The death of anal pucker c/m?

[beech trees]

In another thread on this message board a polygraph proponent made overt claims that a new, revolutionary countermeasure detection device was on the market that would mean the end of the 'anal pucker' or sphincter contraction as a possible countermeasure. This revolutionary new device is pictured below:



It is described thusly: (fair use quote)

The Lafayette Model 76875AS Activity Sensor is an accessory to the Lafayette Instrument LX3000 and LX2000 computerized polygraphs. It is designed to detect subtle movements as well as gross movements of a subject during a polygraph examination. By providing a graphic record of subject movement, the Activity Sensor allows the polygraph examiner to concentrate on administering the exam instead of trying to observe the subject's movement. The Activity Sensor is so precise, with a high sensitivity setting, that it may detect heartbeats or respiration signals on some subjects.

Now, I knew from personal experience that this 'sensor array' is a complete and utter sham. My highly trained polygraph interrogator had these sensors positioned on his interrogation chair and even strategically placed me in a seat at an acute angle to The Chair during our pre-test interview so that I might drink it all in. I admit some trepidation as I began my employment of countermeasures, but said trepidation gave way to utter calm as the test progressed. I puckered like I've never puckered before, and passed with flying colors. I was deemed 'strongly non-deceptive'.

Still, as others have cautioned on this board, one cannot infer from personal experience that all who use this c/m will pass.

[George W. Maschke]

If the Lafayette Model 76875AS Activity Sensor can reliably detect physical countermeasures including the anal pucker, then it seems to me that it ought to be camouflaged so that the subject can't tell if the device is present or not.

When the activity sensor is in plain sight, it invites the use of other countermeasures (e.g., breathing countermeasures, mental countermeasures, and/or the tongue bite) from anyone who might be concerned about an anal pucker being detected by the sensor.

But it would make sense to put it in plain sight if its main purpose were actually to serve as a polygrapher's scarecrow.

[Steve Fugazi]

Actually, I hear the latest in anti-anal picker countermeasures is the new DIGITAL ANAL PUCKER DETECTOR.  The polygraphist sits next to you and inserts a digit (usually the index or middle digit) while administering the test.  I'm told it's very effective at detecting the pucker.