My FBI Polygraph – A Day of Infamy

[G Scalabr]

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?

Before technology can increase accuracy of the process, an exclusive relationship between things measured during polygraphy and deception will have to be established.

Until then, the use of computerized instruments amounts to nothing more than "Garbage In, Garbage Out."

The only advantage that computerized polygraph instruments bring to the table is that they may intimidate some examinees who lack knowledge of polygraphy but still doubt accuracy of the process.

The examiner can take the tack that "yes, we had issues in the past, but the new computerized instruments have addressed them."

Still, none of this will fool those familiar with the materials on this Website.

[Squeaky_Clean]

Just know that you're not the only good, enthusiastic candidate who has been flushed because of a failed poly.  I had a similar experience with the US Secret Service and also a local agency in Virginia.  Despite being truthful, I was told that there were problems on the drug question with my Secret Service poly.  On the local department's poly in Virginia, I was told that there was a problem with my breathing and that I was trying to use countermeasures (I was not).

There's no telling how many bright, educated, excellent candidates lose their chance to serve in a law enforcement capacity because they're being subjected to this ridiculous test.

[fatman1955]

Well it finally came today, my FBI polygraph result request under the Freedom of information Act. The results really surprised me to the point of anger. Three areas were inconclusive which were  has any group or organization directed you to seek employment with the FBI, have I ever been in contacted by a representative of a non US intelligence service, and have I ever provided classified information to an unauthorized individual. In the second series, I was accused of deception for selling illegal drugs, violating the FBI guidelines for illegal drugs, and deliberately withholding important information on my application. The end of the report stated, "during the post test interview, the applicant made no admission." There is a reason for this, because there was nothing to admit.  I did not do any of the alleged allegations because they are not true.  What a paradox! I guess my only recourse is to submit a formal letter to the Director of the FBI to contest these results and have a copy placed in my official FBI folder. What really saddens me is that after dedicating almost 30 years of my life to the military and US government, one test tarnishes my reputation and credibility and there is very little that can be done.   The battle over the validity of the polygraph will continue for a while I suspect, but for me I am just another statistic of junk science known as the polygraph.

[1904]

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 ....

Mmmm. not surprising that those b****ds still use analog p/g. The examiner can manipulate the chart
ANYWAY he wants to, by making his Q & A (pen) marks anywhere he wants to. He can produce pass or
fail charts at will. It is  far more  difficult to manipulate a digital p/g but not impossible. And if the subject
did not sign and date the charts before the paper was torn, then he's really screwed - if in the hands of
a dishonest egomaniacal p/g examiner.

Shit, these guys who do P/E's for the bureau's really do play at being God.

[milguy]

of course, fatmans whole story is bogus to begin with, and it is easily provable.  you can't begin active duty service till AT LEAST 17, more likely 18.  almost 25 years of military experience...that equals about 43 years old.  the MAX age for application to the FBI is 39...not wonder you got turned down....do your research next time before you post crap like this.  and before you try to apply for a job you don't qualify

[George W. Maschke]

milguy,

According to the FBI website, the maximum age for newly appointed special agents is 37. But the Bureau has other jobs, such as intelligence analyst and language specialist, that don't have such a low age cap.

[fatman1955]

It has been a long time since I have ventured back to relook at this story. I do periodically look at some of the stories of similar people who have has the same or worst experiences than I had.  Then you have idiots like "milguy" for whatever reasons want to provoke an argument. I am not sure what his agenda is, but I am sure he or possibly she has. I have no problem with anyone believing in this worthless voodoo science, but don't question the facts of my experience. Two points are evident; "milguy" has a failure to comprehend and has poor math skills. I have taken great pride being a government employee for now almost 35 years. To do the math for you "milguy" that is including my military time, which I have retired, and being a government employee.  Yes, I have had my security clearance renewed again since the original story. I never said I was applying for an FBI agent position, but was a support position. At the time of failing the polygraph it did bother me because I told the truth. The good news is when one door closes another one opens. I was promoted and now make more money than I could have ever made with the FBI and better benefits. My job still brings me times to work with our local FBI and because of my unpleasant experience continue to respect them. Many of them have expressed their distaste for the need of the polygraph. There is no use to keep beating this dead horse because for me it is what is. I am sure a good person was finally found for the position that I was selected for. In the end it all did work out. I would like to thank AntiPolygraph. Org anf George for helping me through this. There were times I was really pissed off, but reading others stories really helped me get through the ordeal. So "milguy" what is your story?