Polygraph Results and Arrhythmia

[cmrider]

A few weeks ago, I had my physical done for the Border Patrol. Everything was normal and I passed.

The week after, I tested with the Dallas PD. Passed everything, except my polygraph results were 'inconclusive.' I read the sheet and it said that I was tense the whole time and basically failed every question...I was a bit perturbed, as I know I didn't lie at all during the polygraph, I was just nervous as heck.

Well, today I got a letter from the BP Human Resources Dept. that more or less said, "Hey, you might want to get this checked out" and then pointed out that I had a slight sinus arrhythmia. It's 'not likely clinically significant,' but could this be a reason I couldn't keep calm during my polygraph? And is this something I should bring up to the Dallas PD??

Thanks in advance,
CMR

[Kodiak PA]

The arrythmia was probably from your EKG that they want you get that checked. Arrythmia's can range from anywhere from "normal" (a sinus arrythmia is a normal variant in a thin person for example) to abnormal rhythms such as a heart block. EKG's are tracings from the electrical system of the heart and have nothing to do with the polygraph charts though the polygrapher does check your heart rate among other things. So the short answer is that a arrythmia has nothing to do with the inconclusive polygraph.

Don't sweat it, the polygraph is about one step higher than vodoo in my opinion.

[1895bombdog]

I've taken several polygraphs, told the complete truth and then called a liar by the examiner. While they may work on some they do not work on everyone. It's an investigative tool. That's it. A lot of dept. use them as a mind game to get you to disclose information that you wouldn't have otherwise. They do not detect lies. They detect your body's response to specific questions. You mind, memories, values and morals are far too complex to be accurately monitored by a few wires. Since the polygraph is administered/evaluated by a person it's subject to human error and can never be 100% accurate.

Check out: http://antipolygraph.org/

[cmrider]

I've been researching polygraphs ever since mine came back inconclusive...Other than me being nervous as heck, I can't think of a reason that mine is saying that I'm trying to be deceptive...I dunno what's going to happen if I don't pass the one at the end of the month...they already sent me to the boards, and I passed those...

[blackwaterops]

Are they making you take one with the Border Patrol to?

[cmrider]

Are they making you take one with the Border Patrol to?

Ya know, I'm not sure. I've looked on the website - that was one of the first things I did after the Dallas poly...and nothing! I've already passed a background investigation and all that good stuff...just have to do an interview with 'em on Tuesday...that's pretty much the last step in the whole process besides a drug test...who knows. :confused:

[NOLAPIG]

BP doesnt require a poly.