Hello. Before I ever knew about this site or polygraphs in general--I took a polygraph exam as part of a LE screening process. It has been weeks now and I still have not heard anything back. I was incredibly nervous and as the exam was finishing he said 'well, you seemed to do okay but there were some spots in which your breathing seemed abnormal.' Then I left.

Is this typical? Is it typical to not get immediate results? How should I handle it if I fail?

Thanks in advance for any help or insight.  My apologies for the long story, but I am quite upset and disheartened about the polygraph...

A few weeks ago, I took the polygraph as part of the LAPD applicant screening process.  Before I was hooked up to the machine, I explained that I briefly looked up polygraph information on the internet.  I referenced antipolygraph.org and another site that gave me more background on the history and types of measurements the polygraph took. The examiner then asked me for my opinion on antipolygraph.org's stance.  I explained that I could not form my own opinion without reading more on both sides of the argument. He accepted my statement and we moved on through the test without any issue. At the end of the exam, I was accused of using "Counter-Measures" during the test. I was shocked because all I did was tell the truth and comply with the polygrapher's demand for a specific breathing pattern during the test.  It was both frustrating and disheartening that my integrity was attacked eventhough I did not use any deceptive tactics.  The examiner began to interrogate me on what countermeasure I used and where I got my "bad advice."  My response was that I did not even know how to employ a CM and that the only advice that I received was that I'd be fine as long as I lied about nothing.  He then proceeded to show me a spike on the chart that showed I was "holding back something."  I didn't know what to reply because I had no idea as to what the spike in the chart represented. At that point, I didn't even know the question or response he was referencing.  I just simply asked if my nervousness could play a factor, as my back has involuntarily stiffened up in the past during stressful situations (I was just racking my brain for anything that I could have involuntarily done to create such a result.)  According to the examiner, the spike in the chart was a reaction to a drug use question.  He reviewed my chart with his supervisor and they both concluded that I was using counter-measures. The polygrapher continued to press for an admission on what CM method I used and who/where I learned to do so.  The only answer I could give him was that I was not using any method to defeat the test and that I was completely truthful.  I cannot admit to something that I did not do.   

The session ended with the examiner telling me that he had to submit his results "as is", and that I would receive something in the mail within 30 days.  Does this accusation of using "CM" and post-test interrogation mean that I failed?

Thanks EosJ... it helps to know that others can empathize.

I was really hoping that the post-test interrogation was just some type of psych test.  BTW... how can you not stumble across this site while doing your due diligence in preparation for the poly?  It's the first item to appear when you Google the word "polygraph."

If it were not for my recent experience, I would've believed someone's opinion that this site was just another conspiracy theorist board full of whining malcontents.  Now that I took the test and got clobbered for being truthful, I'm still affected by the shock.  How does a polygrapher sleep knowing that he/she can ruin a person's career by making an incorrect assumption? It's unacceptable that such a subjective and bias prone exam continues to hurt honest and qualified people.

Dash, 
I think you volunteered too much information by mentioning this site.  This site has a lot of information on counter measures, so whether you "passed" the polygraph, the polygrapher will always have the doubt in the back of his mind.  I bet you the spike was fabricated by the polygrapher - he probably lied to you so that you can "admit" to something - especially since you were so honest that you admitted visiting this site.  But the fact that you didn't admit to anything probably makes them believe that you read information on this site telling you not to ever admit to anything.  Also, he said that you'll get something in the mail in two weeks.  Job applicants only get an offer rescinded in the mail when they fail, but do not receive anything when they pass.   But who knows if he was being deceptive there as well.

Dash,

Some second thoughts about your experience. The examiner was trying to get you to admit to a specific countermeasure(s). Which make me suspect that you might have passed the test, but since he suspected countermeasure use, the polygrapher wasn't trusting his hallowed machine. And when you wouldn't break, he made the decision from a biased perspective.  I would ask for the results in writing if thats possible. 

Regards ...

Dash,

Your polygrapher might have been especially upset with your mention of AntiPolygraph.org because we've posted the questions they ask. See, LAPD Polygraph Questions Disclosed. As you will see, it's a standard probable-lie CQT.

opp,

Did the examiner accuse you of using CM?  It's good to know that you passed even though you were truthful about it.  I too hope that the same will apply for me.

 

cesium 133,

While it's possible that the polygraph instrument wasn't actually turned on, I think it's highly unlikely. It's standard operating procedure for polygraphers to ask polygraphees about any prior séances.