I have an upcoming polygraph test for a crime that i'm falsely accused off. I have read the book and feel I have a pretty good understanding of what um up against. The one thing the book does not go into detail all that much, is the best approach to stay calm and show no reaction to questions you are feeling uneasy about even if your telling the truth and have nothing to hide. Is it better to think happy thought? or just try and space out and think of nothing? Any advice would be much appreciated
Patrick,
If you've read our book, then you know that we strongly advise anyone suspected of a crime against submitting to any polygraph "test." See the subsection of Chapter 4 titled "If You Are Suspected of a Crime" beginning at p. 122 of the 4th edition of The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (https://antipolygraph.org/lie-behind-the-lie-detector.pdf).
Indeed, you would be wise not to speak with any criminal investigator at all for reasons explained here by law professor James Duane:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-7o9xYp7eE
Ok there are many ways to look at this post, on both the pro and anti polygraph camps.
But first things comes first.
If you are accused of a crime, GET A LAWYER.
Don't talk to anyone, or take a polygraph, or do anything until after you hire a lawyer.
Quote from: the_fighting_irish on Jan 12, 2017, 06:41 PMOk there are many ways to look at this post, on both the pro and anti polygraph camps.
But first things comes first.
If you are accused of a crime, GET A LAWYER.
Don't talk to anyone, or take a polygraph, or do anything until after you hire a lawyer.
Unfortunately, the popular mythology, as is still continuing to be disseminated by "true crime" TV programs and the "true crime" genre of non-fiction books, is that a polygraph test is the determinative arbiter of guilt or innocence for all suspected of crime. :(
Quote from: the_fighting_irish on Jan 12, 2017, 06:41 PMOk there are many ways to look at this post, on both the pro and anti polygraph camps.
But first things comes first.
If you are accused of a crime, GET A LAWYER.
Don't talk to anyone, or take a polygraph, or do anything until after you hire a lawyer.
The police are NEVER your "friend", irrespective of how polite, personable, or conversational their detectives may try to be!
Once your Miranda rights are read (preferably even before that!), say NOTHING without an attorney present! Once one becomes aware that they are being investigated for a possible crime, it is essential to say NADA. You can never talk or negotiate your way out of being a suspect! >:(