asked to take a lie detector to clear myself (fire

[kathy]

Our home was set on fire about 30 days ago. We believe we know who did it. Gave all 3 agencies info on these people (local law, fire marshall, insurance company) we also gave them detailed info on where we were the day of the fire.  They have given us no answers and say that now they want us to take a lie detector test. They have not investigated these people, or questioned our employers as to where we were the time and day of the fire. All of our friends so not to take it. We want to do what is right, but after reading some of the postings I am afraid! What do you think we should do? any advice. Take it,  or refuse. And why? thanks for any advice. I live in NC so I dont know the laws as to being forced to take lie detector tests.

[Twoblock]

Kathy

DO NOT TAKE IT. Being  upset over the fire is enough to make you fail. I don't think a state in the union can force one to take a polyhraph. It seems like the police is trying to spend more time in the donut shop and less time investigating the leads you gave them. If they can't investigate your story of where you were at the time of the fire, then to hell with them. The Ins. Co. can't legally disallow your claim because you refuse to take a poly. If they do, then you can recover a lot more than just your house and contents.

[George W. Maschke]

Kathy,

I strongly concur with Twoblock. You should refuse the polygraph. You cannot be compelled to submit to a polygraph "test" (which is actually an interrogation in disguise). Polygraphy is inherently biased against truthful persons, and the risk of a false positive outcome is quite high. Moreover, the fact that you are being asked to submit to this bogus test, while the leads you provided go uninvestigated, indicates that you are currently the prime suspect. I think you would be wise to retain a lawyer at this stage, and to not speak with police without your lawyer present.

For more on why you should refuse to submit to any polygraph interrogation, see The Lie Behind the Lie Detector:

http://antipolygraph.org/lie-behind-the-lie-detector.pdf