Dealing with the polygraph...
Is there any actual cops in here ? i would like their opinion
I'm not sure... But there is someone who knows quite a bit about the polygraph.
First of all, much of the advice given on this thread, while probably well intentioned, is pretty far off base. Let me say say in advance that I mean no disrespect to any member of this forum. Nonetheless, some of the advice being given is very misinformed, and can get those who follow it into quite a bit of trouble.
Many Posters: tell them you tried some in high school - orals only.
DO NOT, under any circumstances, admit to use of anabolic steroids, or any other felony. The primary use of the polygraph is as interrogation prop. Rule #1 is to
make no damaging admissions. You can always contest a polygraphers decision (although not always effectively). On the other hand, if you admit a felony (they often make you write a signed statement), in addition to getting your disqualified, it can follow you around forever as you apply to other deparments.
Afflicted: The polygraph is the big hurdle as others have said.
Actually, anyone, truthful or deceptive, can easily defeat the polygraph and produce a truthful chart. The common belief in American popular culture that only psychopaths and those who "believe their own lies" can beat the polygraph is nothing more than a myth. Better yet, there is a
non profit site online that explains in full detail how to do it--for free.
Plifter: I thought federal law prohibited employers from using a polygraph?
Plifter, the 1988 Employee Polygraph Protection Act prevents only
private sector employers from using the polygraph. Unfortunately, the government is completely exempt from this legislation.
SirWanksAlot:"the absolute best way to pass a polygraph is to "push a tack into your big toe"
Absolutely
not. While stepping on tack in your shoe can be an effective physical countermeasure, polygraphers have developed an effective counter-countermeasure for this technique: they can simply ask you to remove your shoes. Furthermore, some late-model polygraphs are equipped with a strain gauge which is placed under the front legs of the polygraph chair. A warning is provided to the polygrapher when the examinee shifts his weight in the chair. If you plan to use physical countermeasures, you are much better off biting your tongue (practice in the mirror--it can be done invisibly), or, contracting the anal sphincter muscle. Furthermore, mental countermeasures (thinking exciting thoughts, subtracting from 954 by sevens) also produce significant physiological responses that polygraphers associate with deception. With an arsenal of equally effective techniques that carry no risk of detection if properly performed, there is absolutely no reason to put a tack in your shoe. Lastly, the best you will do is an inconclusive result unless you know exactly when to perform the countermeasures.
For complete info on the trickery behind the polygraph, visit
AntiPolygraph.org. This is a completely non-profit organization dedicated to the abolsihment of the polygraph. While you are there, I suggest reading the
free book available for download,
The Lie Behind the Lie Detector. It explains the
trickery on which polygraph "tests" are based , how they work (and don't), and how anyone can use simple countermeasures to defeat the them. The site was founded by a number of individuals who were wrongly accused by this arbitrary, pseudoscientific process.
Also of interest to the readers on this site is a story in the Polygraph News about a Kansas City bodybuilding show where
all contestants were to be polygraphed.
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j/k
