Polygraph

Increased Discussion and Interest In Polygraphs

polygraph-exam-header

Lately there has been a lot of discussion and questions on the site regarding polygraphs and in response I have put together this general information. Keep in mind that each agency has its own criteria and policies regarding the use of polygraphs and acceptable results.

NDI = A ‘passed’ polygraph

In the security clearance arena polygraphs are used to help determine an individual’s eligibility for a special assignment or access to specifically designated information protected within SAPs. The most desirable polygraph result would be something called NDI or “No Deception Indicated.” NDI means you passed. You can also “pass” the polygraph if you fall within an acceptable range of the NDI threshold. If you do not fall within the acceptable NDI parameter range of an agency or department’s polygraph program, your application process is terminated.

Types of Polygraphs

The Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph is the most common type of polygraph exam and it asks the candidate questions limited to those necessary to determine whether the examinee ever had any involvement with or knowledge of:

  •  espionage
  • sabotage
  • terrorist activities
  • deliberate damage of U.S. Government information systems
  • intentional compromise of U.S. Government classified information
  • secret contact with a foreign national or representative

On a Lifestyle Polygraph the candidate is asked questions concerning their personal life and conduct and can involve all aspects of present and past behavior. These questions might concern drug and alcohol use, sexual misconduct, mental health, family relationships, compulsive or addictive behavior. A Lifestyle Polygraph also looks for issues in a person’s private life for which he or she might be susceptible to blackmail or coercion. Exam questions cover the following topics:

  • involvement in a serious crime
  • personal involvement with illegal drugs during the last seven years
  • deliberate falsification of the security forms

The Full Scope Polygraph is a combination of both the Counterintelligence and Lifestyle polygraphs. Generally speaking, undergoing a Full Scope Polygraph is stressful, arduous, and not something to look forward to. Below are the physical aspects of the examination:

  • two pneumograph tubes are place around your chest and stomach to measure respiration
  • small cuffs are attached to your fingertips to measure electro-dermal activity
  • a blood pressure cuff to measure blood flow and heart rate
  • a sensor pad on chair seat to detect movement

Many who undergo a polygraph are just informed if they passed or failed, but don’t really know what that means. Below are the terms that identify the results of a polygraph, again, acceptable parameters vary depending on the agency:

  • No Deception Indicated (NDI): A favorable opinion regarding the outcome of an issue-based polygraph examination based upon test data analysis for all the relevant questions in a completed test series.
  • Deception Indicated (DI): An unfavorable opinion regarding the outcome of an issue-based polygraph examination based upon test data analysis for at least one relevant question in a completed test series.
  • No Opinion (NO): An opinion regarding the outcome of a polygraph or PCASS test series, or overall examination result, when there is insufficient physiological data for conclusive test data analysis. For statistical purposes, a case may be considered as a NO when an examinee withdraws consent to undergo testing before physiological data can be obtained.
  • No Significant Response (NSR): A favorable opinion regarding the outcome of a security screening polygraph or PCASS examination based upon test data analysis for all the relevant questions in a completed test series.
  • Significant Response (SR): An unfavorable opinion regarding the outcome of a security screening polygraph or PCASS examination based upon test data analysis for at least one relevant question in a completed test series.

 *Note– a PCASS is a diagnostic instrument used during an interview capable of monitoring, recording, and/or measuring electrodermal and vasomotor activity. The PCASS instrument uses an algorithm to evaluate the physiological responses recorded by the two components.

Comment Archive

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    From my past experiences in the past when dealing with individuals concerning their reliability and honesty with legal matters I noticed a change in their body language when they were withholding the truth.I many cases they became defensive in their body language they would not look at me straight in the eye when attempting to answer questions I had asked concerning on going problems with them.1)Of the body features was the constant moving of their body that featured the individual or individuals uneasy or uncomfortable at the time of questioning.2)Staring or rubber necking when I performed my security sweeps of the establishment while they were in or out of the premises.In the majority of the time when I asked and searched for weapons or illegal contraband I found it in or around them.One thing I would always ask individuals be honest the house policy which is posted in plain view to the general public states that you and your personnel belongings are subject to search if there is any indication that you are breaking any of the policy rules that were also posted in plain view to them at all of the entrances to the premises.3)The violent body language individuals had with my fellow employees or other clients in or around the establishment dirty looks,clinching their fists,shoulder blocking clients or employees as they walked by them as well as raising their voices to insinuate a physical confrontation or a fight.Your criteria that is listed for your clearances is vary basic for hiring individuals for employment.In today s modern world we have to beware of hackers,identity theft and the proper way to destroy sensitive documents that the general public can utilize to gain access to your back ground or your financial records or accounts.