who is allowed to be in the room during a polygraph exam?

[douglas fir]

My husband was given a polygraph test yesterday and he showed deception on one of the questions.wouldn't normally have any complaints except that his parole officer was present-sitting right within his periphial-during the whole test. from what I have read, she should not have been allowed to be in the same room with him during the examination. He did not consent to her presence, nor was he given the option to have it done without her there. Aren't the only people allowed in the room the examiner and the examinee, unless the examinee requests his lawyer be present? is this grounds to have the results negated?

[T.M. Cullen]

My husband was given a polygraph test yesterday and he showed deception on one of the questions.

It is a myth that the polygraph measures "deception".  It would be more accurate to say that your husband showed a "reaction" to one or more questions.  Such reactions are just that, reactions.  Deception is only one possibility, yet polygraph operators intentionally lie to people claiming that the such reactions equate to "deception".  In fact, they routinely use the phrase "deception indicated" to label reactions.

Interesting that they allowed a parole officer in the examination room.  Polygraphers have argued on this board that lawyers should not be allowed present during polygraphs, claiming it would effect accuracy.  Realize that detectives are frequently present during polygraphs behind one way mirrors.

  Fact is, a polygraph is simply an opportunity for authorities to interrogate and hopefully "fluster" a suspect WITHOUT their attorney present.  That is why detectives love the polygraph!

TC

[yankeedog]

It would be very unusual for a test to have been administered as you described.  In most cases, the only people in the room are the examiner and examinee.  It is not at all unusual for the exam to be viewed by others from another room.  Indeed, that is frequently the case if such observation areas are availanble.  Even lawyers aren't permitted inside the exam room, but could view the process from another room.