Still In Disbelief

[Not_Guilty]

I took my first ever polygraph today and I am still in total disbelief.  I went in naive and came out devastated.  This was a pre-employment screening for a dispatcher position at a sheriff's department.

According to the examiner, I had (apparently deceptive) responses to ALL drug questions, ALL theft questions AND the "have you ever seriously thought about commiting or been involved in the commission of a major crime" question.

I have NEVER been involved in any of the above, short of my prior law enforcement experience so I went in thinking this would be a piece of cake.  After three rounds of questions, the examiner left the room so another could read the results and, when he returned, he asked me "So, what do you think we found?"  Naturally, I said "nothing" but he said they'd both concluded that I had the above reactions.    

He said they'd need more testing, hooked me up again and this time basically asked questions in the above areas only, with a question about did I believe he would only ask questions we'd reviewed placed before and after.  He said these were slightly better, but I was still reacting.  :-/  

By this time, I was pretty well speechless and he then said they may "give me the benefit of the doubt" and asked me (since I have 10 years prior experience) if they hired me, would I be a good dispatcher.  By this time, all I could do was say yes, although what I really wanted to do was tell him where he could shove his "benefit of the doubt."  

The whole experience is one of the worst things I've gone through.  The way my test read, my life consists of stealing to buy drugs to take while I'm planning my next "major crime."  I wish I'd found this site before today instead of while looking for something to pick up the pieces with!  

[Seeker]

Not_Guilty:
I am sorry for your horrible experience.  I too would have ended up another "acceptable loss" if not for my research into the polygraph before hand.  Hind sight is 20/20, but your worst acton now will be to remain silent.  I suggest that you become outspoken about all that you know about the polygraph.  
The NAS report on the polygraph is an excellent source to begin with.  Then, you will find many supporting stories that have been published, expecially of late, that provide more aresenal for you.  You will also find, quite hilariously, the responses of the pro-polygraphy community only further to support the call for banning of the use of this nonsense.
I wish you well, and know that your actions will be what sets you apart.  You will find support for whatever course you wish to take.
Regards,
Seeker

[Fred F.]

Not Guilty,

I wouldn't count myself out just yet. Based on what you have described, the polygraphers didn't subject you to a torturous post test interrogation based on what they "discovered". They seemed casual about your "deceptive" responses and you did right by not giving them any information they could use against you.


I believe that you have passed. You have experience and that is what many agencies want.

Keep us posted and GOOD LUCK

Fred F.

[Fair Chance]

Not Guilty,

Beware of the offer of another polygraph after this one to "clear up certain areas".  As Fred F. mentioned, you were not exposed to an accusatory post-interrogation yet.  You can read xXx's exploits (or exploited experience) on this website.  If they come out of the gate attacking your first polygraph, chances are high that it will become a thinly veiled pressure session to get you to confess to something.

I hope that you get the letter that you passed and my advice will be a moot point.

Good Luck.