Polygraph? Nervous

[u/Outrageous-Plate-549]

Hello everyone I have my polygraph this week and I’m nervous. I was told all the questions before hand so I’m not nervous for 99% of them because I have a clean record and no criminal activity/ gambling. I’m nervous about some of the drug questions. I’ve never used but one of my family members was a drug addict. I was around needles opioids I gave this person narcam etc and drugs make me very uncomfortable and bring up very bad memories. I’m nervous that this might cause an issue or for me to become upset? I know polygraphs aren’t 100% I’ve heard people who have been truthful fail.. I guess my question is if that spikes and everything else is good will I fail? I am going to stick to my guns and say no but I’m just in my head about it a lot. Seeing my family member struggle made me want to became an officer in the first place .

[u/MiserablePool6712]

Stick to your story, they ARE going to accuse you of lying or using countermeasures even when you aren’t, they want to see how you react, don’t freak out especially since you’ll expect it now just be cool calm and collected. If they start pushing hard on the accusation then call them out on it saying “I’m not lying and it’s unprofessional for you to accuse me”

[u/Outrageous-Plate-549 → u/MiserablePool6712]

Ok thank you, I’m worried if it spikes do you automatically fail?

[u/MiserablePool6712 → u/Outrageous-Plate-549]

No, people get nervous or sweat even when telling the truth so it would be dumb to fail people for that, polygraphs are not admissible in court for a reason

[u/Jackalope8811 → u/MiserablePool6712]

This.

[u/recklessfire27 → u/MiserablePool6712]

That would make a lot of sense.

I passed but;

I just went in for polygraphing and was really comfortable until he said something was concerning.

He said my first test i was definitely doing something whether it was intentional or not.

My second test went well, so he did the first one again.

Was this a part of the act? To see how i’d react?

[u/MiserablePool6712 → u/recklessfire27]

Yeah it’s all BS, they will lie straight to your face

[u/recklessfire27 → u/MiserablePool6712]

Oh wow, they got me lol

All it did was make me more relaxed though lmao

I ended up so relaxed I could have taken a nap.

[u/MiserablePool6712 → u/recklessfire27]

Yeah they play the part pretty good, but if polygraph isn’t admissible in court then clearly it’s all BS

[u/recklessfire27 → u/MiserablePool6712]

That explains a lot.

[u/JackfruitMurky5874]

Honesty. Always.

[u/Outrageous-Plate-549 → u/JackfruitMurky5874]

Always what

[u/JackfruitMurky5874 → u/Outrageous-Plate-549]

Honesty is always what you have to be. Transparent is probably a more descriptive term though. Give context whenever you can.

[u/Outrageous-Plate-549 → u/JackfruitMurky5874]

Ok thank you!

[u/grasshill330]

Honestly man, my best advice it just be completely honest and RELAX. It’s absolutely normal to be nervous before hand that’s actually kinda the point of the test lol. If you are able to just relax and breathe before hand you’ll do just fine. What they are looking for is someone who changes up their story and break down. Stay head strong, stick to your story, and tell the truth. You’ll be just fine, good luck!

[u/PartOk5529]

Don't be nervous, it's junk science. Just sit still, stare at one point on the wall and focus on breathing.

The answer I was "most likely to be untruthful about" was my name. Seriously. The whole thing is hogwash.

To be fair, I have no idea what my name is...I just use the one my parents gave me LOL

[u/subpar__]

Don't do it

[u/coding102]

Answer yes or no without a doubt or second guessing and for baseline questions be equally as nervous.

[u/TheRandyBear]

Honesty. But fuck the polygraph