The candidate is asked questions concerning their personal life and conduct and can involve all aspects of present and past behavior. Questions asked might concern drug and alcohol use, sexual misconduct, mental health, family relationships, compulsive or addictive behavior and more.
What kind of questions do they ask for a polygraph?
These questions can include questions regarding past criminal activity, to include drug use, your propensity to lie and forge documents, infidelity, family relationships, and your mental health. Can You Refuse to Take a Polygraph?
What is the scope of a polygraph test?
What is the scope of test questions? In a law enforcement preemployment polygraph examination, the questions include, but are not limited to, job related inquiries as the theft from previous employers, falsification of information on the job applications, the use of illegal drugs, and criminal activities.
What happens during a polygraph pre-test?
During the pre-test, the polygraph examiner will complete required paperwork and talk with the examinee about the test, answering any questions the examinee might have. It is during this phase that the examiner will discuss the test questions and familiarize the examinee with the testing procedure.
What happens if I elect not to participate in a polygraph?
Applicants who elect not to participate in a required polygraph test will be removed from consideration as this was a part of the police officer requirements. The purpose of the police polygraph questions is to verify the information that you have already provided.
How long does a CI polygraph take?
How long does the polygraph examination take? While the length of polygraph examinations vary, the average CBP polygraph examination time is approximately four (4) hours.
What happens if you fail a CI polygraph?
The Consequence of Inconclusive Results So, by “failing” a polygraph or producing “inconclusive results” you might not get the job or the clearance you're applying for – but you also won't lose any clearance you already have or jeopardize your future prospects of obtaining clearances that don't require a polygraph.
What is a CI Scope polygraph?
Counterintelligence-scope or CI-scope polygraph examination means a polygraph examination using questions reasonably calculated to obtain counterintelligence information, including questions relating to espionage, sabotage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure of classified information, deliberate damage to or malicious ...
What is CI polygraph clearance?
The CI Polygraph is the most common type of polygraph examination used in the security clearance process and is geared toward screening for security issues associated with espionage, sabotage, terrorism, unauthorized disclosure of classified information, unauthorized contacts with foreign nationals and deliberate ...
Can anxiety make you fail a polygraph?
According to a report from the National Academy of Sciences, “[a] variety of mental and physical factors, such as anxiety about being tested, can affect polygraph results – making the technique susceptible to error.” Unfortunately, once you have failed a government polygraph test, there may be little you can do to ...
Can a truthful person fail a polygraph?
According to Goodson, some people who are telling the truth can fail polygraph tests by trying too hard to control their body's responses.
How do you pass a polygraph if you are nervous?
Tice says it's also easy to beat a polygraph while telling a real lie by daydreaming to calm the nerves. "Think of a warm summer night... or drinking a beer, whatever calms you. You're throwing them off," he says.
What should you not do before a lie detector test?
In addition to being truthful, here are four rules to keep in mind if you need to take a polygraph for a government position.Follow your usual routine. ... Don't overthink. ... Don't over-volunteer information. ... Don't "study" to try to beat the polygraph.
Can you incriminate yourself on a polygraph?
(CN) — The federal government cannot force a convicted sex offender facing "authentic danger of self-incrimination" to take a polygraph test on past sex crimes, the 10th Circuit ruled Tuesday.
How often do people fail polygraph?
At the FBI, for example, about 25 percent of applicants fail a polygraph exam each year, according to the bureau's security director.
What causes you to fail a polygraph?
You can fail the test simply because you don't quite understand the question, or over-analyze the question each time, even if the examiner gave you clarification multiple times.
What is the most important topic covered in polygraph testing?
A rank ordered listing of topics covered during polygraph testing revealed that investigation of illegal drug usage, employment related dishonesty, and involvement in felonies are the most important.
What is an inconclusive polygraph?
In a real life setting an inconclusive result simply means the examiner is unable to render a definite diagnosis of truth or deception. In such cases a second examination is usually conducted at a later date.
Why do polygraphs make errors?
Polygraph errors may be caused by the examiner's failure to properly prepare the examinee for the examination, or by a misreading of the physiological data on the polygraph charts. As with any test involving humans, it's possible for an examiner to do everything correctly and still have the test result in an error.
What is the pre test for polygraphs?
A typical polygraph examination will include a period referred to as a pre-test interview, a chart collection phase and a test data analysis phase. During the pre-test, the polygraph examiner will complete required paperwork and talk with the examinee about the test, answering any questions the examinee might have.
What is a polygraph?
The term "polygraph" literally means "many writings.". The name refers to the manner in which selected physiological activities are simultaneously recorded. Polygraph examiners my use conventional instruments, sometimes referred to analog instruments, or computerized instruments.
What is the best way to record respiratory activity?
Corrugated rubber tubes (or electronic sensors) placed over the examinee's chest and abdominal area will record respiratory activity. Two small metal plates or disposable adhesive electrodes, attached to the fingers, will record sweat gland activity, and a blood pressure cuff or similar device will record cardiovascular activity.
Is polygraph testing accurate?
While no polygraph technique is infallible, research clearly indicates that when administered by a competent examiner who follows proper protocols, polygraph testing is one of the most accurate means available to determine truth and deception.
How to take a polygraph for government?
1. Follow your usual routine. Many applicants worry that something like caffeine will hinder their performance on the polygraph.
What is a polygraph?
A polygraph is a sweat-inducing made-for-TV spectacle that even the government considers to have dubious results (there is a reason polygraph findings aren’t admissible in court). But individuals in national security careers have to put aside their concerns about the reliability of a lie detector machine. Whether you’re applying for a job with the Border Patrol or as a CIA agent, a number of cleared careers require a successfully completed polygraph examination.
What is a full scope polygraph?
A full-scope polygraph combines the questions of both the CI and lifestyle polygraph.
What are the two types of polygraphs used for security clearance?
There are two types of polygraph examinations used in security clearance and employment screenings: counterintelligence and lifestyle. Counterintelligence covers questions of espionage, sabotage and terrorist activities and is designed to root out contact with a foreign national or the compromise of classified information. Lifestyle deals more with the personal questions you answered on your SF-86, such as illegal activity, drug use, or falsification of the security clearance forms.
Why are some people incorrectly flagged?
Some are incorrectly flagged because they feel guilty for thinking about doing wrong. ”. If this applies to you, go ahead and share that with the polygraph examiner. Just don’t find yourself going so far as to admit to something that isn’t true, when the reality is you’re thinking your way around an issue. 3.
What to say when you are asked to elaborate on a response on SF-86?
If you’re asked to elaborate on a response provided on your SF-86, stick with the facts. “I might have been driving drunk before that disorderly conduct charge” is a more speculative (and incriminating) response than sticking with the facts: “I had been drinking, and was later arrested for disorderly conduct.” And again, if “I don’t know” is the real answer, then give that answer.
Can you speculate on a polygraph?
If at any time during the polygraph you’re asked to speculate in providing a response, don’t do it . This isn’t a job interview, where you need to dazzle your examiner with your savvy and finesse. Sometimes “I don’t know” really is the correct answer. If you receive a question that comes out of left field, or that appears to purport information you didn’t include on your SF-86 (and which isn’t true), it’s okay to honestly plead your ignorance to your examiner.
What are the categories of polygraphs?
Now, polygraphs tend to be one of 3 categories: Lifestyle, Counterespionage, and Full Scope. Now, as for what getting fluttered is like, if they don’t have your file in front of them, they will ask you a series of questions for background before they begin the examination. They’ll then ask you a series of baseline questions to determine ...
What is CI poly?
It will most likely say "CI Poly" which is a Counter Intelligence polygraph which will primarily focused on your allegiance to the United States along with verifying the information you provided to get the TS clearance in the first place.
Can trick questions be asked beforehand?
There shouldn't be any trick questions that you didn't go over beforehand. They are not looking for a “gotcha” moment, they are trying to get an accurate. Continue Reading. They will ask Yes or No type questions. Some will be verification of the information you've already given. They will go over all the questions with you beforehand.
Do you need a poly for a top secret clearance?
World renowned cardiologist explains how with at home trick. Top Secret clearances do not require a poly typically. Only specific jobs within the clearance level might require them. It would also depend on what type of polygraph you're required to get.
What is the purpose of polygraph questions?
The purpose of the police polygraph questions is to verify the information that you have already provided. Another purpose is to find out information about you that you have not provided and may be concealing. One of the key factors the hiring agency wants to determine is if you are an honest person with integrity.
What information do you need to fill out a polygraph?
You will be asked information about your personal history such as where you were born, where you have lived, and information about your relatives.
Why is it not uncommon to get false positives on a polygraph?
Because the polygraph is one of the most stressful experiences a person can go through, “ false “positives” are not uncommon. There is so much riding on this test that it is not unusual for it to appear that an applicant is not telling the truth, when in fact they are.
What is a polygraph test?
The polygraph test is usually reserved for those being considered for employment. Because of the cost involved with administering a polygraph test, it is often given towards the ends of the hiring process and only to those applicants who are part of the final group which are under consideration to be offered conditional offers of employment.
What questions are asked in the criminal history questionnaire?
The questionnaire will contain questions about your driving record, your alcohol use, your personal behavior. There will be a lot of questions about illegal drug use.
Why do law enforcement agencies want to know if you applied to other law enforcement agencies?
Agencies want to find out if you applied to any other law enforcement agencies where you were rejected because of a background investigation, polygraph, psychological assessment, or anything else which would reflect negatively about you.
Do police officers need a polygraph?
Complete List of Police Polygraph Questions. When applying for law enforcement jobs, a polygraph test may be required. This will depend upon the agency you are applying with and the job that you are applying for. Not all jobs and not all agencies require a polygraph test as part of the hiring process. If a polygraph will be required, often that ...
What are the standard questions in a police polygraph?
The standard questions in a police polygraph are going to be a set of control questions to establish a baseline for both truth telling answers and for obvious untruths. Then the subject will be asked some very simple and definitive questions about the act being investigated. These defining questions will call for a yes or no answer and the results will determine truthfulness on those critical questions.
How long does it take to get a polygraph?
This might take fifteen minutes or several hours. Once he’s done, he’ll hook you up to the machine. This consists of a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm, an inflatable tube across your chest (to measure respiration rate), and electrodes on your fingertips to measure changes in galvanic electrical conduction (if you start to sweat, the conduction is better). You’re seated in a chair, and in one case, I was swiveled around so my back was to the examiner.
How many questions are asked in a tonic test?
First it depends on the matter under investigation. If i were giving the test you would get three questions to establish you tonic base line. An introductory question about the matter being investigated, three questions about the matter being investigated, three questions you and i both know you are lying to and an outside issue question. You are aware of each and every question on the test there are no surprises.. Stress is not a part of the test. Every one taking a “test” is under a great deal of stress, when the “test” begins and when it done. The “test” does not detect lies, rather an infe
What are the types of questions asked in a test?
As other commenters have described there are two types of questions that are asked. Control questions, basic questions where that the answer is known. Is today Tuesday,?, Is your name Tom? etc. These questions are all Yes or No. The second type of questions are case-specific. Did you take money from the deposit bag?, Did you stick a knife into Joe ? etc. Also yes or No answers. These questions ARE NOT SURPRISES, They are discussed in detail prior to the test. The questions need to be carefully crafted so that semantics is eliminated. There is a difference between taking something from a business and taking money from the deposit bag. A person could feel guilty about taking some paper products or pencils which is not what the test is being designed for but instead the money taken from the deposit bag. These questions are discussed at length between the subject and the operator to eliminate any confusion, accidents or unintentional acts.
Is a polygraph a joke?
First of all, a polygraph test is a joke. Read this. Polygraph - Wikipedia
Can you ask questions on a polygraph?
No questions are asked on a polygraph. It’s a machine that records various body responses when a person answers questions asked by another person.
Can you not be nervous when you're hooked up to a contraption?
Its practically impossible to not be a nervous wreck when you're all hooked up to a contraption designed to, in effect, read your mind. I got put on high blood pressure meds that I didn't need just because I was nervous when the nurse took my blood pressure. (Its called white coat syndrome)
What happens when you pass a polygraph?
When the questions are over, the reviewer will ask you about your responses if the results are inconclusive or it's determined that you lied. Official results of the test are not released until another polygraph examiner confirms them. If you passed, you will not be asked in for another test.
What are the two types of polygraphs?
There are two types of polygraph exams that can be issued: counterintelligence and lifestyle. Counterintelligence questions cover the following topics: espionage, sabotage, terrorist activities, deliberate damage of U.S. Government Information Systems, intentional compromise of U.S. Government Classified Information, ...
What are lifestyle questions?
Lifestyle questions include: involvement in a serious crime, personal involvement with illegal drugs during the last seven years, and deliberate falsification of security forms. Related: Search for Security Clearance jobs.
Can you take a polygraph if you are sick?
If you're sick, you most likely won't be tested until you get better, as illness may make you uncomfortable, which will affect the readings. Whether your take medication or not, Thomas P. Mauriello, the Department of Defense chief, recommends the following prior to taking a polygraph:
Do you need a polygraph for security clearance?
Not all security clearance applications require a polygraph, but when they are necessary it helps to know what you're getting into. According to William Henderson, a retired federal clearance investigator and author of "Security Clearance Manual," polygraphs are usually only issued "for Sensitive Compartment Information (SCI) ...
What does "come clean" mean in a polygraph?
1. Mainly, as a prop to induce the person being interrogated to make admissions to the polygraph operator. E.g., "The polygraph says you are lying, come clean and we will go easy on you." You may be brought back repeatedly for this treatment. As long as you don't "come clean" they will likely give you a pass.
Do you have to disclose anything on a polygraph?
If you are getting info from someone who has ACTUALLY taken a poly test, then you should know that you aren't getting an answer you want to hear, because the polygraph requires that you NOT disclose anything covered in a polygraph test. Kind of a catch 22 you might say. So just keep guessing what is asked.
Is it self fulfilling to research polygraph countermeasures?
Well now its not self fulfilling, I know that they ask that question, but I can answer confidently that I've never researched polygraph countermeasures. It is possible, through forums such as this, to find answers and information would specifically researching them. Just clicking on this thread is not research into polygraph countermeasures per se (unless you came upon it through searching Google for how to evade a polygraph).
What questions are asked in a polygraph?
These questions can include questions regarding past criminal activity, to include drug use, your propensity to lie and forge documents, infidelity, family relationships, and your mental health.
What is the most important thing to ask when applying for a polygraph?
One of the areas that raises most concern to applicants are requests by the polygraph operator to disclose prior drug or alcohol abuse. Being truthful is always the best policy in this regard. Often, however, the operator will then ask applicants to how many times they engaged in the subject behavior. You should always avoid being forced to provide a specific number, unless you have a very clear memory of exactly how many times you engaged in the activity.
What is a polygraph test?
Polygraph tests are part of the investigation process. The polygraph operator will make a full report regarding your polygraph examination and will also provide an assessment with respect to your cooperation. Any information that is obtained during the examination can be used against security clearance applicants at a later time, such as during a formal hearing, at which time the government counsel can refer to your polygraph answers.
What is the importance of polygraphs?
It is important to understand that polygraph exams rely on physiologic changes in your body as an indicator of your truthfulness. Physiologic changes can take many forms such as changes in your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and skin moisture (or, sweating).
What is a lifestyle polygraph?
The counterintelligence polygraph focuses on whether you pose a threat to turning into an agent of a foreign power, whereas, a lifestyle polygraph focuses more on your decision making process and whether any of your decisions could subject you to blackmail in the future.
Which government agencies conduct polygraphs?
Many government agencies conduct counterintelligence polygraphs. These agencies include but are not limited to: (1) the Department of Defense; (2) The Department of Homeland Security; (3) the Department of Energy; (4) the Department of Justice; (5) the Central Intelligence Agency; (6) the Federal Bureau of Investigations; (7) the National Security Agency; (8) the Defense Intelligence Agency; and (9) the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Do operators pressure applicants to answer questions?
Similarly, operators often pressure applicants to provide answers to questions that the applicant is unsur e of. Perhaps feeling pressured to provide an answer in these situations, some applicants guess or make up answers to their questions. It is important, however, not to do this.
