Last week I was polygraphed for the first time.  I was told by the examiner after the test that my I did show responses to the second type of questions (control questions) but that my charts were "within acceptable parameters."  In other words, I passed.  No post test interview, just a handshake and a smile and I was out of there with a smile on my face.   

Today, I got a call from my background investigator saying that the test was inconclusive and I will have to take it again.  Needless to say, I'm a little disturbed and upset.

Before I solicit advice, let me give details on the test.  I was completely honest on the relevant questions as I have nothing to hide and nothing to DQ me.  I easily identified the control questions and applied countermeasures to them (anal pucker and subtly accelerated my breathing).  Right before the actual in-test portion, the examiner laid what looked like a pressure sensor on the seat of the chair.  I figured it was probably a bluff and even if it wasn't, I was only going to tense the inner muscle so it would still work without detection.  At no time during the test did he accuse me of countermeasures.

On to my questions:

1) What is your assesment of my situation?

2) If a review of my charts or the possible sensor on the seat indicated the use of countermeasures, would it be acceptable to use the same countermeasures on my retake?  What I mean is, if I use different CM's (or don't use CM's at all) and the chart reads differently the 2nd time, won't it indicate that I am doing something differently and give me away?

3) What if my second test is deemed inconclusive?  Do you think they would pass me or not?

4) Was the examiner likely being honest when he said I passed, or do they tell everyone that so as not to create a scene?

5) My background investigator told me prior to taking the polygraph that it wasnt uncommon for applicants to have to retake the poly, almost to the point of telling me that I should expect to retake the poly.  Is making applicants taking two polys a planned move by agencies?  I can't help but think that that might be a way into tricking people who used CM's and passed into thinking that they were wrong to do so and the poly is unbeatable.  Do you guys think this may be a strategy they intentionally use as a counter-countermeasure?

25 cent,

Your experience sounds intense.  I have a polygraph coming up and I hope I only have to do it once.  As for the pressure sensor, was it connected to anything that you can remember?  I have a thought on that type of countermeasure: being female, there is more than one, er, sphincter down there.  I wonder how that can be used to my advantage.  Any thoughts anyone?