I had a very similar experience with the MESA, ARIZONA POLICE Department.  My story was identical, except with me, they had a problem with “If I had ever used/or gone under another name” and “if I had disclosed everything about anything I had every stole.”  I was blown away!!! I couldn’t even digest the situation unfolding before me.  I literally asked the technician if he was kidding.  I couldn’t understand why they would see signs of untruthfulness, when I was so confidently and honestly being forthcoming.  Not to mention, it was not as if they had any evidence or reason to believe I have done otherwise.   

They conducted my test twice (same day).   Then they released me.  Ironically, I had passed all the tests with flying colors (written exam, psych, physical, background, etc.).  Everything was in great shape until the polygraph.   The following day I got a call at my hotel room, where I was told that the Department found my Polygraph results to be “inconclusive”.  I asked “What does that mean?” and I know now that means:  “You rolled craps, and the house wins”.    I couldn’t believe it.   

I went to school for 4 years, majoring in Criminal Justice (graduating on the Dean’s list) to eventually go into Law Enforcement.  Although I had tested dozens of times for a variety of departments; This experience left me very disenchanted with the profession and their hiring process.   

Before this experience, I had no opinions, good or bad about Polygraphs.  But now I know why they are not admissible in court and why “real scientists” are against them.  It is literally “Voodoo Science”.    Before, during and after this experience, I have held several U.S. Government Security Clearance, including with Intelligence agencies.  I’ve been required (for employment) to take several physiological exams (for Government Security Jobs) and have had several background checks (SSBI) conducted.  I have never been arrested or been in any real trouble.   Basically, I can make an arrow look crooked.

I was denied employment with MESA ARIZONA POLICE Department for, what they call, “INCONCLUSIVE” results on a Polygraph exam.   I remember thinking after this experience, “…Is this the type of people, the type of organization, the intellect of people….that I want to be associated with?!?!” If this is the process they go through to get the best of the best; How good can they be?   

I have 4 Police Officers in my family.  They have enlightened me as to why the departments use Polygraphs.  Although their answers are wishy-washy as best, they acknowledge that the test are incredibly subjective and purely used to “Weed Out” for whatever reason.   They are sometimes used as the “trump card” on telling a candidate, “We don’t want you and don’t have to hire you.”  There is no science and a good percentage of Police Management do not believe in their results.   Nonetheless, they will continue to be used.