OK, I've done some more thinking. It's not a matter of being up to the task, it's simply a matter of being realistic.

First, I don't have a criminal record. The police officer said that a failed poly makes them think of me as a criminal (loosely quoted) but that's not the same as having an official criminal record.

Second, while this situation may be unfair, it is not unjust. I knew the rules going in. I didn't do any research beforehand and paid the price (I didn't have anything to hide so I didn't worry about it). The police followed the law, I don' t doubt it.

Third, regarding mental anguish, yes - it sucked. It still does. However, I voluntarily submitted myself for the test. No one made me do it.

I would love to see the laws changed. If my record really is tarnished (I'm not sure it is), then I would like to clear it. However, I don't see any basis for a legal claim. There is no way that I could win. One needs to be 100% confident before making a legal challenge against a government. I signed waivers. I signed statements indicating that I understood the rules. I could only screw myself further if I sued and I'm not even sure I'm screwed right now!

The question remains, what happens next? I read a report on this site claiming that 75% of rejected applicants at one agency are rejected because of the poly. According to another statement, 50% of truthful applicants fail the poly because they are nervous (that's my category).

That's a heck of a lot of people! What are they doing now? Washing dishes at a greasy spoon along with released felons? Are they living productive lives?