I failed my poly yesterday for my local police department in NY. since I was being honest I felt no need to worry, and was completely confident in all my answers. the investigator came back and told me there was one thing he wasn't sure of, and asked if I was confident in my answers. I said yes and that I was correct about everything I told him, and he said he'd get back to me after having some colleagues review the data as well.
Today they got back to me and said it was a fail. I'm appealing the decision and it will go to another agency and be evaluated again.
does anyone have any advice about how to fight this? am I legally entitled to the documents pertaining to my polygraph?
I was so confident that I did fine, I wasn't even worried when he said he wasn't sure, I was like "well I was honest so I know his coworkers will determine I was truthful"...
I just want to clarify, what I'm asking is if I am legally entitled to see the charts that the polygraph printed out. It was done by computer.
when it was printing out in front of me I saw mostly negative numbers, occasionally letters with plus signs, but never a number with a plus sign.. maybe I missed something though, I wasn't paying much attention cause I was so sure I did well
Mike, I too just took my polly for a Department two days ago. I also was honest, and I also failed, according to the computer. My investigator told me also that he had to review it, I'm not too confident now. I don't know the answer to your question, but I know one thing, I'm getting sick of trying for these damn departments. There is nothing more frustrating than going through their months of processes, just to get to the end and have a computer make the ultimate decision, and be wrong for that matter. I think maybe I'll finish my degree and go to Minnisota. >:(
Sorry to here about your experiance bro. I'm am glad to see that I'm not alone in this delima, as I'm sure there are many more too.
Same boat as both of you. It actually isn't the computer that "failed" you, it is the operator's interpretation of the charts.
As far as obtaining the results and supporting documentation, you will need to contact the agency in question. I made attempts to do the same without success. I am not entitled to any of the information obtained throughout the application process, save for the original application. All other information is locked up tight under the title of "Departmental policy." I wish you luck, but realize even in the circumstance you do get hold of the information, unfortunately you still "failed."
I understand, I honestly don't believe that the graph says I failed though.. I just can't imagine it. I guess that would mean that the polygrapher either purposely or accidentally misinterpreted it, but I think that's what happened.
if I can see it myself and have it analyzed by my own independent person, maybe I'd have grounds to fight it.
NM8, I'm going to PM you, I'm just curious if you're applying for the same dept as I am
does anyone know of privacy laws that I can use in my favor to get the graph?
Mike521,
The chart does not say you lied. It simply is a record of your physiology at the time of the question/response. There is any number of reasons you may have "spiked." It is the examiner's interpretation that has deemed you deceptive.
As for privacy laws, you will need to access NY's revised statutes, administrative codes, etc. Try a google search with new york state laws. Make sure the address ends in .gov otherwise it will likely be a lawfirm website (at least in my experience).
thanks brandon,
if my understanding is correct, isn't deception indicated by a number with a plus sign? the only numbers I saw had minus signs, but occasionally there were letters with plus signs.
I should've paid more attention to the damn thing, I just thought I did fine and that it didn't matter
Mike,
I'm in Nevada, so not the same department. I havn't officially found out my verdict yet, but I'll keep everone posted. But I don't have that "warm fuzzy feeling" about it. :-/
oh interesting. I actually looked into the las vegas police department today. might take their next test in september..