effects of prescription drugs on results

[Marvin Dixon]

I was offered a poly in order to clear my name in an alleged larceny in a l.e. capacity. Supervisor knew that due to  prescriptions I had been on for depression and adult a.d.h.d, and the jitters I had been experiencing from some of these meds not working well together, gave me an ultimatum. Test (fail and be terminated) or re-write statement  to fit what he wanted into it. Can prescription drugs and their effects on someone be legitimately used to avoid a polygraph?

[George W. Maschke]

Marvin,

There are virtually no studies on the effects of any medications (prescription or otherwise) on polygraph examinations. While polygraphers will typically decline to polygraph someone who is under the temporory influence of a mind-altering drug, it is unlikely that any polygrapher would deem you to be unsuitable for polygraph "testing" because of your prescription medications.

Your supervisor may have a legal right to compel you to submit to a polygraph examination. However, it would be entirely inappropriate for your employer to take any adverse personnel action against you based on the outcome of this invalid "test."

In addition, it seems entirely inappropriate (and perhaps illegal) for your supervisor to use the threat of a mandatory polygraph "test" (and termination should you "fail") to coerce you into re-writing a statement to suit his purposes. If you are a member of a union, you might want to contact your union representative regarding this matter. I think it would be wise to also consult a lawyer.

If you do end up submitting to a polygraph examination and any attempt is made to take adverse action against you based on the results, you may contact AntiPolygraph.org to obtain a signed copy of Dr. Drew C. Richardson's expert evaluation and opinion of CQT polygraphy for presentation in any administrative or legal hearing.

Finally, if you do end up being compelled to submit to a polygraph interrogation, be sure to read The Lie Behind the Lie Detector (1 mb PDF) first (especially Chapters 3 & 4).

[Kona]

Marvin,

1. Don't submit yourself to a polygraph.
2. Consult a lawyer.

Kona

[marvin]

I just wanted to know if prescription drugs and an adverse effect could give a false positive to a poly. Thank you for your reply's and words of encouragement. A large part of my problem is that here in Virginia, we work at the 'will and pleasure' of the Sheriff and have little to no recourse. We are not at all like the police depts. that can unionize. Although they can not strike, they can have a strong voice for representation. It is very different for us. I have loved my time working for this sheriff, and until now have not had a reason to have any ill will towards anyone. In all likelyhood, he doesn't even know what has taken place. I have made steps toward at least speaking with an atty., but I am afraid they may just say what I have a gut feeling about anyway. That I am just out of luck and have to deal with it. All I seek is to have my name cleared and my pay restored. The transfer is a welcome relief. Thanks again for your words of support.