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What happens if you fail an FBI polygraph?


The polygraph, commonly known as a lie detector test, is a device that measures physiological indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing to determine if someone is lying in response to questions. Polygraph tests are sometimes used by law enforcement agencies and governmental entities like the FBI during investigations and the hiring process. Failing an FBI polygraph can have serious implications that depend on the context and purpose of the test.

Why Does the FBI Use Polygraph Tests?

The FBI utilizes polygraph exams for two primary purposes:

Pre-Employment Screening

Polygraph tests are administered by the FBI as part of the pre-employment screening process for applicants seeking jobs with the agency. The polygraph is used to verify information provided by applicants and screen for any potentially disqualifying illegal behaviors or activities.

Investigative Purposes

The FBI also uses polygraph examinations during criminal and national security investigations. Suspects or persons of interest may be asked to submit to a polygraph as part of an interrogation or information gathering technique. The results of investigative polygraph exams are generally not admissible in court but can provide investigators with leads or incriminating information.

What Happens When Someone Fails an FBI Polygraph?

The consequences of failing an FBI polygraph test depend largely on why the polygraph was administered.

Pre-Employment Exams

For pre-employment screening, failing a polygraph will generally result in disqualification and denial of employment with the FBI. After failing a pre-employment polygraph, an applicant is typically barred from reapplying to the FBI for a minimum of two years. In some cases, applicants may be permanently disqualified if the reason for polygraph failure relates to issues like falsification or criminal activities.

Investigative Polygraphs

During criminal or national security investigations, polygraph results are used in conjunction with other evidence gathered by investigators. Failing an investigative polygraph does not necessarily prove guilt or deception. But it usually leads to increased scrutiny and challenges to the person’s credibility or version of events. A failed polygraph can prompt investigators to pressure the individual for a confession or seek a warrant or subpoena based on corroborating evidence.

Why Do People Fail FBI Polygraph Tests?

There are several reasons an individual may fail an FBI polygraph test:

Physiological Responses

The polygraph machine detects changes in physiological factors such as respiration, heart rate and blood pressure. Significant fluctuations when a relevant question is asked can indicate deception and result in failure. However, these indicators can also be affected by nerves or medical conditions unrelated to dishonesty.

Lying or Withholding Information

Individuals who lie or purposefully withhold pertinent information during the polygraph are likely to fail. However, innocent mistakes or memory lapses can sometimes elicit measurements that examiners interpret as deception.

Countermeasures

In rare cases, a person may undertake deliberate efforts to manipulate polygraph results through countermeasures like altering breathing patterns or inducing pain responses to disguise lying. These tactics may result in failures.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions like arrhythmias can influence physiological readings and lead to polygraph failures even when the person is answering truthfully. Some medications may also affect results.

Testing Issues

Sometimes the structure, format or administration of the polygraph itself results in failed outcomes regardless of honesty. Pressure from aggressive or improper questioning tactics can jeopardize results. There may also be technical problems with calibration or functioning of the polygraph equipment.

Appealing or Retaking an FBI Polygraph

The process for appealing or retaking an FBI polygraph test depends again on why it was administered.

Pre-Employment Screening

For pre-employment exams, policies prohibit applicants from appealing failed polygraph results with the FBI. Retaking pre-employment polygraph exams is also not allowed, apart from possible exceptions granted at the discretion of the agency in rare circumstances. Applicants must wait the established time before reapplying.

Investigative Polygraphs

During investigative tests, individuals cannot attempt to appeal polygraph outcomes through the FBI. However, someone who fails an investigative polygraph may consult legal counsel and provide additional information or cooperate with investigators in an effort to counter or explain polygraph results. Defendants may also attempt to challenge the admissibility of failed polygraphs in court.

Can You Prepare for an FBI Polygraph?

It is not possible to truly “prepare” for an FBI polygraph in the sense of studying to ensure you’ll pass. However, the following tips can help maximize your chances:

Tell the Truth

Lying or concealing information will greatly increase risk of failure. Even innocent lies can register as deception. Honesty is the best policy.

Get Adequate Rest

Being well-rested can help you remain calm and ensure your physiological responses are natural and consistent throughout.

Avoid Stimulants

Caffeine, ADHD meds, and other stimulants can negatively impact results by elevating heart rate and blood pressure.

Listen Carefully

Pay close attention to the wording of each question, and answer exactly what is asked. Don’t volunteer extra information.

Stay Calm

Relax and breathe normally. Don’t fidget or tense muscles. Anxiety or nervousness can influence physiological indicators.

Disclose Medical Issues

Inform the examiner of any medical conditions or medications that could affect your results.

Conclusion

Failing an FBI polygraph test, for either pre-employment screening or investigative purposes, can have serious repercussions. During hiring, it results in disqualification from FBI employment for a minimum of two years. In investigations, polygraph failures fuel suspicion and can bolster other evidence of deception or wrongdoing. While results should not be treated as infallible proof, the FBI takes failed polygraphs seriously. Honesty, proper preparation, and disclosure of factors that may influence outcomes offer the best chance for passing. But ultimately, beating an FBI polygraph requires causing no measurable physiological indicators of lying in response to any questions asked.