DHS OIG Says "CBP Spent Millions Conducting Polygraph Examinations on Unsuitable Applicants"

[George W. Maschke]

A report by the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security, finds that U.S. Customs and Border Protection wasted millions of dollars administering polygraph examinations to unsuitable applicants. The 17-page report may be downloaded here:

https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2017/OIG-17-99-MA-080417.pdf

Much of the alleged waste stems from polygraph examinations administered to applicants who made disqualifying admissions during the pre-test phase of their polygraph examinations.

I have a question for polygraph examiners, especially those who work for or who have contracted with federal agencies: if an examinee makes a disqualifying pre-test admission, should the polygraph examiner be paid less for that polygraph examination?

I don't think so. If this becomes the policy, then it will predictably create an incentive for polygraph examiners, especially non-salaried contractors, to discourage pre-test admissions. Am I wrong?

[Doug Williams]

A report by the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security, finds that U.S. Customs and Border Protection wasted millions of dollars administering polygraph examinations to unsuitable applicants. The 17-page report may be downloaded here:

https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2017/OIG-17-99-MA-080417.pdf

Much of the alleged waste stems from polygraph examinations administered to applicants who made disqualifying admissions during the pre-test phase of their polygraph examinations.

I have a question for polygraph examiners, especially those who work for or who have contracted with federal agencies: if an examinee makes a disqualifying pre-test admission, should the polygraph examiner be paid less for that polygraph examination?

I don't think so. If this becomes the policy, then it will predictably create an incentive for polygraph examiners, especially non-salaried contractors, to discourage pre-test admissions. Am I wrong?

This report by the office of Inspector General is good as far as it goes – but why don't they address the very important issue of how utterly absurd it is to continue to use the polygraph when it is been proven to be no more accurate than the toss of the coin?

[John M.]

There's your self-licking ice cream cone.  A self-perpetuating system that has no purpose other than to sustain itself.

As the covers are pulled back, we begin to see the Polygraph Industry for what it really is.

A total sham.

It is however, good to see that the DHS has an OIG that is capable of doing a proper investigation.  The DOD definitely doesn't.

[Wandersmann]

It is however, good to see that the DHS has an OIG that is capable of doing a proper investigation.  The DOD definitely doesn't.

Typical REMF run operation.       Speaking of REMF's, where ya been Quickfix ?  I'm still looking forward to buying you a Heineken.

[John M.]

This report by the office of Inspector General is good as far as it goes

In my case, I talked directly to the DOD IG Congressional Liaison, Mr. Steven M. Anthony.  After hearing me out, he acknowledged that they didn't do a proper investigation. He declined to ask them to reopen it, because in his words, "there wasn't much the IG could do anyway, except maybe embarrass them".  "Them" being the DIA Office of Security.

Wasn't HR 6450 - "The Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016" supposed to give them more power?