Polygraph Exam in a few days, but really nervous!

[WILDCAT]

I have a Poly Exam in a few days with a local law enforcement agency. This will be the first time taking it, so I'm really nervous. I get nervous just thinking about it, and basically I'm worried that I will fail because I might sweat too much, or have a faster than normal heartbeat. For the most part I'll be telling the truth, but I'm also worried that they may throw me a curve ball and I choke up and have my future career down the drain. Any advice will be helpful. I will try to read most of the pdf e-book on this site, but being nervous is something that will be a challenge to control especially since someone told me that people can fail even if they are being truthful. Please Help. Thanks!

[EosJupiter]

I have a Poly Exam in a few days with a local law enforcement agency. This will be the first time taking it, so I'm really nervous. I get nervous just thinking about it, and basically I'm worried that I will fail because I might sweat too much, or have a faster than normal heartbeat. For the most part I'll be telling the truth, but I'm also worried that they may throw me a curve ball and I choke up and have my future career down the drain. Any advice will be helpful. I will try to read most of the pdf e-book on this site, but being nervous is something that will be a challenge to control especially since someone told me that people can fail even if they are being truthful. Please Help. Thanks!

WILDCAT,

First off completely read "THe Lie behind the Lie Detector" (TLBLD) especially chapters 3 + 4, mulitiple times. The more familiar you are with the process and what to expect will settle you down and stop the worrying. As I do not agree with pre-employment polygraphs. CM use is a personal decision. Finally practice, practice, practice being able to ID, relavant vs control question. Just the fact that you can do this will greatly increase your ease in the chair. Much good fortune.

Regards ...

[polyfool]

Wildcat,

I agree w/ Eos. It's unwise to submit to a polygraph interview/interrogation without knowing exactly what you're getting yourself into. Someone gave you sound advice--you most certainly can fail a polygraph while telling the truth.

It will help put your mind at ease to educate yourself. Also, realize that not all LE agencies foolishly use the results of polygraphs as a sole basis for applicant disqualification like the FBI. Some local LE's are a little more intelligent than that and understand the polygraph's many limitations. Good luck and try to relax, just not during the controls.  

[George W. Maschke]

Polyfool,

Actually, I am not aware of any law enforcement agency with a documented, official policy of hiring applicants who "fail" the polygraph. Polygraphers may on occasion falsify reports to obtain a desired result, such as changing a "fail" to a "pass," but a failed polygraph is generally the kiss of death.

[retcopper]

George:

While giving  pre employment exams some examiners will do a global evaluation where  the subject might fail one relevant out of three or 4 and still pass.  This evaluation is done by  considering all of the  other pertinent material such as pre and post test interviews and any other background material available.

[George W. Maschke]

George:

While giving  pre employment exams some examiners will do a global evaluation where  the subject might fail one relevant out of three or 4 and still pass.  This evaluation is done by  considering all of the  other pertinent material such as pre and post test interviews and any other background material available.

What this essentially boils down to is that some polygraphers are willing to fudge their scoring to go with their gut. While some applicants may benefit from such fudging, those who don't "pass" the polygraph (with or without the application of a fudge factor) don't get hired.

[Sergeant1107]

What this essentially boils down to is that some polygraphers are willing to fudge their scoring to go with their gut. While some applicants may benefit from such fudging, those who don't "pass" the polygraph (with or without the application of a fudge factor) don't get hired.

I think this is an accurate way to describe activity such as Retcopper wrote about.

Since they admit they will disregard polygraph "results" if their instincts tell them an applicant should pass, is there any reason to believe they would not disregard "results" if their instincts tell them an applicant should not pass?

[retcopper]

George and Sgt:

I see some merit to this type of evaluation but I guess we have to agree to disagree. I think a federal agency uses this type of  evaluation.  

[George W. Maschke]

George and Sgt:

I see some merit to this type of evaluation but I guess we have to agree to disagree.

In what respect(s) do you disagree with my characterization of your comments? Do you mean you see merit to a polygraph examiner going with his gut instead of the charts? Or something else?

I think a federal agency uses this type of  evaluation.

Which one? Why?

[WILDCAT]

Thanks to those who replied, and I appreciate the advice. I have read chapters 3 and 4 of THE LIE BEHIND THE LIE DETECTOR, and have learned a great deal.  KUDOS to the author(s).  The control questions seem to be more general, and the relevant questions seem to be specific.  I will now just have to learn how to stimulate a physiological response during the general "control" questions.  My poly will be thursday morning.  Hope all goes well.  I'll keep you all updated on the results.

[WILDCAT]

Well I passed my polygraph.  

I will not go into specifics on things I did and didn't do because you just don't know who is reading this message board. Especially, since there are always more guests than registered users on this website at one time. What I will say is that the information on this website is golden. Everyone must read The Lie Behind The Lie Detector if they would like to pass. I would like to say thanks to everyone on this website who replied to my initial post, and to the creators of this website, and especially the author(s) of this informative book. Thank you all, and good luck to the rest of you!

WILDCAT

[EosJupiter]

WILDCAT,

Good going and congrats .... Spread the word on this website.

And again another satisfied customer !!!

Regards .....