Along Came Poly...

[deceptionbethyname]

So I took my first and hopefully only polygraph a week ago for a law enforcement position (surprise surprise). It went well and there were all of the gadgets to include the butt sensor, which was surprisingly cold. I employed basic breathing countermeasures to what I thought were the control questions, however I was asked 12 questions, 10 of which were relevant and two that were irrelevant. The two were "do you live in the United States? and is your first name xxxxx?" The other 10 questions were drug, theft, and integrity type questions. He gave me two rounds of the same 12 questions and on the second round about half way through he directed me to open my eyes. He then proceeded to say that there was a slight reaction to two questions, drug use and office theft. He asked if I had ever stolen any pens, paper or anything of that nature from work. I told him I may have taken some pens. He then asked if I was ever around anyone who used marijuana. I said I was at a college party 3 years ago where someone or some people were using it on the floor. He then said my polygraph response was indicative of someone who has never used marijuana but has been around people who were doing it.  He then went on to say, well I find you to be truthful today and I didn't find any indications of deception. However, he had this look in his eyes like, "you lying sob, you think you can come in here and beat me and the machine, get the hell out of here." Although, he was extremely polite and he walked me out, as I am sure they are trained to do. I'm curious, is it common for a polygrapher to tell you that you have passed when the charts show differently?
I spent approximately 2 hours with this guy and I just can't shake that look at the end. I'm expecting a call sometime this week...

[George W. Maschke]

...I'm curious, is it common for a polygrapher to tell you that you have passed when the charts show differently?

No. On the contrary, it is standard procedure for a polygrapher to conduct a post-test interrogation in hopes of getting an admission/confession when the charts are scored as "deception indicated."