In 2008, I failed a pre-employment polygraph for a volunteer internship with the FBI. Before taking the polygraph, I was aware of some of the polygraph issues but had nothing to hide and trusted the FBI.  It was the most disappointing and devistating experience in my life.  I was never accused of lying or being deceptive and everyone was very kind to me at the FBI.  I was just informed as it's reported on the polygrapher's report that my "recorded responses to the relevant questions were inconclusive" in the 1st series of questions (national security), and "indicative of deception" in the 2nd (drug involvement and application integrity).  

My application to the FBI was accurate and complete, I have never used or sold an illegal drug, and I am not a risk to national security! My lifelong reputation supports this unequivocally. 

I am beginning to apply to local law enforcement agencies and am in the process of completing my first personal history statement for an interview. Unfortunately, I have to report my experience with the FBI that I perceive to be the biggest black mark on my record.  

My concern is, what approach should I take during an interview when asked about the polygraph failure? I want to explain myself thoroughly but don't want it to overshadow the rest of the interview or have it reflect negatively on me. 

Chase 2084,

I am in the same situation as you are. I took a polygraph for a police department in New England. I was told to come back in a year and re-apply. At best all I can think is that I got an inconclusive. I then took a polygraph for a DOC job in the NE area. I was told that I was using countermeasures and that I was witholding information and that the polygrapher believed it was about drug use. I calmly told him that my drug use had already been disclosed to him in the pre-interview and I had done nothing more than what I had told him. he said I failed the polygraph and was being deceptive. 
     Chase, my news is not good. After this happend I was a candidate for yet another LE. I TOLD THEM about what had happend with my prior two polygraphs. I think I did the right thing because I figured they would find out anyway, ya know? They told me not to worry, that they understood and they wanted to get my to take a polygraph again. Time came to take the exam and my BI had told me not to worry, that he had talked to the polygrapher. That he understood my situation. 
     I met with the polygrapher and he asked me about what had happend. I told him what happend. He told me he was not comfortable giving me the exam because he had spoke to the DOC polygrapher and he was adament I was being deceptive.
     Needless to say, I was dropped from further processing yet again. I am currently in an application process with another police department. I also told them about what had happend because lying, I figured would undermine my personal intergrity. Plus if they find out, then Im screwed either way.
     My advice to you is let your BI know what happend because if they find out, then you will have alot to answer to. But also remeber that the polygraph is BS and that you need to know that no matter what happens, never admit to anything they accuse you of. It sucks to think that your career in LE is in jeopardy, but just keep trying. You have nothing to loose. 

-M1986