I just returned from my polygraph for my local police dept., and you got it baby I passed. I read (and almost memorized) the book and practiced my countermeasures. The book was so accurate regarding the procedure I too almost laughed. I was given the numbers test where I was told to lie on the number I picked. At that point I squeezed and sent the needles off the chart. The polygrapher was quite pleased. She did tell me I had problems with some questions, one of which was my name. I don’t want to go into too much detail in case the polygrapher reads this forum. I also made my only experience which I smoked pot a very traumatic experience (sorry I don't want to go into details) and this explained any significant reactions when I was asked this question. Maintaining a good breathing pattern is what made me pass though. She also explained to me after the test that she had asked the series of questions 3 times and that deception could only be concluded if I appeared deceptive on a particular question in all three test. I must thank all of you for your help and George, the record still stands!!!

Hey there BEAR, 
     Congrats on your test!  I do have a couple of questions for you though.  You said that maintaining your breathing pattern made you pass, does this mean that you did not manipulate your breathing at all on the control questions?  Also, did you "squeeze" on every control question during each of the 3 rounds of questions?  Thanks for the information.

fifazip

fifazip
The only control question I had was the numbers game whereby I was asked to lie on the number I picked. That was the only time I needed to apply a countermeasure. I did manipulate my breathing during the "control" or direct lie question. I was then shown the chart to assure me that the machine could not be fooled. The three rounds of questions were all relevant/irrelevant questions. In addition, the exaiminer told me and showed me that my heart rate was all over the place (I guess I was nervous) and that she couldn't even use my heart rate as an indicator. Everything hinged on my breathing patterns and she showed me that on the charts.

I would guess that the exaiminer your friend had placed more weight on the stim test. Did your friend tell you what they thought the "control" questions were? They may have been irrelevant questions. If your friend had the polygrapher snowballed on the stim test he may have looked for those responses on the machine and not looked at the control questions. The problem is the results are so subjective it may have just depended on how the polygrapher felt that day. As for the control questions, read and re-read TLBTLD. Although it can't provide you with every possible control question, it will give you the premise behind the control question. I am assuming that you are an intelligent person by your chosen profession. Remember, they will go over the questions with you before you are hooked up. This is the best time to ID the control questions. It also helps to read as many post in this section as you can. You will learn a lot. I know the saying gets old but it's true, knowledge is power.