FBI: Request to re-take polygraph

[K Oberoi]

Hi Everyone,

I was offered a position by the FBI (Finance Support Role). I took the first polygraph, and it went well. The examiner told me I passed. However, a couple of weeks later I was notified that my poly was deemed "inconclusive" after being reviewed. So I had to take it again, and this time it did not go as well, the examiner told me I failed. (I couldn't believe it, because I felt like I did better on the second one than the first). The examiner went on to say the questions I failed on were related to terrorism and espionage. I was shocked to say the least after hearing that, because terrorism would be the last thing I would expect to fail on. I am 24, I have no criminal record, no drug record etc.

Anyway, my question is: I was notified by my field office, since my first one was inconclusive, I am eligible to request a third test. Can anyone tell me what I should write in my written request?? or if you have a sample, it would be really helpful.

Getting the job offer from the FBI was a dream come true, and I don't wanna lose the opportunity. I have absolutely no idea why there was "activity" on the readings, during the terrorism/espionage questions.

Thanks for in advance for your help.

[T.M. Cullen]

The FBI rarely, if ever, passes applicants on a polygraph "retest".

It is probably already a foregone conclusion that they plan to fail you on their bogus "retest".

TC

[George W. Maschke]

Can anyone tell me what I should write in my written request??

A simple letter affirming that you told the truth and requesting a re-test should be sufficient. There is no need to try to explain why an invalid test produced erroneous results.

But as T.M. Cullen correctly notes, virtually everyone who has been accused of deception by an FBI polygrapher also "fails" the re-test. The FBI offers re-tests to create the appearance of fairness. But the outcomes are foreordained. The FBI polygraph unit cannot politically afford to be seen passing people who have previously failed. To do so would be to acknowledge the unreliability of polygraphy and undermine their position within the Bureau.

If I were in your shoes, I would by all means write a letter contesting the results. Your letter should become part of your permanent FBI file and will document the fact that you didn't (through silence) tacitly accept the polygraph operator's accusation of deception. You might optionally request a re-test.

But if offered a re-test, I think you'd be well advised to turn it down. Again, the outcome is pre-determined. You'll almost certainly either 1) be accused of deception regarding the same issue (terrorism/espionage) or 2) (even worse) be accused of employing countermeasures.

If you ever seek other federal employment that requires a background check, your FBI file will be reviewed. It's better that your file show just one polygraph failure and not two.

[K Oberoi]

Thanks! I just need a job really badly right now....so if given an opportunity for a re-test, I will probably take it. Best case scenario, I pass....worst case scenario, I get two failures in my FBI file, which is not a big deal because I won't be applying for another federal position after this awful experience.

[Fair Chance]

When given a "chance" at a second polygraph opportunity by the FBI, the odds are heavily stacked against the applicant.  Polygraph operators have no intention of providing any substantial relief against one of their fellow polygraph operators.

You only are "deceiving" yourself if you think otherwise.

FBI polygraph operators do not serve the Constitution or the taxpayer, they only serve themselves.  They blindly believe in their own infallibility.

Look at their motto, " In God we trust, everyone  else we polygraph."  The embroidered official polygraph hat provided and sold by FBI RA stores nationwide.  Yes, it is the truth that I am embarrassed as an American to report.  These hats are produced and sold by the FBI RA stores across America.

They hold themselves above the law or reproach.  Ask the Director about that question next time he is in front of Congress.  "In God we trust, everyone else we polygraph."  What a sad state of affairs we have in America, the Land of the Free, and the Home of the Brave (unless the polygraph finds you a traitor).

[ezhiskaz]

If you can't handle confrontations, I'd suggest you avoid the FBI. They get paid to confront people, and by your own admission, you couldn't do the job, so why bother with the polygraph?

[Mr. Truth]

If you can't handle confrontations, I'd suggest you avoid the FBI. They get paid to confront people, and by your own admission, you couldn't do the job, so why bother with the polygraph?

Thank you for your irrelevant post on a thread that is more than 18 months old. I'm sure your keen insight into the OP's psychological profile is greatly appreciated by other polygraphers. Now, get back in the basement before your parents come home.

[jose]

how i would love to become a FBI when i  get older but whar grade u need to get

[stefano]

how i would love to become a FBI when iget older but whar grade u need to get 

Jose, I suggest you write to them and ask for an information package. You can also visit their website:

https://www.fbijobs.gov/index.asp

Buena Suerte.