Dear Skeptic,

Here is a twist to add:  I was also convinced that the polygraph had to have some validity for the FBI to be using it in the way they are in applicant processing.

I thought my examiner's "attacks" were part of a psychological test of spirit and will.  He knew what I was saying was truthful because the polygraph proved it but he was going to play with my mind to see if I would break under stressful interrogating.  

The only problem was the more I denied doing anything and not confessing to anything, the more infuriated he seemed to become.  In reality, he WAS accusing me of using countermeasures, I had not, and he was absolutely convinced I was.  He wanted a confession to get a gold star on the report.

What a twisted tale is woven in the polgraph examiner's room.

Regards.

polyfool wrote on Sep 17^th, 2005 at 10:02pm:


You spoke my words exactly how I feel!  Personally, this is the reason I'm going through a personal "great depression".  I used to be a firm believer in the polygraph.
After the event happened, I was so traumatized that I spoke to a few of my close friends about the situation.  One of my friends actually asked me if I've ever used drugs.  I was shocked that he would ask me that question.  Of course, it's because he believes in the polygraph - I wouldn't believe me either unless I went through the experience.  This is one of those experiences in life where one has to go through it in order to understand it.

Johnn wrote on Sep 19^th, 2005 at 3:31am:


Johnn:

I think you are right about this. My belief in the polygraph was so strong before I took one that if I hadn't experienced it for myself, I never would have believed that it doesn't work, either. I would probably think that the people behind this site had some sort of ulterior motive and the posters were just bitter liars who got caught. I think I had even more faith in it than the average person. A lot of the people I know who learned that my polygraph failure was for real (instead of additional testing of some sort) said , "Well, you know, those things are not admissible in court."  My belief in the poly was still so strong even after my failure that when I showed up for my appeal interview, I felt paranoid and nervous, thinking everyone at the FBI thought I was a liar. I didn't know about TLBTLD at that time and was still very much in the dark.  I think it is difficult for those who haven't gone through such an ordeal to fully understand what it's like and why the experience can be so hard to shake.

Hello,
 
I have a question that I hope someone can answer. Before I ask, though, I'll give you a little background.
 
First, I was very happy to find this site and read about what you are doing to combat polygraph abuse. I didn't need to be told that the tests are unscientific and inaccurate - I already knew that from personal experience.
 
Six years ago I tried to become a police officer. Several police agencies considered me to be a top candidate after my oral, written, and physical tests. One gave me a conditional offer of employment for a non-officer position, pending successful completion of a background investigation and a polygraph exam.
I passed the background but did not pass the polygraph. They gave me a second chance. Again I did not pass.
 
Like many of the people who have written testimonies on this site, I was shocked. I did not lie, disclosed all my minor blemishes in the pre-questioning stage, and went in to the test full of confidence because I had nothing to hide. Why would anyone who had something to hide voluntarily apply for such a job and submit to that test?
 
Nonetheless, I was told that my results indicated that I was untruthful about something. They did not tell me what I supposedly lied about. I signed all my rights away before testing and now will probably never know.
 
Several of your testimonials describe how failed testers couldn't sleep and were generally shocked by the results. That happened to me too. I have never had such a severe emotion, good or bad, in my entire life while I drove home. I hope that was the low point for my life. RET suggests that Johnn should find a different line of work because of this apparent weakness. Take that as a compliment, Johnn. Those feelings make you human.

The bottom line is this. I was considered by the police to be a criminal. I have never been arrested. I have never been convicted. I have never committed a crime (sure, there have been small things like occasional marijuana smoking in my youth, but I disclosed all of that before the test). Still, they think I'm a criminal.
 
All I did was apply for a job! If they had just rejected me for a job that would be no problem. In fact, I'm glad I didn't get the job because I moved on to much better things in my career. But to be branded a criminal? Ridiculous. I confirmed this a couple of weeks ago. I called the police agency to ask if my records were still on file because I had heard that they may be destroyed after a few years. The police officer I spoke to was friendly until he asked for my name. I gave it, he punched it into the computer, he realized immediately who I was (even though I already told him), and then suddenly he barked at me like I was a convicted felon. He said, despite assurances I received six years ago, that he would disclose the results of my test to anyone who asked (if they are legally entitled to it) and that for all intents and purposes I am considered a criminal. HE ACTUALLY SAID THOSE WORDS. Remember, I only applied for a job.
 
Here is my question. Am I screwed for life? I have worked as an educator in private business for many years, have great credentials, a graduate degree, and am now considering working at a public university or getting a teaching license. Public universities and K-12 schools always do background investigations. Will they find out about this? Will they consider me unemployable or a criminal? I guess they will find out because every background questionairre asks if an applicant has failed a previous background investigation (and I will continue to tell truth).
 
Will my failed attempt to work for a police agency prevent me from every working at a school, for the government, for an airline (they require FAA background tests), for private businesses that do government contracts?
 
Am I branded as a criminal for life? Do you have any experience with this? I want to apply for a job with a university or school but am really afraid that they will come back and say that I'm a criminal because my name and record is in a government database.

A final comment for RET: obviously, we disagree on the validity of the polygraph. However, I am hoping that you, more than any other person, can shed some light on my question. You probably know best.

dungadin wrote:
Quote:


You're right.  Continue to tell the truth.  You didn't fail a background, you failed a polygraph examination (big difference).  The results of a background check are verifiable, not so for the other.  Be honest when applying, according to your statement, you have indeed never failed a background investigation.

Why is that as soon as I hear "mormon" I have to assume there is a lifestyle issue? ???

Thanks for the responses. It's good to know that there are people out there who understand.

Twoblock: I fear that you are right about my record being available to anyone. However, I don't think I'm in a position to sue because I have experienced no damages (other than being denied the police job) and I don't think that the police have broken any laws.

Since I have not submitted myself for any background investigation since that time, I can't really say that I have suffered any consequences. My worry is that I will suffer consequences if/when I apply for a job in the public sector in the future and am wondering what other people have experienced.

Those of you who have failed polys - have you been denied employment by other organizations (non-police) as a result? 

Brandon Hall: Thank you as well. I never thought of the distinction between polygraph and background investigation. You are right, they are separate issues. Something to think about.

G.W. Maschke: I learned from my phone call that the law is unclear. I got two different answers from two different people in the same office. I doubt that anyone can get a definitive answer when dealing with government these days. Maybe my best option is to ask a lawyer for advice, but that may open a can of worms. For example, my records may be destroyed after so many years. If I do an official inquiry, they may never be destroyed.

Sorry for the rambling. I have not been able to speak with anyone about this in six years. It's really nice to chat with people who share these concerns.