"how to sting the polygraph"

[Skeptic]

Saidme,

Suggesting that the polygraph is some kind of test to determine whether or not an officer/agent can handle the stress of the actual job is quite ridiculous.

The idea that you place any value in that type of determination further undermines your position and credibility.  

Should they polygraph surgeons to see if the can handle the stress of surgery?  What about air traffic controllers, stock brokers, teachers, construction workers...

What else can the magical polygraph do?-  slice vegetables?

Looking at your posts a reader can clearly deduce that it's simply a confession machine!!

I know I could never be a polygrapher because I couldn't stomach accusing everyone, just to be right some of the time.

There is a reason that sharpshooters have very accurate weapons, and strict rules of engagement.

I picture polygraphers as wannabe swat guys on the roof, banging away at a crowd with a shotgun.  You get excited when you get a couple of bad guys and the innocents, that get it in the process, are just shrugged off as the price of doing business.

Not caring about what happens to the greater community is the sign of someone who should not be in law enforcement!

This whole post is gold.

Skeptic

[orolan]

Don't waste your time on Saidme. He's all bluff and bluster but when the going gets tough, he'll cut and run. Probably why he's a polygrapher and not a uniformed patrol officer.

[Saidme]

I sense some thin skins out there.  Wow!  One at a time please!

Poly-Killer, I concur the courts should not be clogged up with minor usage cases.  But I don't think it's your job to determine which cases go before the courts.

Skeptic, don't you know sarcasm when you hear it.

Suethem, I never suggested a polygraph is designed to test someones stress level.  My point was, if they can't deal with a polygraph maybe they should reconsider their chosen profession.

Orolan, I have nothing for you.

Just out of curiosity, do you guys all live together?

[orolan]

Saidme,
My point exactly. When presented with a valid argument you resort to name-calling and choose to "have nothing for you". What's the matter? Can't refute the arguments but don't want to admit it? Seems to me you are the hypocrite with a thin skin.

[Saidme]

Orolan

You've not presented a valid argument.  If you do I'll let you know.

[orolan]

Saidme,
Not valid? I don't think so. The points I made are very valid. You can't refute them, so you choose to ignore them.

[suethem]

Saidme,

"can't deal with a polygraph maybe they should reconsider their chosen profession..."

It not that people can't handle the polygraph- meaning that its some kind of test of strength, intelligence or wisdom that a weak applicant can't overcome.

It's that the polygraph is not a valid test.  It's based on deception and  asumed responses to certain questions.  

It is not a dynamic filter or sorting mechanism.  Its a way to frighten people into making confessions.  

Do you care that honest people get black balled by what you do for a living?

[Saidme]

Suethem

Maybe you (and others on this site) should direct your efforts toward a better product.  And I concede, some are.  Polygraph has, and continues, to work quite well in the law enforcement community. To arbitrarily throw it out is crazy.

There appears to be some intelligent people on this website.  Unfortunately, I think they're wasting their efforts on this cause.  Polygraph is here to stay until a better method/technique is available.  

[Saidme]

Skeptic

Sorry I'm late on this.  Yes, I've taken polygraphs.  On another topic you posted.  Are you implying that Pete Townsend was out surfing the internet trying to hunt down child molestors?  Wow, what a leap.  You must be an attorney.

[Skeptic]

Skeptic

Sorry I'm late on this.  Yes, I've taken polygraphs.  On another topic you posted.  Are you implying that Pete Townsend was out surfing the internet trying to hunt down child molestors?  Wow, what a leap.  You must be an attorney.

Actually, I believe that was his public claim when he was recently arrested in Britain on child pornography charges (a claim backed up by the circumstantial evidence, from what I understand).

Skeptic

[Saidme]

Skeptic

Do you buy that?

[orolan]

Actually, I believe that was his public claim when he was recently arrested in Britain on child pornography charges (a claim backed up by the circumstantial evidence, from what I understand).

Not possible, Skeptic. According to Saidme, nobody does that except police detectives. And since Saidme never heard of this, it never happened

[Skeptic]

Skeptic

Do you buy that?

Which part?  That he claimed he was doing research or that he actually was?

I assume you're talking about the latter, in which case I'll say I'm skeptical (big surprise, huh), but won't rule it out, especially since others have vouched that he is a bit of a crusader against child pornography.

Having a background in psychology, I am quite sure that there are people who do honest research on this stuff (there would likely be more, if the law weren't quite so ferocious and made exceptions for scientific research so we'd know how big a problem child pornography really is), and others who get it into their heads that playing vigilante is a good idea.  

The trouble, of course, is sorting out these people from those who exploit children.  Most people don't seem to want to draw a distinction (understandable I think -- the whole topic is pretty awful).

Skeptic

[suethem]

saidme,

I disagree that polygraphs work well.  Innocent people are being labled by LE as dishonest and untrustworthy.  A government that knowingly falsely accuses it's citizens can not be said to be just.

When LE comes to the homes of honest applicants (their families and friends) looking for information about crimes in the community, do not be surprised by slammed doors.

The stones are smooth and the view is good, but it's never a good idea to shit in the well.

I think that the negative results of polygraph tests outweigh the confessions.

I think that the real issue here is money.  Companies sell their products and need markets.  Polygraphers are the companies way in.  

You didn't answer my question.

Do you feel bad about all the honest people you DQ'd?

[Saidme]

suethem

I don't do screening polygraph exams.  So to answer your question, no.  Have I ever called an innocent person guilty?  Not to my knowledge.  

Skeptic

I'm hearing some rationalizations creeping into your answers, watch it!