Secret clearance poly questions

[anonymouse117]

i just found this site researching polygraph tests after taking a job with a contractor that requires the ability to obtain a security clearance (though I believe there are many employees who do not have one).  I have some questions, and am quite worried (I tend to get very stressed about things involving wires, health issues, stress, etc.).  at present, I don't need a clearance for a job.  I'm relieved about that, but concerned that at some point they will tell me that I must get a clearance or lose a good job doing software.  If anyone can help with these questions, I would be very appreciative.

1.  Skimming material so far, it seems that poly operators always say that things are totally private, that they will never tell anyone what you say, and so forth.  But, I'm concerned that is not true.  Can what you say be reported?  Like, if you admit to running redlights, or a hit and run, or whatever crime (misdemeanor to felony), will you be prosecuted for it?  Will someone be told about it?  Short of murder, which presumably is an admitted exception.

2.  For a defense contractor, I am not sure if I would be required to take a full-scope poly, which apparently (just starting research) involves a lifestyle poly.  Does anyone have info/experience about this, and whether lifestyle polys are generally required, and whether they go into sexual stuff, for instance?

3.  Related to that, if I have something I remember like viewing porn at work and being disciplined but not fired, or sex experimentation as a minor with another minor, would those things be asked about, or reported?

4.  Is it best to refuse to answer questions, or decide not to take a poly in general?  If an investigator is convinced you're lying on a poly, is that grounds for investigation?  I have read a few stories on this site and already see horror stories about people's homes being raided merely because they seemed to fail the poly.

5.  If you decide to resign a job rather than take a poly, does that mean you are subject to investigation or severe penalties or anything?  Does it hurt your chances of getting another job?  What if you can cite other reasons for resigning, such as location or stress or pressure?

Thanks a ton!

[T.M. Cullen]

Anonymous,

First of all, take a deep breath and RELAX!

Next.  Do yourself a favor and read the following:

http://antipolygraph.org/lie-behind-the-lie-detector.pdf

You don't have to study the hell out of it, just read it.  It will answer a lot of your questions, and will expose to you what a "witch-hunt" and "fishing-expedition"  an employment polygraph test really is.

If you have to take a polygraph, there should be a security application they will give you to fill out.  Questions on your criminal history, foreign contacts, foreign travel, credit history, drug usage...etc.  Don't OVER-ANALYZE the questions!  Just answer them truthfully and accurately.   For example, you mention running red lights.  I don't think the application will even cover traffic violations, let alone traffic violations you weren't even ticketed for.  

They should then go over the security application with you during the PRETEST interview.  

DON'T VOLUNTEER INFORMATION!  If they tell you you are being DECEPTION, when you are not, just politely and calmly tell them that you are being truthful.  Don't fall for the old "gee there must  be something bothering you.  We are here to help!  Just get everything off your chest, and you should have no problems!" gag.  It's just their way of trying to get information out of you.  

But read the ref above.  At the very least, you won't be as easily intimidated as you sound now.

TC

Good Luck!

[anonymous117]

Anonymous,

Do yourself a favor and read the following:

http://antipolygraph.org/lie-behind-the-lie-detector.pdf

You don't have to study the hell out of it, just read it.  It will answer a lot of your questions, and will expose to you what a farce an employment polygraph test is.

If you have to take a polygraph, there should be a security application they will give you to fill out.  Questions on your criminal history, foreign contacts, credit history...etc.  Don't OVER-ANALYZE the questions!  Just answer them truthfully and accurately.  

That is what they should be cover during the polygraph.

DON'T VOLUNTEER INFORMATION!  Don't tell them about your sexual fantasies.  If you haven't broken any laws, then it is none of the FUCKING BUSINESS!

If they tell you you are being DECEPTION, when you are not, just politely and calmly tell them that you are being truthful.

But read the ref above.  At the very least, you won't be as easily intimidated as you sound now.

TC

Good Luck!

Thanks, I already had started looking at it.  And if one has broken laws (say someone robbed a bank after sodomizing his girlfriend, and sodomy was illegal), and they explicitly ask about it, or in such a way that you would have to admit it, should you refuse to answer the question?  I read that anything you say becomes part of a permanent govt. record (even though this is a contractor instead of something like the CIA or NSA).  Will they try to start criminal prosecution on any past offenses?

[T.M. Cullen]

Thanks, I already had started looking at it.  And if one has broken laws (say someone robbed a bank after sodomizing his girlfriend, and sodomy was illegal), and they explicitly ask about it, or in such a way that you would have to admit it, should you refuse to answer the question?  I read that anything you say becomes part of a permanent govt. record (even though this is a contractor instead of something like the CIA or NSA).  Will they try to start criminal prosecution on any past offenses?

I don't know, but put it this way.  If you have committed sodomy, robbed a bank, or something along those lines.  You probably should NOT BE APPLYING for such a security clearance in the first place.

[anonymous117]

Thanks, I already had started looking at it.  And if one has broken laws (say someone robbed a bank after sodomizing his girlfriend, and sodomy was illegal), and they explicitly ask about it, or in such a way that you would have to admit it, should you refuse to answer the question?  I read that anything you say becomes part of a permanent govt. record (even though this is a contractor instead of something like the CIA or NSA).  Will they try to start criminal prosecution on any past offenses?

I don't know, but put it this way.  If you have committed sodomy, robbed a bank, or something along those lines.  You probably should NOT BE APPLYING for such a security clearance in the first place.

Yeah, though thankfully I haven't robbed any banks.  Oral sex may count as sodomy, so I'd have to watch it.  :p  Anyway, thanks for the information!  I will check the book as well.

[jeffrey chappell]

just looking for the questions that are on normal test- no clearance in the works for myself.

[xenonman]

i just found this site researching polygraph tests after taking a job with a contractor that requires the ability to obtain a security clearance (though I believe there are many employees who do not have one).  I have some questions, and am quite worried (I tend to get very stressed about things involving wires, health issues, stress, etc.).  at present, I don't need a clearance for a job.  I'm relieved about that, but concerned that at some point they will tell me that I must get a clearance or lose a good job doing software.  If anyone can help with these questions, I would be very appreciative.

1.  Skimming material so far, it seems that poly operators always say that things are totally private, that they will never tell anyone what you say, and so forth.  But, I'm concerned that is not true.  Can what you say be reported?  Like, if you admit to running redlights, or a hit and run, or whatever crime (misdemeanor to felony), will you be prosecuted for it?  Will someone be told about it?  Short of murder, which presumably is an admitted exception.  I doubt that you would be prosecuted for anything "uncovered" in your past other than espionage and improper handling of classified material


2.  For a defense contractor, I am not sure if I would be required to take a full-scope poly, which apparently (just starting research) involves a lifestyle poly.  Does anyone have info/experience about this, and whether lifestyle polys are generally required, and whether they go into sexual stuff, for instance?
2.  If the work involves CIA or NSA "assets" or "equity", very likely you would be asked lifestyle questions, including those related to sex.  (although as I understand it, "open" homosexuality is no longer an automatic bar to IC employment

3.  Related to that, if I have something I remember like viewing porn at work and being disciplined but not fired, or sex experimentation as a minor with another minor, would those things be asked about, or reported?

3.  Generally, they won't ask about incidents which occurred prior to your turning 18.  (to be continued) As far as the viewing porn at work, that's something that would likely come up  during the BI.  A question is often raised during a polygraph is whether one has ever [/color]stolen anything from an an employer.  Technically, viewing porn while at work might be construed as "theft of time" from the employer.  Of greer concern, I'd suspect, would be whether or not the viewing of child pornography had been involved.
4.  Is it best to refuse to answer questions, or decide not to take a poly in general?  If an investigator is convinced you're lying on a poly, is that grounds for investigation?  I have read a few stories on this site and already see horror stories about people's homes being raided merely because they seemed to fail the poly. 
I doubt very much that your home would ever be raided, unless possibly it was found that you had been involved with espionage, improper handling of classified material, or child pornography.  NO, you do not enjoy the prerogative of choosing which questions you wish to answer, unless of course you wish to terminate the employment application process!

5.  If you decide to resign a job rather than take a poly, does that mean you are subject to investigation or severe penalties or anything?  Does it hurt your chances of getting another job?  What if you can cite other reasons for resigning, such as location or stress or pressure?

I doubt if the mere refusal to submit to being polygraphed would subject you to criminal investigation, except under the circumstances indicated above.  However, as noted previously, such refusal would result in the termination of your application.  It would certainly bar you from consideration for employment in any other government or contractor position requiring a polygraph "interview".  The circumstances of your resignation from any position would likely be scrutinized during any field BI.
Thanks a ton!