experienced no damages (other than being denied the police job) and I don't think that the police have broken any laws.

Since I have not submitted myself for any background investigation since that time, I can't really say that I have suffered any consequences. My worry is that I will suffer consequences if/when I apply for a job in the public sector in the future and am wondering what other people have experienced.

Those of you who have failed polys - have you been denied employment by other organizations (non-police) as a result?

Brandon Hall: Thank you as well. I never thought of the distinction between polygraph and background investigation. You are right, they are separate issues. Something to think about.

G.W. Maschke: I learned from my phone call that the law is unclear. I got two different answers from two different people in the same office. I doubt that anyone can get a definitive answer when dealing with government these days. Maybe my best option is to ask a lawyer for advice, but that may open a can of worms. For example, my records may be destroyed after so many years. If I do an official inquiry, they may never be destroyed.

Sorry for the rambling. I have not been able to speak with anyone about this in six years. It's really nice to chat with people who share these concerns.