Just experienced my first polygraph yesterday.  I had applied for a reserve law enforcement position that requires a polygraph.  I decided when starting this process that every skeleton in my closet would be admitted to in the application and oral process.  Having made it through the background and oral interview I had assumed there was nothing in my background that would disqualify me.  Therefore, I made no attempt to prepare for the polygraph exam.  My "preparation" was an honest application and my answering yes or no to the honest answers provided.  I had a vague idea of what the test was about, but frankly did not care since I was guaranteed to pass since I had provided the truth.  I didn't think I was that naive, but now know I am.  My stress level was fairly high at the beginning of the exam and the more I tried to "relax" the more I became aware of my physical state and wondered after every question if my breathing changed or my pulse rate was up.  When the examiner stopped the exam and basically implied I was the worst liar he had ever seen, the exam was over for me.  All I could think about was "other than telling the truth, how does one pass this exam?".

At the end of the exam I got the "inconclusive" comment and what I have now determined was the after-exam interview.  I was told that there was some deep dark secret I was keeping from him and could only offer the response that I had answered the questions truthfully and had no explanation.

I don't know if the "inconclusive" statement was a test or I indeed "officially" failed the exam.  If given a chance to retake the exam, I doubt I will accept the offer.  The thought of practicing breathing techniques and pulse control to convince the "machine" my prior answers were truthful leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Too funny Twoblock!  At least today I am able to look back and see some of the twisted humor in all of this.  I am on the wrong side of 40 and started this process as my effort to give back to a community that has been a pleasure to live in.  I am fortunate.  I make a good living and do not have to rely on the results of a polygraph to provide income for my family.  I feel nothing but sorrow for those seeking to start their career who must deal with this issue.

Twoblock,

You might be correct.  I am male age 53 and did get some interesting comments during my oral interview, (most of the comments by officers close to my age). I am 5'8", 155 pounds and less than 10% body fat.  I have been lifting weights since age 15 and consider myself in pretty good shape.  I have checked the POST physical training and can max out point wise on all strength related tests and finish in the top 20% currently for the 1.5 mile run. If being old as dirt was the issue, seems like it would have been cheaper to flunk me on the oral.   

The examiner did mention in the pre-interview that their department would not consider an "inconclusive" because of liability issues down the road the the fact that defense attorney's use that as a method to discredit the officer.  Makes sense IF it happened to be the one sincere comment he uttered in the session.

Be careful, though - 'calm' isn't necessary and if you're still nervous, don't worry about it.

As you'll read in The Lie Behind The Lie Detector, the test is more about consistency than calmness. I've taken 2 thus far and "passed" both, though I was calm neither time. My heart was beating like a freight train.

And don't change your answers from the first test either, that'll be a dead give away!

Good luck!

suprised 1

He forgot what he just ask you and needed you to remind him so he could continue with the questions. You missed another opportunity to ask him to share what he's smoking. LOL

suprised 1
Awwh Shucks man. Why would you question my respect for the process. I assure you it's right there long side the poluted-ticians in Washington and their Globalist agenda.

Hey Knightshaiid,

Your timing is perfect.  I just hung up the phone from the background investigator and you will be happy to know I am batting 1000 and I now have TWO inconclusive poly's.  This time the reasoning appears to be that the examiner believed I was "controlling my breathing".  The background investigator wants to schedule another to which I answered I would get back to them as I was not sure I wanted to do this again.  I am afraid that is it for me.  I am now so pissed at this pseudo-science flogging that I have nothing but contempt for a department that uses the poly as the sole determination of whether or not you are a worthy candidate.

I was told that I was so calm that the poly examiner couldn't get a "read" on my answers.  Have you taken drugs? No. Have you ever lied? Yes. Have you ever stolen anything of significant value? No. Have you ever broken the law? No.