Robert S. Mueller III on FBI Polygraph Policy

[George W. Maschke]

At yesterday's (30 July 2001) confirmation hearing for FBI Director designate Robert S. Mueller III, the ranking minority member of the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Sen. Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT) raised the issue of FBI polygraph screening:

Sen. Hatch: ...We understand that the FBI is now requiring polygraphs for managers handling national security matters. Are you willing to continue that uh, that approach?

Mueller: Yes.

Sen Hatch: And would you be willing to take a polygraph yourself if that, if that were the case?

Mueller: Yes. Indeed, I uh, it is my belief you don't -- this may be my training from the Marine Corps -- but you don't ask people to do that which you're unwilling to do yourself. I have already taken that polygraph.

Sen. Hatch: The only reason I ask that question is I thought you had, and I just think it's...

Mueller: [laugh]

Sen. Hatch: important. In particular...how did you do?

[general laughter]

Mueller: I'm sitting here; that's all I've got to say!

Sen. Hatch: I'm sorry, we just hope you had a good examiner, that's all....

One can be confident that President Bush's pick to be the next director of the FBI was assigned a very "good" examiner indeed, and that his "passing" was a foregone conclusion.

The confirmation hearing, which is being aired on C-SPAN, continues this morning (Tuesday, 31 July 2001).

[Fred F.]

One can be confident that President Bush's pick to be the next director of the FBI was assigned a very "good" examiner indeed, and that his "passing" was a foregone conclusion.

            Sen. Hatch: important. In particular...how did you do?

            [general laughter]

            Mueller: I'm sitting here; that's all I've got to say!

            Sen. Hatch: I'm sorry, we just hope you had a good examiner, that's all....


George,

He must of had one of the FBI's best "trainee" polygraphers.  It is also important to remember that Former Director Freeh stepped down BEFORE he took a polygraph.....

hmmmmm, good examiner eh?


Fred F.