Wife of PollyFail wrote on Dec 8
th, 2009 at 7:52pm:
...My question is this...as he is sure he was totally honest with the polygrapher, should he request to retest?
He should definitely contest the results
in writing. He won't want the last thing in his FBI file (a permanent record) to be an uncontested allegation from a polygraph operator that he lied about past use of illegal drugs. While he may also wish to request the opportunity for a "re-test," he should not be under any illusions: FBI "re-tests" are a sham meant to create the appearance (but not the reality) of fairness. Re-test results
almost always "confirm" the original results.
I think that your husband would be better off with just one polygraph failure on his FBI record rather than two. But again, he should by all means contest the polygraph operator's false accusation of deception in writing.
Quote:I don't think he'll read the Lies behind Lie Detectors because he would see that as "cheating." With that said, is there anything I can tell him to do before he takes a retest or tests for another agency?
It's not cheating to educate oneself about polygraphy.
The Lie Behind the Lie Detector will help your husband to understand how he could have told the truth and nonetheless failed the polygraph. It also includes suggestions on how to reduce the risk of a false positive outcome in the future. I'm a co-author of the book, and if your husband would like to know more about my background, he can review my statement,
"Too Hot of a Potato: A Citizen-Soldier's Encounter with the Polygraph." Quote:For the retest letter, is telling the recruiter that "I was telling the truth" enough justification to retest?
I think that an interview with an applicant coordinator might also be required.
Quote:I know people are torn on whether lie detector results can be completely accurate or not...I admit, I used to believe they were right on, more often than not. Now that my husband is experiencing this first hand, I am in shock and can't believe that someone of such integrity can be so poorly read. I am hoping that all is not lost and he's got a fighting chance to still get in. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm afraid that given his polygraph failure, your husband's chances of ever being employed by the FBI are practically zero. But he may yet have a chance with other agencies.