My FBI Polygraph – A Day of Infamy

[fatman1955]

Today, I received the ominous brown envelop rescinding my verbal conditional offer for employment with the FBI. The reasons were the results of my polygraph examination were not within acceptable parameters, but no other specifics were provided. I have worked for the US military for almost 30 years which has required me to maintain a security clearance up to Top Secret. I have worked as a counterintelligence agent and civilian security specialist. I have had to undergo numerous periodic reinvestigations over the past 25 years to maintain my security clearance. At no time did any issues ever surface that caused me to have this position of trust suspended or revoked.  Unfortunately now based on the results of a pseudoscience device, I am labeled a liar. The experience was awful and the sad part about the whole ordeal is I told the truth!  My experience with the FBI polygraph can only be explained as being mentally raped. I realize that this was only a job interview, but I can not get out of my head. The incident keeps playing over and over in my head, especially at night. It really bothers me because I have not done anything wrong and was truthful during the polygraph. Enough feeling sorry for myself, here is my story.

I showed up to the FBI building early and after sitting in the waiting area for around 45 minutes I was fingerprinted.  I was then given a pre-screening interview by the FBI agent who conducted my polygraph. The questions were basic about my life and military service.  One question asked was if I had ever done any research on the polygraph. The agent alluded if I had, it was useless. He commented that information on the Internet was false and he could tell if I attempted to use countermeasures. I had to sign a statement saying if any suspicion of countermeasures being used would result in failure of the test.  The agent's questioning style was monotone and sounded scripted. This process took approximately 20 minutes. I was then instructed that during the polygraph exam only he and I would be in the room and no audio or video recording of the test would be conducted. In other words no official records of what went on in the room would exist.

I was then taken into a small room with one desk that had an analog polygraph machine on it and three chairs.  The first part of the exam consisted of the agent explaining how the polygraph worked.  Again a scripted speech about how accurate the device was and could not be beat. I then was moved to another chair facing an off color white wall and wired up for the test. The agent had me pick a number 34 – 38 and write it down on a small piece of paper. He instructed me not to show him the number because the test would identify which number it was. This must be the infamous, "stimulation test". I was then instructed the answer yes or no and not to move during the test. The numbers asked progressed from 30 – 39. This is when the whole process became strange. The number that was picked I intentionally answered with emphasis, but I also answered another wrong number the same way. The agent instructed me the test was over and I could move. After a minute or so, he handed me a torn piece of paper with my number on it. It was the number I had picked. The agent showed me the test sheet for the test and asked me what was special about it. Ironically, the only spike on the sheet was the number I had picked, but what happened to the wrong number I had answered the same way? There is no doubt in my mind this was setup to give the perception of polygraph accuracy. Sadly, I feel it more deception.

The next phase was the actual test in four separate questioning sessions. The agent told me the questions that were going to be asked for each.  During round one, I was told to breathe normal. When I told the agent I was breathing normal and asked him how he wanted me to breath, I could tell he became agitated. I have always been a shallow breather. I also have sleep apnea which causes me to use a breathing machine at night while sleeping.  During round two, again I was accused of abnormal breathing and he told me if I continued he would stop the test. Again I told the agent I was breathing normal. During round three is where my fate was sealed for employment with the FBI. One of the questions was if I had ever intentionally left anything significant off my security application? I coughed when I answered. The agent asked me if there was a problem with that question. I told him no. I coughed because my mouth was dry due to medication I had to take for high blood pressure. This medication was told to him during my pre-screening interview. During round four the question was asked again and I answered normal.  The agent instructed me the official test was over and he had to go have my charts reviewed and left the room.

After about 10 minutes, the agent returned and said my charts were troubling; especially the questions about leaving significant information off my security application. He told me I did not pass polygraph, but FBI HQ would have to make the final decision. The agent pulled his chair up close to me and said, "Is there anything you want to discuss and get off your chest?" I commented no because all questions asked were answered truthfully. He then gave me the friendly pitch about how much experience I had and what a value I would be to the FBI. He offered that if I told him what the problem was he may be able to help. Again, I said I had nothing to add because all questions were answered truthfully. The agent took me to the front reception desk and then I was then escorted out the building like a criminal.

This is one job offer I should have passed on. I now have an official FBI folder for doing nothing but telling the truth and may have to explain this when my periodic security clearance comes up. I can't even challenge any of the allegations made against me because I was never shown the polygraph charts or given any specific official reasons for my failing the polygraph test.  I have since requested copies under the Freedom of Information Act & Privacy Act for all documents related to this incident. I doubt if it will do any good, but I am interested in exactly what I was accused of that made me fail.

[triple x]

Fatman,

I hate to hear of your experience with the poly...however. This is not uncommon. Many people have been labeled as liars when telling the complete truth during a poly exam. The bad part about it is that the information regarding your polygraph will be maintained in your FBI HQ file.

It will come up during your next 5-year PR review for TS, or SAR if you are on a SAP program. If you only have a secret w/out SAR access, it will come up when they run a NAC for your 10-year secret clearance.

Protest the results, and proclaim your innocence in writing to the FBI field office that administered your poly. You want this to be documented in your FBI HQ file when your security clearance renewal comes due.

Fight back, and Good luck.

v/r
triple x

[Bill Crider]

I had much the same experience, more or less.

[Fair Chance]

Dear Fatman 1955,

Please follow Triple-X's advice and follow up to the address of the person who was on the heading of your "not within acceptable parameters" letter.

Please keep these points in mind:

1. Be polite but firm.  Have a trusted friend or family member objectively read it and try not to show hostility (least it be used against you in the future in a "see, what did I tell you about that guy" by the polygraph examiner).  Be open to suggestions about changing your style even if you need them to know how angry your are.

2.  Write a draft memo immediately while it is still fresh in your mind.  Do not put off doing this because you do not want to "live" the event again.  You are living it again everytime you think about it and placing it all into words on a draft helps you to admit the cr_p happened and will help you in two, five, or ten years from now if you are questioned about it.

3. Send your letter contesting the outcome via certified mail and keep a copy of the contents with the return receipt in a safe, lock box, or with your records of your security applications and findings for quick retrieval in the future.

4.  Send a FOI letter via return receipt to the address on the FBI application website for FOI.  If you cannot find one, go to the main FBI website and use that one. The sooner you do this, the harder it is for the FBI to say that they cannot find them do the amount of time that has gone by.

5.  Keep in mind that you can request another polygraph exam but the odds are heavily stacked against you for an examiner to overturn another examiner's failure.  The Good-Ole-Boys network likes to cover each other's back and thus perpetuate the polygraph myth within the FBI.  This is your choice.  The saying goes, you can't succeed if you don't try, but the person who invented that saying do not ever go for an FBI pre-screening exam.

Good Luck.

[Bill Crider]

I successfully appealed my Lie result and got a re-test, tho I failed it too. But if you want a copy of my letter, let me know.

[EosJupiter]

fatman1955,

By all means take what steps have to be done to protect yourself. Like most of us here on this medium we have been wronged by a polygrapher playing judge, jury, and executioner. And I know I still bristle at the thought of a neophyte deciding my veracity and honor.
But learn from this and help spread the word on this website.

The part of your tale that I found interesting is, they were still using the old analog polygraphs. Has anyone else noted the use of this ?, as I thought and know firsthand that they mostly use the new digital polygraphs. Hmmm, I wonder if their is any correlation to hiring and use of a specific polygraph. IE non-hires get the old analog ones, hires get the new ones. Just some grist for the mill. As I believe that they already know who is going to get hired long before they ever get to the polygraph. I wish you much success.

Regards ....

[matlambert]

I've had the misfortune of sitting in for two polygraphs, both with horrific results.  First polygrapher advised me the test went well only to have D.C. send it back inconclusive.  Ding, ding, ding.  How useful is a polygraph if the standards between polygraphers differs?  One says good, other says not so good.  Who's right?  Second polygrapher asked a completely different series of questions relating to my current job position with the ridiculous standard of 'outside normal duties'  and even asked a personal question regarding my integrity with my wife.  I knew where I was headed after that.  The letter.  I'm appelaing both polygraphs and optimism is low but the advice I received was never stop.  Complain, complain, complain to SACs, local politicians, D.C. politicians even the A.P.A.  Let them know the injustice the FBI applies to polygraphs.  As local P.D. the polygraph can be used by well trained investigators (not the FBI) as a wonderful interview/interrogation technique based on the idea that additional investigation is required to substantiate polygraph claims.  Thanks for letting me vent.

[triple x]

matlambert,

The FBI actually has a computer-based program at the FBI DC Polygraph lab that they run all polygraphs through trying to detect polygraph countermeasures. The bureau is trying to establish a method for detecting countermeasures.

That said, if a set of polygraph charts look too good to be true, the FBI looks for the tale-tale signs of countermeasures. Such as controlled breathing rates, "spikes" on the charts at the moment an examinee is told a test has began, and again when being told the test is over. Also, they look for trends on all control question responses, thus this is why you should follow the directions in "TLBTLD" and not produce too strong of a response on the second and third set of charts.

Sometimes a particular polygraph examiner may think an examinee actually passed a polygraph exam, only to have the DC lab come back and suspect countermeasures were employed.

v/r
triple x

[Drew Richardson]

triple x,

You write in part:

...
The FBI actually has a computer-based program at the FBI DC Polygraph lab that they run all polygraphs through trying to detect polygraph countermeasures. The bureau is trying to establish a method for detecting countermeasures....

The Bureau can neither reliably detect truth nor deception in the absence of countermeasures with its polygraph screening programs.  The notion that it has a computer-driven algorithm that can reliably detect countermeasure application (a function secondary to the failed primary function) is so ludicrous as to defy imagination.  This, of course, has nothing to do with any willingness that might exist to blindly accuse any given examinee of countermeasure use in the midst of such ignorance.

[triple x]

Drew,

Make no mistake about it; we are both on the same side here. I'm certainly not by any means a proponent of polygraph testing. I would first like to clarify a couple of points that I feel you misquoted me on, and/or taken completely out of context.

--------------------------------------
You quoted me as saying:
"The FBI actually has a computer-based program at the FBI DC Polygraph lab that they run all polygraphs through trying to detect polygraph countermeasures. The bureau is trying to establish a method for detecting countermeasures...."
-------------------------------------

I never said that the FBI DC Polygraph lab has a "reliable" computer based program for detecting polygraph countermeasures.

What I said is:

The FBI does have a computer-based program at the FBI DC Polygraph lab that they run all polygraphs through "trying" [key word] to detect polygraph countermeasures. The bureau is "trying" to establish a method for detecting countermeasures.

This is true, as my polygraph charts were ran through the referenced computer program approximately a full week after completing my FBI pre-employment polygraph exam. I was already working with a bureau SOG field unit at the time of my polygraph exam.

The polygraph examiner had already been contacted via phone [by his own admission] by my SSA and Unit Chief prior to my scheduled poly exam. When I reported to the field office to take the polygraph, the polygraph examiner was very friendly and supportive of the SSA and UC that had previously contacted him.

We sit and talked at great length about some of the SA's, SSA's and SOG support personnel that we both knew. The polygraph examiner eventually started the exam, and I was tested on three or four different sets of charts all consisting of the same questions simply rearranged on each set of charts.

There was no post test interview or interrogation; no questions at all, and the polygraph examiner told me that he did not see any problems on any of the charts that he tested me on. The examiner actually told me that I did extremely well on the polygraph exam, and he told me that in his "personal opinion" I passed the polygraph exam with flying colors. However, he did tell me that the charts would have to be mailed to the FBI DC Polygraph lab for QA purposes.

The examiner walked me back out to the application coordinator's area, and announced that I did beautifully on the polygraph and gave my application coordinator and myself the "thumb's up", further indicating that I had passed the exam.

At approximately a week and a half later, I received a call from the application coordinator asking me if I could return for a retest, and volunteered that there must have been something wrong with the polygraph machine. He/she did not provide me with any more details at that time. Not thinking anything about the phone call, reported to the field office as instructed. Upon arrival to the field office, I was then informed by the same polygraph examiner that administered my first polygraph exam, that the DC lab had checked my charts to confirm his findings, and was told that I actually did "too good to be true" and that "nobody does that good". The rest is history as detailed in my previous posts describing my personal experience.


Therefore, regardless of what some people may think or believe about the DC lab having a computer-based program that all charts are ran through, they certainly have one. Whether or not the program is accurate with regard to detecting countermeasures, you have already stated your opinion. However, the program definitely detected or rather "suspected" cm's on my charts regardless whether or not it was right or wrong.

Regardless of who believes what, I did not get hired by the bureau because of that DC lab computer program... not because of the polygraph examiner that administered my polygraph.

I don't mind being quoted on anything I post on this message board. However, in the future I only ask that you not take what I post out of context.


v/r
triple x

[polyfool]

Fatman1955,

Is is quite a shock to learn the government is using such an unreliable tool as the polygraph to screen its applicants. Not to mention the insult of telling the truth and then having an FBI polygraph examiner look you in the eye, point his finger at you and call you a liar. There are lots of people on this board who know exactly how you feel. Don't expect to get much answers when you recieve your polygraph charts and report--a lot of it is redacted. However, that should not discourage you from requesting every file the agency has on you as well as asking for a retest. If everyone they wrongly failed did so and contacted their representatives in Congress, it would be much harder for the agency to get away with what it's doing to honest, innocent people.

Eos Jupiter,

I thought I saw a post by you either on this thread or another about the FBI using computer and analog polygraph machines. They still use both, unless things have recently changed. I had an exam with each--digital and analog. Analog is probably being phased out gradually, likely budget issues. Too bad the agency didn't use a little common sense and scrap its pre-employment screening program instead of investing taxpayer $$ in the digital versions of the absurd, worthless machines.

[fatman1955]

Thanks for all the constructive and insightful inputs from new and senior members. There is more to this story that now may be a good time to disclose. I was somewhat knowledgeable with the use of the polygraph test prior to my test. As a former counterintelligence agent, I saw the polygraph used on several occasions on individuals, both foreign and domestic, concerning situations involving national security. Even then, most polygraphists viewed the device as an effective interrogation tool versus a barometer of truth. I presently work at a major military installation providing intelligence support toward the war on terrorism. I sit on various joint anti-terrorism working, many times sponsored by the FBI. Although I have the utmost respect for my local FBI counterparts, it is hard to look them in the eyes now without some disgust at the way I was treated. My application was in the FBI system for almost a year with comments saying, "pending background investigation." After I called requesting my status, I was notified two days later to schedule my polygraph. The location I hade to go was over 360 miles where I lived and cost me around $250.00 out of my pocket. What really disturbs me is the FBI blatantly disregard of applicants with special skills that would enhance the countries ability to proactively defend against foreign terrorist threats. There has to be a point where Congress and the President order oversight of this shortcoming which has a direct impact on national security. The problem existing throughout State and Federal agencies are budget constraints.  Work forces are being reduced only to put more responsibilities on less trained existing personnel within these organizations.  The only thing the polygraph has done is exclude good and competent employees based on voodoo Cold War/Post 911 paranoia. In the end there are no winners, but losers, the FBI (to include other Federal agencies) and scared victims of the polygraph.  I am curious to wonder how polygraph operators feel playing career Gods, not knowing they are contributing to degraded national security.  I would like to see the polygraph ended. Not because I did not get a job with the FBI, but it is a waste of my tax dollars. I agree there must be a stringent standard to work within the intelligence and law enforcement community. A better option is conducting through background investigations and pre-employment interviews. I have no desire to take another polygraph because I did not trust it in the first place and who would want to work for an agency that advocates that kind of treatment of employees. I guess in America you are innocent until proven guilty unless you have a polygraph, you are guilty until. You have no expectation for appeal, but are branded a liar for life. It is awful that not one Congress man/woman or House of Representative member has used this argument as a campaign issue. If polled, I would venture that most FBI personnel feel the polygraph is not accurate and feel threaten by it.  

[EosJupiter]

fatman1955,

You are right on so many levels from your post that to try and point out any one would be an injustice. I do feel for you now though, that you have a file on record with the FBI. Unfortuately it really won't hurt you if you are going to retire from the military. But it will haunt you afterwards. But do spread the word on this site and the voodoo that is the polygraph. Contrary to certain polygraphers who visit us here, you more than prove the bad choices the feds are making.  Much success and thanks for serving.

Regards ...

[EosJupiter]

Eos Jupiter,

I thought I saw a post by you either on this thread or another about the FBI using computer and analog polygraph machines. They still use both, unless things have recently changed. I had an exam with each--digital and analog. Analog is probably being phased out gradually, likely budget issues. Too bad the agency didn't use a little common sense and scrap its pre-employment screening program instead of investing taxpayer $$ in the digital versions of the absurd, worthless machines.

Polyfool,

I thought they did in all of there analog devices, and your absolutely right, a waste of mine and yours tax dollars.

Regards ...

[polyfool]

Eos,

My first so-called exam was conducted with a computerized version of the instrument, but the follow-up utilized the analog version. Who knows if it even worked or not?  What difference would it make since the FBI doesn't pass  applicants on retests?

Fatman1955,

Your hunch about FBI hiring managers hating the use of the polygraph in the hiring process seems on target. A former mgr. told me he hated not being able to hire top notch job candidates all because of the polygraph. He said he'd had run-ins with the head of the poly dept. over this very thing, whom by the way, he said is a complete idiot--go figure.

Good luck to you. Just be glad you don't work for an entity foolish enough to rely on the polygraph to choose "the best and the brightest."