I took my polygraph about a week ago for a local police department.  I just wanted to let everyone know that what the book says is very true.  The control questions are easy to point out.  I took the test and lied on a couple of issues and passed no problem.  Here is the way I looked at it.  When I was a kid i stole like 300 but i admitted to a smaller amount on the poly.  Also I admitted to smoking weed 3 time in reality its been more than that plus i did another type of drug once.  I told the truth on everything else.  I passed the poly with no deception detected.  Here is what I did.  I used the countermeasure of biting my lip on control questions and quicker intake breathing.  On relevant questions I would just keep my standard breathing.  I stared at a hole in the wall the whole time and after the examiner asked me a questions I answered and than thought stupid things like "I wonder how that whole got there"  just to keep my mind off of my past.  I wish everyone the best but for me I am now a police officer and in academy.