posted 12-06-2012 09:01 AM         

America isn't just exporting democracy, it's exporting its fascination with the lie detector.

But, given the barriers of language and culture -- in a war setting, no less -- there are a few problems.

The piece mentions interpreter issues, use of the DI-prone R/I technique, false results being given, false accusations, sketchy intel, DI results beings used to "hammer" test-takers, and much more.

Interestingly, the APA was also mentioned. Something about its membership growing by about 25% due to foreign applicants seeking membership.

If that's true, I hope to see such diversity reflected in the APA's board of directors very soon.

Meanwhile, perhaps someone with actual experience in these war-theater venues can speak to the article's content.

Here again is the link:
http://www.bradenton.com/2012/12/06/4303742/us-polygraphers-questioned-accuracy.html

posted 12-06-2012 09:17 AM            

Seems to me like a there is some potential here for a bit of deceptive or manipulative reporting.

Also interesting to see Katelyn Sack named as the person who provided the information to the reporter. She is the person who was at the anti site a few years ago asking for personal stories with which to make documentary about the polygraph.

.02

r

------------------
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room."
--(Stanley Kubrick/Peter Sellers - Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 12-06-2012 09:47 AM         

Ah-ha! The Katelyn Sack connection!

Maybe it's part of a vast A-P conspiracy.

Puppetmaster George must be at it again!

quote:

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Does it strike anyone as odd or unlikely that so many examiners would devalue their work?

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Not if they're ethical.

I devalued a bunch of my exams at the state prison. Some were interpreter-assisted, with another inmate (!) serving as the interpreter. Others were devalued due to environmental issues, such as chaos/screaming/thudding right outside the door of the polygraph "suite." (I quickly managed to get my testing room moved to a relatively serene area of the facility, where mental health counselors see their clients.) Still other tests were devalued when the inmate was medically compromised, for example, suffering from some form of tremor or palsy.

In my case, there was one common theme: Pressure from above to get the tests done. Alas, the brass doesn't like it when you push back.

Let's get back to the article...

If the examiners who expressed reservations are civilian contractors, I suspect they'd be less afraid to push back. Hence if the tests are really compromised, I could see them being vocal about it.

I sure as hell would be.

But, Ray, would you say these test-takers comprise a "special population"?

I would.

Would you say that CMs are a threat?

I would. Hell yeah.

Consider: If green-on-blue hostilities are carried out by active shooters and suicide bombers, then we have to consider the likelihood of enemy forces working in passive roles (such as interpreters/coaches), especially in a polygraph setting.

Given these issues, I'd say the scientific validity (accuracy) of these tests goes right out the window.

Dan