Rita Chiang: Another False Positive for the FBI Polygraph Program

[George W. Maschke]

As discussed on the blog, last week Los Angeles Times reporter H.G. Reza broke the story of former FBI special agent Rita Chiang, who "failed" a polygraph screening examination. She was suspended and investigated as a potential spy. Though ultimately exonerated, her career suffered irreparable harm. Reza's article, "Web of Suspicion: An Agent's Career Ruined," is attached as a PDF file.

[Lethe]

If any polygraphers were brave enough to post on this thread, I'm sure they'd say that it is "unfortunate" that Ms. Chiang's career was irreparably harmed.  They would then insinuate that her lamentable situation is simply the cost of using the polygraph to catch all those spies, that she had to be sacrificed for the greater good.  They would not, however, deign to actually do a cost-benefits analysis to demonstrate that her sacrifice was worthwhile.  That might make them somewhat uncomfortable--better just to talk about how "unfortunate" it is that she failed and that they "hope" she is able to put her career back on track.

[1904]

If any polygraphers were brave enough to post on this thread, I'm sure they'd say that it is "unfortunate" that Ms. Chiang's career was irreparably harmed.  They would then insinuate that her lamentable situation is simply the cost of using the polygraph to catch all those spies, that she had to be sacrificed for the greater good.  They would not, however, deign to actually do a cost-benefits analysis to demonstrate that her sacrifice was worthwhile.  That might make them somewhat uncomfortable--better just to talk about how "unfortunate" it is that she failed and that they "hope" she is able to put her career back on track.

I fail to understand how any 'cost-benefits analysis' can be applied to the destruction of a human beings
emotional infrastructure; social & professional reputation. People are not symbols in an equation Lethe.

[Lethe]

I fail to understand how any 'cost-benefits analysis' can be applied to the destruction of a human beings
emotional infrastructure; social & professional reputation. People are not symbols in an equation Lethe.

I disagree with you on that.   Of course, such things cannot be easily quantified (how many ruined careers are worth catching one spy?  How many are worth preventing 100 deaths? etc) but responsible leaders do need to consider the costs and benefits of these sorts of things.

However, I think the benefits of the polygraph are ridiculously overblown and exaggerated by the polygraph industrial complex and the costs they try to ignore, sweep under the rug, and minimize.  The costs are not worth the benefits, America is being sold a bill of goods.  Down with the Polygraph Industrial Complex!