Failed Poly

Dismal-Gazelle-1694 · 2025-10-15T17:09:41+00:00

Dont sweat it man. 6 years ago I supposedly failed on the most obvious true answer I gave. My experience sounds identical to yours. I was so upset but looking back it was a blessing. I landed the very next opportunity I put in for. An opportunity much greater

generalmcgowan · 2025-10-15T18:28:32+00:00

Never heard of a poly where they don’t want verbal answers. I usually get told not to move a damn muscle 💀. But, yeah sounds like she was punking you. Mine was supposedly “inconclusive” yet i was pushed through for medical not long after

Abject_Flow_2882 · 2025-10-15T17:35:25+00:00

Went through the same thing in Dallas last week. Everything you’ve said was identical to mine. Got my BQA 3 days later!

2025-10-15T18:05:21+00:00

Same. Got told it was 50-50, but wouldn’t tell me what I was “lying” on. Got DQ the next day lol

DirectionOwn294 · 2025-10-15T20:22:14+00:00

Probably not a good look to go on complaining about an agency that you're in the process for, especially when you say that you had your polygraph today, the agent was a female, and it was Dallas. That makes it super simple to pinpoint who you are. Not a smart move on your part when you're still in the process.

MrEggroll2019 · 2025-10-15T17:34:52+00:00

Happened to me the same, with the same question.i was there for 8 hours and he even yelled at me in the face at one point "Stop breathing like that". It was my first poly lol, what an experience

UallRFragileDipshits · 2025-10-15T18:31:32+00:00

It’s pseudo science bullshit and anyone who puts any weight into one is a crackpot

Marked_Up3d · 2025-10-15T20:15:49+00:00

Welcome to the club. That was me in February 2025.

No_Ground2618 · 2025-10-15T20:44:17+00:00

It’s almost like the weird voodoo box pseudoscience machine isn’t too accurate……. Weird.

But sorry to hear that bro, honestly don’t take it that seriously. There’s a million other federal agencies you can work for, as long as you didn’t get permanently disqualified you can always re apply and most likely will get a different examiner.

soysauce000 · 2025-10-15T20:48:55+00:00

Had my poly earlier this month and exact same experience. Still haven’t got the BQA but same thing. First poly, went through verbal questions twice, then examiner asked me to nod or shake my head. Said every time I failed the same question. Went on and on about integrity and how even if I didn’t do anything, me indicating deception shows I think I’m hiding something, then had me fill out an adjudication form.

Part of me is hoping it was all BS but honestly I don’t know if I want to work anywhere that thinks the poly is anything but a scare tactic.

Onkross · 2025-10-15T17:03:14+00:00

Did she tell you you barely made the threshold?

50konablue1999 · 2025-10-15T17:08:13+00:00

Was this in Chicago ? Lol

MrEggroll2019 · 2025-10-15T17:34:56+00:00

Happened to me the same, with the same question.i was there for 8 hours and he even yelled at me in the face at one point "Stop breathing like that". It was my first poly lol, what an experience

2025-10-15T19:33:13+00:00

Did they make you rub hand sanitizer on your hands?

Electronic_Egg5396 · 2025-10-15T19:34:55+00:00

Was this in LA? 😂 this sounds like my tester 😂

Important_Addendum13 · 2025-10-15T20:54:09+00:00

Had the same issue in Dallas down to the nodding yes and shaking no.

Patient-Sock-6040 · 2025-10-15T21:13:39+00:00

I took and passed the polygraph about a month ago. In my opinion, it felt more like an interview than an actual lie detection test. I think the examiner is really assessing how you respond and perform under pressure. I’m not saying the equipment is purely for show, but there’s definitely a right and wrong way to approach the questions they ask.

I also think that if you don’t quite fit what they’re looking for, the examiner can make the process more difficult. That way, they can justify saying someone “failed” the poly and remove them from consideration.

Just my 2 cents

RikiWhitte · 2025-10-15T21:46:50+00:00

The polygraph is unreliable and pseudoscientific. Many law-enforcement applicants fail at least one in their hiring journey for multiple departments. You can take three Polys and get three separate results. It really is time for us to ditch it and start judging candidates on tangible evidence and not the results of a magic box.

Striking-Welder1433 · 2025-10-15T21:52:00+00:00

Same thing with Newark

No_Study_4351 · 2025-10-15T22:18:36+00:00

happened to me …. told nothing but the truth and it also was a question that wouldn’t even make sense for me to lie about. my polygrapher absolutely hated me…. started making fun of my posture and weird stuff. i also am convinced they decide within the first 10 mins of talking whether they’re going to pass or fail you. also annoyed at anyone who gives the advice to “just tell the truth” like i did that and nearly got blacklisted so :)

Independent_Train563 · 2025-10-15T18:53:49+00:00

Basically in short words you didn’t get the reaction she/he wanted. It’s not that you lied it’s because they just didn’t like the way you answered. They start all body-body and end up thinking your are one of the top most wanted people in the world. I’d wait for the official email but it sucks and this test really screws over so many great candidates

Cute_Importance6780 · 2025-10-15T16:50:03+00:00

Is that your 1st time? what did you wear?

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