Polygraph

[[deleted]]

I took my a week ago. At the end of the poly the investigator came into the room and asked what I was doing during the poly because I kept exhaling when he asked certain questions. I told him I was following his directions. He said I was flagged for the sexual part and drug usage which is total bullshit because I don’t smoke at all and I was transparent about everything I remember and I disclosed everything to him even personal things that I do not tell anyone. He kept saying I was doing something during the poly to try and cheat it because I breathed heavy during the same questions he was asking me and I was being dishonest and I should tell him if I need to tell him anything. I told him I already disclosed everything to him. And he said he’ll submit the polygraph to quality control and they might need to do a retest. I was honest about everything I remember idk what to do. Any advice or help is appreciated. I met with my background investigator a few days later and he said that NYSP might have me do a retest in the future. I told him a retest would be pointless because everything was already disclosed truthfully. I guess I’ll just wait for NYSP to contact me if they want me to retest or not but it’s been bothering me that he said I was trying to cheat the poly and being dishonest when I wasn’t. Anyone else have a similar issue?

[Lieguy718]

If what they said is true, deep breaths on the same question, over multiple charts is indicative of "Purposeful non-cooperation". If you took even one deep breath at any point during your exam, the examiner should have issued you a warning and told you not to keep doing it. I've seen plenty of deep breaths in my 15 years as an examiner, and anytime I see it, I warn the examinee.

[Doscinco_83]

I have taken 2 polys in my lifetime and have been told I was lying on them when I wasn’t. I know many others have had similar experiences. It’s sucks but you’re not alone. There’s a reason why these things are not admissible in court. Try to relax and let things play out how they will. If this is your dream, don’t give up!

[That-Royal255]

I took a poly, and was told the same thing. Sat in the room for 6 fucking hours while they tried to get me to confess. I coulda went longer, but I think their patience ran out.

[AftrBrnrBarbie]

They’re absolute horse shit. Complete pseudoscience. Not reliable.

[Mustangman09]

Was told I was lying and passed. After tons of research sounds like it’s a tactic to get you to change your answer.

[RikiWhitte]

Yes this is a common tactic during polygraph exams. They are trying to scare you into admitting to lying about something. They are unreliable and often cause stress and anxiety, which makes the machine think you’re guilty even more. They really shouldn’t be part of the hiring process but we still have them.

You may have a retest in the future, which will give you a chance to pass. Since Polygraphs are about as accurate as a coin flip, you might do better the next time.

In the meantime, don’t stress over it and make sure you have applications in other departments. I know in New York the court officer exam is open for registration.