I've been reading all I can on this forum, but have a few questions. I will undergo a polygraph about two months from now and need opinions.

A little background....smoked pot a few times in high school. Served twenty years in the military. Retired and got a job. After passing employment drug tests, I decided to try pot again to see if it was all I thought it was in high school....It wasn't.

Now, a year down the road, I am applying to my local PD that requires a polygraph. Do I 'fess up?

I can be a very convincing lier when I want to be (SERE training)...mainly because I make myself believe the lie before I tell it. Does this method work for polygraphs? I know from reading here that the polygraph doesn't measure lies, only reactions to questions so if I convince myself I haven't smoked since high school, will it work?

Thanks,

Incognito,

When did you go through S.E.R.E school?  I went through October 1975.  Did they give you the water board?  I lucked out, but they threw me up against the wall more times than I could count.  Finally wised up and let my body go "limp".  They soon tired.

I am actually going to agree with Sackett.   

My complaint with the polygraph is that you can TELL THE TRUTH and still fail (false positive).

But you are talking about ACTUALLY TELLING A LIE.  If smoking pot a couple times disqualifies you from the job, then don't apply.

one. thanks for serving.
two. never surrender your honor for a job.
If you don't qualify for Marijuana usage, choose a different career.

Can you convince yourself that the lie your saying wont show up as deceptive information on a polygraph.
Hmmmmm.

Good question, I don't have the foggiest idea. Now, you can say no to the drug usage all day till your blue in the face. However are you good at controling your non verbal indicators? Where you say one thing, and your body is saying something completly different. One aspect of the polygraph goes hand in hand with NVI's. The salination. When there is heavy doses of sweating, and your body is searching for something to quench there thirst is a indicator.  However if your using a CVSA, I think you might have a better chance of passing. 

Just some ideas to look at.

Did you find out the disqualification regarding marijuana usage?

However, I'm thinking you might not qualify because of the age, and the fact you do know better then to smoke it. Just my personal feeling. Either way, good luck.