The Truth About the Polygraph (According to the NSA)

For the original NSA video in .mov, .wav, and .flv formats, and for the leaflet, see:

http://dssa.dss.mil/seta/training_videos.html

For a critique of the claims made in the NSA leaflet, see:

https://antipolygraph.org/blog/?p=424

For a thorough debunking of polygraphy, with extensive citations (including the U.S. Government's own polygraph literature) that you may check for yourself, see AntiPolygraph.org's free book, The Lie Behind the Lie Detector:

https://antipolygraph.org/lie-behind-the-lie-detector.pdf

See also these public statements by individuals who have gone through the NSA polygraph process:

https://antipolygraph.org/statements/statement-014.shtml

https://antipolygraph.org/statements/statement-019.shtml

https://antipolygraph.org/statements/statement-022.shtml

https://antipolygraph.org/statements/statement-033.shtml

http://www.rootsecure.net/content/downloads/pdf/nsa_interview.pdf

And for discussion of polygraph matters, see the AntiPolygraph.org message board:

https://antipolygraph.org/cgi-bin/forums/YaBB.pl

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• polygraph
• lie detector
• NSA
• educational

[daltonjparkes]

I understand that a polygraph does not actually detect lies, but why do law enforcement agencies and some federal agencies, like the FBI, use it in the hiring process?

[AntiPolygraph]

@daltonjparkes Federal agencies value the polygraph because sometimes applicants make admissions that disqualify themselves from the hiring process. In addition, so long as the general public believes in polygraphy, a policy of polygraph screening allows agency heads to appear to be "tough on security."

[TikiTDO]

This guy appears to have a very black and white view of the world. For instance, he asserts that people are most worried about reliability of the polygraph (Which he feels strongly about), when most people do not know the first thing about it beyond a few TV episodes. Also, he seems to consider polygraphy an exact science, capable of generating exact results, when the NSA video clearly states it is not clear, even with two seasoned examiners going over it. In all, a bit too much tinfoil.

[AntiPolygraph]

@TikiTDO The reason I suggest that most people understand, deep down, that polygraphy is unreliable is that in my experience, it is very widely understood by Americans that polygraph results are generally not admissible as evidence in US courts--and for good reason.

As for polygraphy being an exact (or inexact) science, the fact of the matter is that it is not science at all. This is not a controversial topic. The only ones claiming polygraphy is science are the polygraph operators themselves.

[jjuusstmmee]

@AntiPolygraph Just wondering what exactly is your experience with the Polygraph test. I am writing a research paper for class and I've been on your website a lot for information.

[AntiPolygraph]

@jjuusstmmee You can read about AntiPolygraph(dot)org co-founder George Maschke's polygraph experience on the site's "Personal Statements" page.

[ExistenceOnEdges]

the people in this video are not the brightest folks

[IJUSTSUBSCRIBENOW]

'Do you think that you will fail this polygraph because it's dubious science?'

Yes.

There are several issues with these tests that I can think of. Under bizarre circumstances, like false memory syndrome, people don't know what the truth is, in that situation the 'accusation in the question' will always show the person being a liar. Whether they say 'no' or 'yes' but more so with 'no'.

Then we have nerves. People might get extremely nervous when answering whether they murdered someone???

[TheMrBlinx]

Just as extremely dishonest people can lie and make it think they are telling the truth, extremely honest people can tell the truth and make it think they are lying. Why do you think it's not allowed in court? Overzealous cops have used it to bear false witness against countless INNOCENT people. Anyone who takes the word of a polygraph, is a liar and false witness, and is NOT interested in truth or justice at all. Maury Povich, Nancy Grace and John Walsh are all liars and false witnesses.

[sunaru1]

Perhaps the polygraph would be more realiable if the polygraph giver takes the test at exactly the same time. In fact, it should not be only the accused who takes the polygraph but also all witnesses and, most mortantly, the judge. The judge should be asked 'do you have a prejudiced opinion about this case'.

[thelostsoul4evr]

At first I thought he said polygamy instead of polygraphy..not used to that term.

[blazematt10]

Yea i knew that thing was bullshit I was just never completely sure

[530redshadow]

Your an inspiration, thank you! :') I take mine real soon. Wish me luck!

[ilovemyeg2sir]

9 members of the NSA saw this and disliked! LOL

[ilovemyeg2sir]

0:50 LOL