Nate,

Have you asked to be "tested" by a different polygrapher? If not, you should. I concur in your analysis that the polygrapher who wrongly accused you of deception has a conflict of interest. Have you discussed this with your lawyer? If he/she were to write a letter to your department asking that you be granted a polygraph "test" with a different polygrapher, your request will doubtless be taken more seriously.

With regard to asking your polygrapher to sign a form, I think that it's a wonderful idea, in principle. The Missouri Union of Law Enforcement (MULE) has a polygraph form that MULE members present to polygraphers when they are ordered to submit to polygraph "testing." You could adapt the language to your situation. But I fully expect that your polygrapher will become irate if you present him/her with such a form. Nonetheless, doing so may help to protect your rights, and make your polygrapher more circumspect about accusing you of deception. It would be prudent to discuss your options with your lawyer.

Have you read The Lie Behind the Lie Detector? If not, you need to -- and well before your polygraph. It will help you understand how your polygrapher ended up accusing you of deception the first time when you told the truth, and will explain how you can protect yourself against a false positive outcome the next time around.

If you haven't already done so:

• Do write a detailed memorandum for record of all that transpired during your first pre-employment polygraph. This will help you should you have to go the legal route.
• Write a formal letter of protest to the department with which you are applying for employment, maintaining your truthfulness and contesting the polygrapher's opinion.

Please let us know how your second polygraph turns out, and don't hesitate to write if you have further questions.

Nate, Read the lie behind the lie detector and hit up Doug Williams @ www.polygraph.com. You can speak to Doug directly. Between this web site and Doug's, you cant lose! 

GOOD LUCK!