I underwent a polygraph examination for a federal law enforcement position approximately eight weeks ago and still have not heard if I passed/failed.

At the conclusion of the exam, I was told it was "obvious" I had issues relating to the drug questions, specifically use and selling (acting as a middle-man in a drug deal).  Of course, this was completely false and I stuck to my guns and denied such involvement.  I only admitted to what was true and in my paperwork (marijuana experimentation 10+ years ago).  I did mention that I might have been bothered by the fact that a family member had been arrested and served time for possessing and selling illegal drugs.  He/she responded that that would not have affected the results. 

I am currently employed by another federal law enforcement agency and it was suggested that maybe I had mishandled drug evidence and that was what was bothering me.  Also not true.   I informed him/her that I had undergone (more than one) BI in the past five years because of the clearances I hold and each has corroborated the information on my application.  He/she did not want to hear this.

It was very difficult for me to not become irritated by such suggestions, but I maintained my composure.  He/she must have "forgotten" that I was already part of the "fraternity" and experienced in interrogation tactics (it was my belief he/she was not entirely forthright during the post-exam interrogation).

He/she never told me I "failed," but that was clearly how I felt when I left. He/she told me that he/she could not conduct additional tests unless I provided him/her with additional information.  Again, as no additional information was available, I had nothing more to offer other than my previous explanation (familial drug conviction).  He/she told me HQ would make the final decision.  After almost two months, I have not heard anything other than on more than one occasion after inquiring, that it was being "processed."

I hate to speculate, but I wouldn't think it would take this long to send me a BQA letter.  But then again, I felt I had failed when I left.

I only learned of this site after the poly and I did not attempt any CM.  I relied on the truth (and to think doing so left me open to suggestions that I have not only used drugs while in my current position (undergone two urine tests - negative), but also involved in the selling of drugs.

Any input/observations would be appreciated.

Regards,
Anonymous

Anonymous,

Your just another victim of the 'Justice' system!

What happened to you has happened to thousands of other LE applicants, including those already in 'the club'.

Wild, unsupported accusations and then a luke warm closing of,  'Washington decides'.

The polygraph is a fraud! - now you know through your personal experience.   

Keep charging though!!!- If you did fail (in their eyes), it won't necessarily stop you from being hired with another agency.

As these polygraphers continue clearing serial killers, spies, criminal cops and criminal CEOs as truthful and upright citizens, their support base will finally erode.

But as the polygraphers are forced out of their business, look for a sharp increase in pet psychics, hair replacement tonic salesmen and tarrot card readers.

UPDATE:  After eight months and continually being told still "in process" when inquiring about my status, I learned via phone that a "letter" was on the way.  This letter, I suspect is a DQ/BQA letter.   

I after six months or so, I became convinced I passed, as surely it does not take this long to evaluate my poly charts.  I have yet to receive this letter, but I am not sure what my next step will be.  I am completely dumbfounded as to what/why this happened.  Do I ask for a retest?  Do I let it go? I now find myself trying to prove that which numerous BIs have already proved.

The bottom line is that a federal law enforcement agency has just accused a veteran federal law enforcement agent of another agency, of deception on a polygraph.  I am only now beginning to appreciate the gravity of the situation at hand. This is serious.  I can only wonder what may happen when I have to undergo another BI for my clearances:  Have you ever undergone a polygraph exam?  "Yes".  Did you pass?  "No, I was accused of acting as a middleman in a drug deal, transporting drugs, and tampering with drug evidence while employed in my current position".  It is almost hard not to laugh were it not so damn outrageous.

Not only am I dumbfounded, but I am extremely angry that my integrity has been called into question by a machine and the polygrapher operating said machine.

The UPDATE post above (July 7) was only my second posting on this board. My first post was on Feb. 26  (genesis of this thread).  I suspect I am not the only one posting as "Anonymous."   

Careful reading of my two previous posts reveal that I am currently employed as a federal agent and thus already "make a living" from your (and my) "tax money."

Anonymous,

Having had a similar experience myself, I fully understand your feeling of being both dumbfounded and angry at having had your integrity called into question by such voodoo science as polygraphy.

Assuming that the letter you receive is indeed a DQ letter, I think it would be prudent for you to contest the polygraph results in writing and request a "re-test," if only to document the fact that you do not accept the polygrapher's accusations. See Chapter 5 of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector for additional suggestions on contesting false positive results.

You might also wish to compare notes with Fair Chance, a registered user of this message board who, as a federal law enforcement officer, had an experience not unsimilar to yours.

dimas wrote on Jul 11^th, 2004 at 3:13am:



I wasn't talking to you dimas, but since love to stick you nose in I will answer you.  I was actually playing with variations of your name, you know like dimwit, dumass, etc.   I know that dumbass has a b and I'm sure you do too since you are obviously one yourself.

Quote:



George, you know I provide a valuable service to you and your fellow losers.  I give you a chance to vent your anger at me and blame me for all your troubles.  I mean after all, you crybabies are never responsibile for your own failures are you?

dimas wrote on Jul 14^th, 2004 at 6:25am:


Speaking of registering, aren't you also registered as Beechtrees, Dave?  And for the record, I never refer to myself as dumbass, although you seem to know it fits you.