Here is my situation:

I graduated from college this year and decided I want to join the FBI. I applied for a job without thinking too much about the 3-year drug policy. I have used marijuana a couple of times in the past three years, most recently about a year ago. But, this use was so limited and infrequent I didn't even think about it as a potential issue. Other then that, I have absolutely nothing to hide.

Anyway, when I received a conditional employment offer and actually started thinking about taking a polygraph, I googled 'polygraph tests' and came up with this site -- now I am thoroughly freaked out!

I really want to work for the FBI. My "drug use" has never been an issue and would never be in the future. I have a great resume and would be a great employee.

I'm now scared that I will fail the poly and be barred for life from FBI employment.

I am thinking about simply telling my recruiting coordinator the truth about my situation, and if they disqualify me then they disqualify me. But, at least that way I could apply in two years with nothing to hide.

Is there any point in telling my coordinator my situation (i.e., any chance they would continue to process), or should I just withdraw my application and wait two years??

What should I do?

Thanks.

George, 

As I mentioned, I did register and am glad to be a part of the forum. Thank you again for providing this forum and the invaluable resources. I only wish I had known about this prior to taking my own poly, but better late than never. 

At least now, I can do my part along with the collective efforts of others here who wish see this junk science ABOLISHED once and for all. So in theory, my bad encounter with the bureau and being barred for life was not in vain and I know something good will eventually evolve.

To the original poster, I'm not going to BS you. To echo what George said, steer clear of them and IMO, don't place all of your eggs in one basket. Even if you do wait and pass the "window" for drug use, there is still a high probability you could fail and ruin your chances for employment and opportunities elsewhere. The polygrapher may form a biased, foregoing conclusion about you even prior to hooking you up to the machine and label you a "pothead" or "druggie" and even worse a dealer. You may even be accused of worse things as I was. I won't go into detail now, but will at a later date.

Research other federal agencies and even moreso consider getting some military experience. Explore your options, as you are young and have plenty of other opportunities. In esscence, you literally have your whole life ahead of you.

I also had a burning and lifelong ambition to not only just "work" for the Bureau, but be part of something that would make a difference. As I stated earlier a recent and very bad polygraph experience not only barred me for life from them, but has also jaded my outlook and eroded my respect for the agency. 

Don't let me dissuade you, but on the same token, my being barred from them or the bad experience is not the end of the world for me. As a matter of fact, it's forced me to really appreciate my friends, familiy and the simple things in life even more. 

I know deep down inside there are other opportunities out there for me. True..this was a huge door that shut in my face, but I'm positive that other doors will open in due time. Furthermore, one day I will be grateful for this horrible ordeal I endured with them and I know something positive will emerge as a result. 

It's not the end of the world for me and if you don't get hired by them, it's not the end for you either. In fact, it may just be the beginning of bigger and better things.

Good luck and best wishes in all of your ambitions,

Gil

Dear AK,

I am not a lawyer and this is not "legal" advice. With that disclaimer said, I would state the following item in your "appeal" letter with a copy to the EEO Officer of the FBI, Veronica Ventura.

According to the FBI's own website for jobs, 

http://www.fbijobs.gov/1114.asp

"The FBI welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities, and will reasonably accommodate the needs of those persons. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. The FBI is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the FBI."

You clearly informed the FBI official in charge of your polygraph examination that you were hard of hearing.  You stated that the FBI examiner, who has to be an FBI Agent, clearly made no accommodations for your physical impairment.

This is in violation of Federal Law. A law enforcement official of the agency that is defined to protect the Constitution violated a well known federal law.

I would appeal your case if only to demonstrate that the government agency that you applied for was in complete ignorance of well known federal law.  You could seek punitive federal damages for the anxiety and embarrassment that this "Agent (and I do not call him or her 'special' except for the fact that they are mentally challenged and that in as of itself might find me in contempt of the law)" caused you.

Once again, the polygraph "gatekeepers" are doing what they do best by keeping the "undesirables" away from FBI employment.

Appeal your case.  Win your case.  Seek employment elsewhere for this is what you will be exposed to for years to come.

Regards.

This is her FBI webpage, it is very impressive.  The FBI loves to give a great appearance of fairness.

http://www.fbi.gov/libref/executives/venture.htm

I would address your copy to her at the Edgar Hoover Building for that is where she has her work address.

Ms. Veronica Venture
Equal Opportunity Officer of the FBI
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20535

Do not hold your breathe for a response.  You will find that the FBI has a wonderful facade similar to a movie lot for what they profess.  It looks good as you pass by but when you investigate the depth of the institution, you find that is is only a front with no actual reality.  There are no houses to walk through, only screen lots to take pictures.  Kinda reminds me of Universal Studios as they take you through the back lot tour of famous houses of TV series that are merely fronts.

Regards.

Castor,

For a new user, you have come to the conclusion that took me quite a while to find: the polygraph operators act as the "good-ole-boy" gatekeepers that can operate above any employment law.  They do not have to explain themselves to anyone but themselves.  They do not have to prove their "opinions" with witnesses or records.  Heck, they do not even want any of the shenanigans recorded by pretense of "protecting the rights of the examinees".  What a bunch of bull.  They do not record the proceedings and provide it to the examinees in the FBI.   Just remember the FBI polygraph motto: "In God we trust, all else we polygraph." What a bunch of arrogant people.  I would have loved to see them "polygraph" the founding fathers.  I do not think the founding fathers would be too fond of them and their technique to protect the Constitution they created.

Regards.