Polygraphs may not lie (they are but lifeless instruments), but polygraphers most certainly do, and their opinions regarding whether a person has spoken the truth or not have no scientific basis.

Your employer may be legally entitled to ask you to submit to a polygraph interrogation, because the Employee Polygraph Protection Act includes an exemption in the case where an employee is reasonably suspected of a crime. The Act also sets forth conditions that the employer must meet.

I suggest that you consult with an attorney who is familiar with labor law regarding your options. If you are a member of a labor union, your union representative may be able to assist you. Although you could refuse to submit to the polygraph "test," you may face retaliation for doing so.

If you do agree to submit to a polygraph interrogation, I suggest that you refuse to sign any waiver of liability that the polygrapher may ask you to sign. You want to keep open your option to sue him if he falsely accuses you of deception.

Propoly wrote on Mar 28^th, 2002 at 8:37pm:


Don't take the test. You have an absolute right under the Fifth and Fourth Amendments to the US Constitution to avoid self-incrimination. You also have certain rights as stipulated by the EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT to decline a polygraph and not run the risk of retaliation. Your employer as well as your loss prevention manager are attempting to dupe you when they say 'polygraphs absolutley don't lie'. If you are truly named as a suspect decline further communication with them about the matter and hire a lawyer IMMEDIATELY.