Hello,
Is it possible to be told that you “failed” and in fact, passed or were inconclusive? I just took my 2nd poly today and am feeling overwhelmed.
Context:
Took first poly, not stressful, was told to come back for a second poly to focus on one question area. There was no interrogation.
Months later, I took second poly, I thought I had done well but the examiner left the room, came back after 10 minutes, said that quality control deemed that I “failed” and interrogated me intensely. They also said that because it was the 2nd time on the topic of interest I wouldn’t be reinvited back for a 3rd but did ask me later if I would be open to coming back if needed (but they didn’t anticipate it). Could this have been a bluff? They explicitly used the word “failed”.
Is a post poly interrogation always an indicator of failure? Also, do all polys go through adjudication?
Thanks!
what was the topic? They aren’t all equal
I’d rather not say, but I imagine CI topics are weighed more?
Your polygrapher’s claim that you failed might be a bluff, and a post-test interrogation is not a certain indication that one has “failed.”
In particular, the CIA and NSA routinely subject new applicants to multiple polygraph sessions during which the applicant will be accused of lying or withholding information and may be told that they have failed.
With federal law enforcement agencies, however, if the polygraph operator tells you that you failed and conducts a post-test interrogation, it is unlikely to be a bluff.
If you have not received any official notice that your application has been rejected, then you might yet be invited back for a “re-test.” Whether you are willing to put up with this shabby treatment is another matter.
To address your final question, all federal polygraph examinations are reviewed by another polygrapher. They call this “quality control.” It’s basically a bureaucratic ass-covering exercise, and the original polygrapher’s opinion is rarely reversed.