In addition to the polygraph itself, I am troubled by the mandatory consent form that must be signed prior to submitting to the polygraph. For the DOE polygraph in particular, one is facing a real threat of career loss as a consequence of refusing to take the polygraph. Many of the people facing this dilemma are in mid-career in a very specialized field. Loss of career is a very real threat. Consent implies free will, the absence of any threat or promise. Signing the consent form for many of these people would be making a false statement.
    I suspect that the signing of the consent form is trickery by which the subject unwittingly waives his fourth and fifth amendment protections. I would appreciate hearing other views on this.

Yet another example of unreasonable and outrageous opression.  I know that America is a great country based upon beautifully altruistic principles, however, things have run amok.  You are the victim of power abuse and you should not take it.  This kind of hypocricy should be as convictable as any felony.  Unfortunately, those of us who lack the financial means to make a difference will have a very difficult time doing so.  

I NEED ADVISE!!!! Money was stolen at my job, and the owner wants all employees to take a polygraph test. I feel the need to prove my innocence, but I dont want to take the chance of failing the unreliable test. I fear I will look guilty,because all other employees agree to it. How do I refuse the test and maintain my integrity with the company?
??? Please Help Me---Jordan

George:
     I may not have made myself clear about the consent form. If you do not sign the consent form, the polygraph will not be administered. This is equivalent to refusing to take the polygraph. Refusing to take the polygraph is equivalent to failing the polygraph. The consequences of failing the polygraph include being put on leave without pay and termination. Termination is usually reserved for people guilty of serious transgressions like being caught stealing or drinking on the job. Being terminated is highly prejudicial and would very likely affect your ability to find other employment. I find it more than ironic that in order to take a DOE polygraph, you have to first sign a false statement stating that you are freely consenting when in fact you are facing very draconian threats.

Jim Munroe