Lie detector.

[copcop1447]

If your a bit or extremely nervous while taking the polygraph test will you most likely fail. Some one I spoke to told me that they had taken a polygraph and failed because of a question like Do you know any terrorist or terrorist organizations who would want to bring harm to the U.S. Gov't? and the person said no which was the truth. Is this a standard question for police officers across the country? Any other input on polygraphs is welcome.


THANKS

[warlock]

I've heard the trick is not to THINK to much or dwell on answers. Be clear in your mind about how you feel before heading into the poly. Try to stay away from anything caffiene-related that would make your jittery or increase your heartrate. More often than not...if you take time to pause and think about something, that can indicate doubt on your part...which in turn can lead to failure.

[phuzz01]

This one could go south in a hurry...

[Somebody]

Yes, answer honestly and as said above, don't ponder. You DO have time, just don't spend more time on one question than you do another. If you are being completely honest, you shouldn't have to *think* about your answers anyway.

Bottomline is most agencies do not use the poly as a primary deciding factor, as the poly is not 100% accurate.

Now I just hope this won't turn into a flamewar =\

[md123]

O.k., lets tread lightly here . . . but I do have a poly qustion:

Does everything have to be answered in a mechanical "yes," or "no," or can you kind of talk about your interpretation of the question as part of the answer. So if I were asked "have you ever hurt anybody emotionally." I could respond by saying "well, certainly not on purpose, but I know I have inadvertantly, by breaking up with someone, etc.."

[mcsap]

It is BEST to answer short and to the point but some answers cannot be so abrupt. Try to explain if you must. Nervousness is COMMON on the VAST majority of persons who take a poly. They have even used me for practice and I felt nervous !! Being nervous is like a constant "hum" in the background. It doesn't show as abnormal in any way because you are nervous the WHOLE TIME.

[Toeknee112]

Reminds me of the scene from Meet the Parents where Robert Deniro gives Ben Stiller the poly! "Have you ever watched pornographic movies?" :D

[metallicat]

George Aaronow: When I talk to the police, I get nervous.
Ricky Roma: Yeah. You know who doesn't?
George Aaronow: No, who?
Ricky Roma: Thieves.
George Aaronow: Why?
Ricky Roma: They're inured to it.
George Aaronow: You think so?
Ricky Roma: Yes.

From "Glengarry Glen Ross".

[txinvestigator1]

Actually during the polygraph process (it is NOT a lie detector) you answer yes or no. During the interview prior to the test you emplain and rationalize your answers.

Being nervous has no effect.

[imacop]

you will have already gone over all the questions that you will be asked before the machine is even turned off. however the polygraph is about as accurate as a coin flip, and many MANY people are falsly accused of lieing. the reason most people recieve a false positive is because of the way they react to the control quesitons. there are three type of ?'s....control, irrelevant, and relevant. irrelevant are just that, and will be the questions you answer with a "yes" such as...is your name johnny? control questions are questions that MOST people cannot immediatly say no to without lieing such as, have you ever lied to get out of trouble? have you ever lied to a loved one? no matter how many times you answer yes to those in the pre interview, the polygrapher will force you into answering NO on the test, and taht will be scored as a lie. they take your responses from that questions and compare it with the responses from a relevant question such as do you smoke dope? if the control questions response is greater you pass. if it is less you fail, and if it is equal you are found inconlusive. so basically the more comfortable you feel answering a control question the better chance you have of failing. a popular control used, after verifying that you own a car, and comsume alcohol is have you ever driven under the influence? there are people out there who have not, however their answer is scored as a lie anyways, hence failing the next relevant question.

O.k., lets tread lightly here . . . but I do have a poly qustion:

Does everything have to be answered in a mechanical "yes," or "no," or can you kind of talk about your interpretation of the question as part of the answer. So if I were asked "have you ever hurt anybody emotionally." I could respond by saying "well, certainly not on purpose, but I know I have inadvertantly, by breaking up with someone, etc.."

[imacop]

do you know any agencies were that is policy? no federal agency will move you forward if you fail their poly and i have never heard of any local or state ones doing any different

Bottomline is most agencies do not use the poly as a primary deciding factor, as the poly is not 100% accurate.

[rdp]

however the polygraph is about as accurate as a coin flip, and many MANY people are falsly accused of lieing.

Are you a trained operator??

Or are you just making this statement from a miniscual amount of experience with a certain device??

This topic ALWAYS stirs up debate......we could quote PHD weenies left and right.

It is a part of LE, if you don't like it, don't apply.

[metallicat]

He isn't a cop as his name suggests. And he has made it clear that he only applies to police departments that don't polygraph their applicants. And on top of THAT, he has been banned from here twice...we are working on the third time. :D

[rdp]

Hmm.....

Oops, guess I just fed the troll. ;)

[metallicat]

He is different, people need to realize who he is and what his intentions are.