How can we get polygraphs banned for employment

[PolygraphisBS]

Are there any petitions going on where their goal is to ban polygraph tests for employment purposes?

[George W. Maschke]

I'm afraid that any petition to ban polygraphy from the workplace will be ignored. A decade ago, AntiPolygraph.org sponsored an online petition calling for an end to polygraph screening, but it had no noticeable effect. We've since taken it offline.

I'm reluctant to endorse any new petition against polygraph screening because I fear it would used to create a watch list like the one federal investigators created from Doug Williams' business records.

So long as the mistaken public perception persists that polygraphy "works," and that more polygraphs = more security, I think it will be difficult for any politician to embrace polygraph reform for fear of being attacked as "soft on security."

Thus, I think that what we most need at this stage is public education. All of us can help by doing what we can to tell others about the shortcomings of polygraphy and why reliance on it is bad not only for individuals, but also for our collective security. Remember that spies and serial killers have beaten the polygraph.

By spreading the truth about polygraphy, we can help to create a climate where voicing support for polygraph screening invites scorn and ridicule.

[pailryder]

Thus, I think that what we most need at this stage is public education

Public education is almost always a good idea.

Remember that spies and serial killers have beaten the polygraph.

A true statement, as far as it goes, some have, but some have not.

[Ex Member]

A true statement, as far as it goes, some have, but some have not. 

Your statement could also be applied to those who have been falsely accused. Polygraph operators gloat when they are able to extract admissions, but seem indifferent to the damage caused by their false positives.

[Ex Member]

Public education is almost always a good idea.

I hope you will put this into practice and advise all of your clients to peruse this website to ensure a balanced deliberation prior to committing to your services as a polygraph operator.

[pailryder]

Arkhangelsk

I have recommended this site to clients for several years, as it is far and away, the most complete resource for polygraph information.

I have been at this more than thirty years and I have yet to meet an examiner who was indifferent to false positives.  A constant refrain from your side, but I honestly have not found that to be the case.

[Doug Williams]

Arkhangelsk

I have recommended this site to clients for several years, as it is far and away, the most complete resource for polygraph information.

I have been at this more than thirty years and I have yet to meet an examiner who was indifferent to false positives.  A constant refrain from your side, but I honestly have not found that to be the case.

So you tell the people that you are going to "polygraph" to read THE LIE BEHIND THE LIE DETECTOR before you test them?   

[Ex Member]

I have been at this more than thirty years and I have yet to meet an examiner who was indifferent to false positives.

This is very touching, a kinder softer side to polygraph operators. Perhaps some examinees can share their experiences where the polygraph operator exhibited concern and empathy while falsely accusing them of lying.

[Doug Williams]

I have been at this more than thirty years and I have yet to meet an examiner who was indifferent to false positives.

This is very touching, a kinder softer side to polygraph operators. Perhaps some examinees can share their experiences where the polygraph operator exhibited concern and empathy while falsely accusing them of lying.

I have been in the polygraph business (both pro and con) for over forty years, and I have NEVER seen any polygraph thug show ANY remorse for falsely branding people as liars!  Quite the opposite - I have heard them brag about it!  There are many police departments - and other agencies - who hire private polygraphers to administer their "tests".  I have heard them brag about running fifty tests to fill five job openings.  They have a financial incentive to fail as many people as they can!  "False positives" = big pay checks!  So please Pailface - no bullshit stories about polygraph thugs crying crocodile tears for their victims...   

[Doug Williams]

This is what I have been advocating for almost forty years!  I have always said that one of the best ways to stop the use of the polygraph is to sue the hell out of the polygraph thugs who abuse people with it. 

Here is one attorney, Mr. Gene Iredale, who just chalked up a BIG W for the victims who have been abused by the practitioners of this insidious Orwellian instrument of torture incorrectly referred to as a "lie detector".

Polygraph operators, read it and weep!     Polygraph victims, read it and rejoice! 

http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/07/4103242/dea-settles-suit-alleging-government.html#.U2p4lIUo9is.twitter

[Ex Member]

Thanks for pointing this out Doug, IMHO it's monumental. The DEA contractors had a legal case because their jobs were not covered by the EPPA's exceptions. One important point that comes to mind, that while the EPPA does allow certain agencies to use polygraphy in their screening process, there is nothing which gives the polygraph operators free reign--making decisions based upon their whim and prejudices, not making the charts publicly available for unbiased scrutiny etc. I think their abuses could be effectively challenged in court despite the EPPA exceptions.

I hope George may reach out to Mr. Gene Iredale Esq. and invite him to peruse this website and read the postings of the polygraph operators here and in the compromised polygraph forum as well. I have no doubt, it would give impetus to possible future litigation to hold the charlatans accountable. $500,000 is not lunch money--the judgement is arguably a chink in the armor.

[Drew Richardson]

This truly is potentially colossal!  The implications for the greater issue (well beyond polygraph examinations administered to federal contractors) of all polygraph screening are inescapable.  Every victim (and potential future examinee) of polygraph screening should be seeking legal advice.  Those who have caused damage and harm through polygraph screening have been put on notice a very long time ago. Damages will likely be extensive...

[Doug Williams]

This truly is potentially colossal!  The implications for the greater issue (well beyond polygraph examinations administered to federal contractors) of all polygraph screening are inescapable.  Every victim (and potential future examinee) of polygraph screening should be seeking legal advice.  Those who have caused damage and harm through polygraph screening have been put on notice a very long time ago. Damages will likely be extensive...

Drew:  I fervently hope you are right!  I have been saying the actions of the polygraph operators were grounds for a lawsuit for 35 years!  I hope EVERY victim will finally be made whole and this insidious industry will be destroyed!

[Drew Richardson]

In addition to numerous informal conversations with my various bosses at the FBI occurring some 10 to 15 years before, the FBI was very clearly and officially made aware of the shortcomings of polygraph screening with my testimony before the U.S. Senate in September of 1997.

(https://antipolygraph.org/hearings/senate-judiciary-1997/richardson-statement.shtml)

It will be most interesting to see how the Bureau proceeds with polygraph screening following the news of this thread...

[Doug Williams]

In addition to numerous informal conversations with my various bosses at the FBI occurring some 10 to 15 years before, the FBI was very clearly made aware of the shortcomings of polygraph screening with my testimony before the U.S. Senate in September of 1997.

https://antipolygraph.org/hearings/senate-judiciary-1997/richardson-statement.shtml

It will be most interesting to see how the Bureau proceeds with polygraph screening following the news of this thread...

Your testimony was dynamic, and the powers that be were clearly warned.  I also testified in the U.S. Congress in support of the EPPA and pointed out the abuse in my testimony

http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015011381806;view=1up;seq=281

They have known for decades that this abuse was occurring, but they callously continued it.  Hopefully this will be the beginning of the end.