I just took a poly test on 4/13/01 for a city police. I have read Doug Williams manual but I'm not sure if I passed it. I really dont know the procedures, but I thought they ussually tell you on the spot if you pass or not. The guy tested me 3 times. After the first test he even told me "I hope you didn't go on the internet and try to get info on how to pass the test, If I suspect that, I'll turn the machine off and automatically fail you." I just acted surprised. The other two tests went on and he never mentioned it again. After the test he shook my hand and wished me good luck in my career as a police officer. He told me that I should get my results in 2 wks. Now what I was wondering was, If he didn't question anything or tell me my results, should I assume that I passed the test,or should I be worrying?
BUSE1,
It sounds like you passed. If your polygrapher had interpreted your charts as "deception indicated," he would have subjected you to a post-test interrogation, which it seems you did not receive.
For more on polygraph "testing," download AntiPolygraph.org's free book, The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (http://antipolygraph.org/pubs.shtml).
Thats what I figured, but I wasn't sure if it was another one of their tricks. Thanks for the added confidence. When I do get my results, I'll post it up. Thanks again.
p.s. He seemed more worried on me writing down some nice comments about him after the test than anything else.
Buse1
I agree with George. If you weren't subjected to a post-poly interview or told that things looked bad you are OK. I hope you didn't write anything about the "examiner" :D
Assume you passed. He is certainly capable of telling you on the spot if you failed. I would assume the handshake and the "good luck" comment are indicative of your success.
Thanks for the reassurance. I did fill out the comments sheet, but I wrote that he treated me fairly and that he was clear with the questions and instructions. That made him happy. ;)
Sorry to bust your bubble and disagree with everyone but on the one false positive I had the exact same thing happened. I took the test and he never once questioned me on a failed question. He then shakes my hand and said he would mail off the results too. The main office is the one that told me I failed not the examiner. Although I feel I am a minority in this instance because I have yet to find anyone that this has happened to besides me. I think for the most part you passed but don't count your chickens before they hatch like I did!
Quote from: Nate on Apr 25, 2001, 12:59 PM
Sorry to bust your bubble and disagree with everyone but on the one false positive I had the exact same thing happened.
Nate
You have to remember that every "examiner" is different. You also qoute that
"Maybe I didn't pass because the department wasn't my first choice."
Attitude also plays a large part in the decision making process. Since the polygraph cannot prove deception realistically(we all are aware of that, with the exception of Mr. Latimer, who believes that the polygraph is as accurate as DNA testing)The examiners attitude towards you as an applicant can be a very real measure of what outcomes you achieve on the "test".
Remember, you didn't get by until you educated yourself.
Good Luck in the Academy
Fred F.