I am in the BI part of the application process for a local LE agency. 6 years years ago I was accused of a crime while I was serving in the military. I had a hired a lawyer and was told that NCIS would drop the charges if I agree to take and pass a polygraph. Even though he thought PG's were BS, he thought it couldn't hurt to do it if the charge could go away.
My lawyer had set up a polygraph with a private firm to see how I would handle taking one. I passed with flying colors and the polygrapher told me I should have no problem with the NCIS one.
I took the NCIS one a week later and failed. the questions were a little different, but implied the same thing. I didn't understand why the machine was picking deceptions when I knew I was telling the truth. The charge was eventually dropped, but opted to get out of my military service because I knew the insident would follow me throughout my career.
Being in LE is what I really want to in life. I plan on being 100% truthful for the exam. But after reading through this website, I am not sure whether I should use counter measures or not. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
QuoteI didn't understand why the machine was picking deceptions when I knew I was telling the truth.
Simple. The test (actually, it's an interrogation disguised as a test) doesn't detect deception. It just measures your nervous system's reaction to questions, which can be the result of a lot of things other than deception.
QuoteI plan on being 100% truthful for the exam.
That is NOT ENOUGH! Plenty of people tell the truth and fail.
You also need to:
1) Believe unequivocally that their stupid machine can NOT tell whether you are lying.
2) Know that their goal, if they get a "reaction" from you on their "magic box", is to get an admission or other info from you to MAKE THEIR CASE that you are lying.
3) So, make NO ADMISSIONS! Tell the truth and stick to your guns.
4) But do not be CONFRONTATIVE, or criticize their device (they are very sensitive). In fact, try to build a rapport with them. Complement them. Be as "phoney boloney" as they are.
Read the "lie behind the lie dectector" downloadable from the home page of this site. It answers all the questions the polygraphers DON'T want you to know. It explains their little con game in great detail. The more you know what a farce it is, the better.
TC