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Thursday, June 7, 2012

Polygraph Counter - Measures

Tis No Deceit to Deceive the Deceiver
—title of a play by Henry Chettle,
1598
Dr. Gordon H. Barland,
more than a decade before his recent retirement, has defined countermeasures
as “deliberate techniques that deceptive subjects use in
an attempt to appear non-deceptive when physiological responses
are being monitored during a PDD [psychophysiological detection
of deception] examination.”
who worked as a DoDPI researcher for23
We will adopt a broader definition than Dr. Barland, and define
polygraph countermeasures as simply “deliberate techniques that
may be used to ‘pass’ a polygraph interrogation.” While deceptive
persons may choose to employ countermeasures in order to appear
non-deceptive, truthful persons may also choose to use them to
protect themselves against a false positive outcome.
In this chapter, we will discuss three basic methods for protecting
yourself against a false positive outcome:
1. refusal to submit to polygraph interrogation;
2. complete honesty;
3. polygraph countermeasures.

Just Say No
The surest approach to avoid a false positive outcome is to refuse to
submit to polygraph interrogation. However, this approach may
have serious adverse consequences. If you refuse to submit to a
polygraph screening interrogation, you may be denied employment,
and if already employed, you may lose your job.
A Special Note to FBI Applicants
Those considering employment in the Federal Bureau of Investigation
should seriously consider refusing to submit to the polygraph
and withdrawing from the application process. Since the events of
11
applicants has risen to about
The consequences of failing an FBI pre-employment polygraph examination
are more serious than with other agencies:
• You will be disqualified from FBI employment for life;
• Your polygraph failure will be recorded in your permanent
FBI HQ file;
• You may be blacklisted from employment with other federal
law enforcement agencies, and may have difficulty finding
employment with local agencies as well;
• You will have difficulty ever obtaining a job that requires a
security clearance. When background investigators do a National
Agency Check, they will learn that you have an FBI HQ
file; upon obtaining your file, they will see that you failed the
polygraph. No security clearance adjudicator is eager to put
his or her neck on the line by granting a clearance to someone
who “failed” a polygraph “test.”
You may wish to carefully consider whether the FBI polygraph is a
risk worth taking.
September 2001, the polygraph failure rate among special agent50% (Mondics 2002; Geracimos 2002).

If You Are Suspected of a Crime
If you have been asked to submit to a polygraph examination in
connection with a criminal investigation, “just say no!” You should
not submit to
you refused to submit to a polygraph “test” will not be admissible
any polygraph “test.” (In most cases, the fact that
as evidence in court.) Instead, you should get a lawyer. If for some
reason your lawyer advises you to submit to a police polygraph
interrogation, ask him to read this book. Just like a majority of the
public at large, many lawyers are simply ignorant of the true nature
of the polygraph process. If, after reading this book, your lawyer
still
fire your lawyer. You have little to gain by submitting to a polygraph
interrogation and much to lose: if you “pass,” the police may well
continue to suspect you regardless; if you “fail,” it will only confirm
their suspicions, and news of your “failure” may well be leaked to
the local media to smear you. As John A. Larson, a pioneer of
polygraphic lie detection lamented:
advises you to submit to a polygraph “test,” you should probably
I originally hoped that instrumental lie detection would become
a legitimate part of professional police science. It is little more
than a racket. The lie detector, as used in many places, is nothing
more than a psychological third-degree aimed at extorting confessions
as the old physical beatings were. At times I’m sorry I ever
had any part in its development.
24
Top-flight defense attorneys
“test” conducted by the police or any other authority. In the
few cases where clients are polygraphed (most notably high profile
cases where the client is being tried in the media), the attorney
makes arrangements to hire a private polygrapher. The “test” is
conducted in private, and the results, which are protected by
attorney-client privilege, are released only if the client “passes.”
This was the protocol used by the attorneys for O.J. Simpson, John
and Patsy Ramsey, and Gary Condit. The Ramseys and Condit
“passed,” and their results were therefore made public. Mr. Simpson
apparently fared worse, and his results were never made public.
never let their clients submit to a polygraph
(After word got out that Mr. Simpson had been polygraphed by a
private examiner, the official explanation was that he was hooked
up to the polygraph to see how it works, but that no actual “test”
was conducted.)
In refusing to submit to polygraphic interrogation, you may additionally
use the “complete honesty” approach described below.
If, for some reason, you still feel compelled to submit to a polygraph
interrogation, some reasonable safeguards you may wish to adopt
include:
1. Refuse to sign any agreement stipulating that the polygraph
results will be admissible as evidence in court;
2. Insist that your lawyer be present with you during the
entire
polygraph examination;
3. Refuse to submit to any “post-test” interrogation;
4. Insist that the entire polygraph examination be video recorded
(or at a minimum audio recorded) and that a copy of the
recording be made available to you immediately upon completion
of the polygraph session.

Complete Honesty
A second approach is to be completely honest with your polygrapher.
Tell him that you know the lie behind the lie detector. Explain to
him that you understand that the true purpose of the “stim test” is
to dupe you into believing in the validity of polygraphic lie detection.
Tell him that you understand the trickery behind “control” question
“tests”—whether probable- or directed-lie. Explain that you understand
the difference between “control,” relevant, and irrelevant questions
and that you have studied and know how to employ polygraph
countermeasures. Give him a printout of this book to prove it in a
way that he will not be able to later deny. Explain to him that you
are not a suitable candidate for polygraphic interrogation, and request
that your polygraph “testing” be waived.
One of the authors of this book knows of a Department of Defense
employee whose polygraph screening was waived when he explained
to his polygrapher that he understood how polygraph “tests” work
and that he had received training in how to defeat them.
But beware! While the Wizard of Oz may have meekly admitted
to being a humbug once the curtain was drawn aside and his humbuggery
laid bare, your polygrapher might not be so accommodating.
One graduate of DoDPI has cautioned that if a subject were to
follow this “complete honesty” approach, the polygrapher would
probably go ahead with the polygraph interrogation anyhow and
arbitrarily accuse the subject of having employed countermeasures.
Maureen Lenihan is a case in point. She worked as a research assistant
with the federal Commission on Protecting and Reducing Government
Secrecy, also known as the “Moynihan Commission.”
later applied for employment with the CIA. She explained to her
CIA polygrapher that she had researched polygraphy while working
with the Commission. The polygrapher proceeded with the interrogation
anyhow, and later accused her of having employed countermeasures.
(Weiner,
When one of the authors of this book specifically asked then
president of the American Polygraph Association, Mr. Milton O.
“Skip” Webb, Jr., how an APA member should proceed if a subject
were to reveal that he/she has read
25 She1999)The Lie Behind the Lie Detector
and understands the psychological manipulations involved in both
the “stim test” and the “control” questions, Mr. Webb declined to
provide an explanation.
26
In a discussion on the AntiPolygraph.org message board,
coauthor asked Dr. Barland:
What would you say to the earnest employee or applicant for
employment who wants a straightforward answer to this simple
question: what will the polygrapher do if I admit to him/her that
I understand “the lie behind the lie detector?”
In reply, Dr. Barland stated that he “would have no qualms about
conducting an examination,” adding that his personal outlook is,
“when in doubt, give it a try and see what happens.” He indicated
that in such a situation, it would make good sense to switch to a
technique such as the Relevant/Irrelevant “test,” which he believes
is less susceptible to countermeasures. But when asked on what
scientific basis he expected to be able to distinguish truth from
deception using this thoroughly discredited technique, Dr. Barland
declined to answer.
We believe that the ethically preferable choice for those facing
polygraphic interrogation is to either refuse to submit or to use the
“complete honesty” approach (or both). If everyone who reads this
book were to do so, it would force the agencies that are using
polygraphy against their employees and prospective employees—as
well as the elected representatives who have sanctioned it—to confront
the plain truth that the lie behind the lie detector has been
exposed. It would quickly spell the end for polygraphy. But we are
also aware that these two choices carry with them a high “first-mover
disadvantage” and may entail serious adverse consequences for those
with the moral courage to adopt them.
We believe that it is not unethical for truthful persons—faced
with a government that routinely lies to and deceives its employees
and prospective employees through the polygraph screening process—
to employ polygraph countermeasures to protect themselves

Polygraph Countermeasures:
How to Pass a Polygraph “Test”
(First, if you haven’t read Chapter
carefully.)
The key to “passing” a polygraph “test”—that is, to producing a
“truthful” chart—is to produce stronger physiological responses
when answering the “control” questions than when answering the
relevant questions.
We Americans have a thriving folklore about how to beat a polygraph
“test.” You may have heard that you can pass by taking drugs
such as meprobamate, by rubbing antiperspirant on your fingertips,
or through meditation or hypnosis, or by wiggling your toes, or
flexing your arms, or coughing. Forget these. They are prescriptions
for failure.
Perhaps the most widely-known countermeasure is the old tackin-
the-shoe. While this countermeasure (if properly applied) can
be effective, polygraphers have developed counter-countermeasures
for it (the simplest being to simply make the subject remove his
shoes).
Read on to learn how to pass your polygraph interrogation.
3, go back to page 86 and read it

Two Types of Countermeasures
There are two basic types of polygraph countermeasures: behavioral
and chart-recording manipulation. Behavioral countermeasures are
those things that you can do to appear honest and truthful to your
polygrapher, while chart-recording manipulations are those countermeasures
that will actually affect the physiological responses measured
by the polygraph instrument. We will discuss both types,
on the Polygraph Procedure forum of the AntiPolygraph.org message board.
beginning with behavioral countermeasures.
Make No Admissions
Rule number one is to make no admissions! While the lie detector
cannot detect lies (it only records physiological responses), any admissions
you make will be duly noted by your polygrapher. Admissions
that may seem minor to you can be spun out of all proportion
by your polygrapher. He sees admissions as trophies. Don’t give
him any.
The only exceptions to this rule are that, during the “pre-test”
interview, you may make minor admissions regarding the “control”
questions only, such as stealing candy when you were a child, or
lying to your parents, or taking pens home from work. But go no
further.
In addition, if you are submitting to a directed-lie “Control” Question
“Test” such as the TES format used by the Departments of
Defense and Energy, you should not stubbornly deny having ever
committed one of the common human failings used in the directedlie
“control” questions such as violating a traffic law, or having told
a lie, even once in your life, etc. (See p.
directed-lie “control” questions.)
105 for a list of common

…And Sign No Statements
A common tactic used by polygraphers is to request the subject to
write out and sign a statement listing the admissions they have
supposedly made. It may not be in your interest to sign any such
statement. Suppose, for example, you admit during your “pre-test”
interview, or in the pre-polygraph questionnaire that some law enforcement
agencies require applicants to fill out, that you smoked
marijuana three times while you were in high school. Your polygrapher
asks, “Can you really be sure that it was only three times? Any
doubt in your mind will show up on the polygraph. Would it be
fair to say that you used marijuana less than ten times? Yes? Then
very well, why don’t you write that down here and sign.”
When you sign that statement saying that you used marijuana “less
than ten times” instead of the three times that you said earlier,
you’ve just given your polygrapher a signed “confession” that he
can use to portray you as having been dishonest when you claimed
to have used marijuana only three times.

Polygraph “Tests” are Interrogations
Your polygraph “test” is actually an interrogation. Even if you have
not been accused of anything specific but instead face polygraph
screening, you must never forget that your polygraph “test” is actually
an interrogation.
Some security officials are fond of the quip, “In God we trust—all
others we polygraph.” Don’t
polygrapher. Some will be friendly, others confrontational. Some
will regard you as a criminal suspect, while others will expect you
to pass (especially when large numbers of employees are screened).
Other polygraphers will have decided
to fail you before the polygraph
interrogation even begins.
Your polygrapher may very
well be polite, pleasantmannered,
and congenial, but he
is also a trained interrogator who
understands that he may at first
catch more flies with honey than
with vinegar. He is not your
friend. He is not there to “help”
you. Be on your guard at all
times.
you make the mistake of trusting your

Recognizing Common Interrogation Tactics
Your polygrapher is a trained interrogator. Polygraph schools devote
a substantial portion of their curricula to teaching students tech-
niques for duping examinees into making damaging admissions.
And many polygraph examiners are already experienced criminal
investigators well before they are sent to polygraph school. This is
almost always the case when the polygrapher is a law enforcement
officer. In some agencies, polygraph examiners may be evaluated
based on the number of admissions or confessions they receive
(which gives them a strong incentive to get some kind of statement
from you that can be characterized as such). This was once—and
may still be—the case with FBI polygraphers. And John F. Sullivan,
who retired from the CIA in
Agency’s polygraph division, reports that CIA polygraphers are evaluated
precisely on the basis of admissions obtained (Sullivan,
at p.
1999 after a 30-year career in the2002,174):
…Our performance is evaluated on the number of admissions
we obtain and the amount of information developed from those
we test.
Perhaps the most common (and most effective) interrogation technique
employed by polygraph examiners involves projecting a false
sense of empathy for you and your situation. The examiner’s goal
when using this approach is to get you to believe that he is there to
help you. (He isn’t.) When employing this approach, the examiner
is likely to downplay the seriousness of the behavior you are being
asked about or accused of. For example, the examiner may tell you
that his agency is “not looking for Boy Scouts.” He may even claim
that he engaged in the very same activity that he is asking you
about or accusing you of and was still hired. Don’t fall for it.
One of the gravest mistakes one can possibly make is to believe
that your polygrapher is the one exception and that he is there not
to interrogate, but rather to help you along in the application process.
The polygrapher may indeed be a “nice” guy. You may even become
friends with him if you are eventually hired. Nonetheless, this does
not change the fact that he is an interrogator, and his job is to get
you to make disqualifying admissions.
During the “post-test” phase, the polygrapher may alternatively take
an adversarial approach. He may instruct you to move your chair
so that your back is to the corner. He may then accuse you of being
deceptive in a hostile and aggressive manner. He may invade your
personal space and posture himself in a threatening manner. This is
a favorite tactic of U.S. Secret Service polygraphers. Keep your cool
and deny the polygrapher’s allegations in a forceful but respectful
manner.
The aggressive and empathetic approaches are often combined by
the polygrapher/interrogator. Commonly known as the “good
cop/bad cop” routine, in the context of a polygraph interrogation,
the polygrapher/interrogator adopts one approach and immediately
makes a
Another common interrogation technique is known as the “egotistical
approach.” Here, the polygrapher’s goal is to play upon
your pride. He may bring up your academic achievements, language
skills, or other attributes that make you an attractive candidate for
the position. The goal here is to make you feel that you are no
ordinary applicant and that the agency will bend over backward to
hire you. After doing this, he is likely to return to the empathy
approach, downplaying the seriousness of the behavior in question
and asking you to admit to it so he can “go to bat” for you against
the supervisors at headquarters. (Janniro,
To get a good sense of the “themes” that may be spun by polygraphers
in an attempt obtain admissions, see pages
“Interview and Interrogation” handbook, which is available for
download on AntiPolygraph.org.
180-degree turn toward the other.1991, pp. 38-39)8391 of the DoDPI28
Your goal during any interrogation is to avoid making damaging
admissions or statements that may lead the polygrapher on to un-
welcome lines of questioning.

Make a Good First Impression
Your polygrapher’s subjective opinion of you may influence the
outcome of your polygraph interrogation. Look your best. Make
sure you have a conservative haircut; dress professionally, polish
your shoes. If you’re a woman, wear make-up, but not too much.
Be friendly. Smile. Keep good eye contact with your polygrapher,
but don’t stare. Your polygrapher may interpret avoidance of eye
contact as a sign of deception. Don’t mumble. Answer questions
directly—with confidence and without hesitation—but be natural.
You don’t want to appear like Data in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

Arrive Early to Avoid Being Late
The last thing you want to do is to arrive late for your polygraph
interrogation. Your polygrapher may interpret your late arrival as a
subconscious attempt to avoid the polygraph—heightening his suspicion
of you even before he asks his first question. If the drive to
the polygraph site will be in rush hour traffic or take more than an
hour, you might want to get a hotel room near the “test” site the
night before.

A Warning to U.S. Secret Service Applicants
If you are seeking employment with the U.S. Secret Service, your
pre-employment polygraph “test” will probably begin in the morning
and continue into the afternoon with no break for lunch. This
seems to be a deliberate psychological tactic designed to wear down
applicants. Make sure to get a good breakfast.
Remember, You Are Being Watched
Be aware that from the moment you arrive for your polygraph
interrogation, your polygrapher will be observing you. He will size
you up based not only on what you say, but also on your appearance
and demeanor. When you arrive early, you don’t want to be seen
fidgeting in the waiting room, which, like the interrogation room
itself, may be equipped with a two-way mirror or a concealed video
camera. You might consider bringing something to read or otherwise
keep yourself productively occupied while waiting.
If you choose to bring something to read, your choice of reading
material is important, because it, too, will make a subtle impression
on your polygrapher. Bring something like a professional journal, a
publication like
Journal,
it’s something highbrow. Don’t bring a trashy dime novel or tabloid
newspaper. And by all means, don’t bring anything remotely related
to polygraphy! In addition, you might not want to bring one of the
publications listed above—polygraphers who read this book might
now become suspicious if you do. You want something that will
subtly make a favorable impression on your polygrapher. (Clifton,
Newsweek, National Geographic, or The Wall Streetor a bestselling novel or professional book. Just make sure
1991
wish to bring a briefcase with paperwork, a notebook computer, or
PDA to work on while you wait. A third alternative is to bring
nothing at all and calmly wait: some polygraphers who read this
book may come to view a subject’s bringing reading material or
work with him to be a telltale for countermeasure use. The key
point remains not to be seen nervously fidgeting while you are
waiting.

The “Pre-Test” Interview
Be polite and cordial. Answer your polygrapher’s questions directly,
but remember to make no damaging admissions! In response to
the “control” questions, you may admit to some minor childhood
misdeeds. But in response to the relevant questions, you should
make no admissions whatsoever. Any minor admissions you make
regarding the relevant questions may be spun out of all proportion
by your polygrapher.
Keep your answers short. Answer any yes/no questions with a simple
“yes” or “no.” Avoid replies such as “yes, basically” or “not really.”
Such evasive answers will make you appear deceptive to your polygrapher.
Don’t be chatty or palsy-walsy with your polygrapher. If
you are overly talkative and ingratiating, your polygrapher may
interpret this as a sign of anxiety—and hence deception. Moreover,
he may use superfluous information you provide to fabricate an
admission.

How Polygraphers May Expect Truthful Subjects to Behave
According to two luminaries of the polygraph field, John E. Reid
and Richard O. Arther (Reid & Arther,
traits are typical of truthful subjects:
1953), the following behavioral
Because everyone given a lie-detector examination is suspected of
some wrongdoing, innocent subjects are usually very glad to be
given an opportunity to prove their innocence. Often they have
requested it so that no suspicion will be directed towards them.
This belief that the innocent have in the accuracy of the lie-detector,
and that they will be exonerated, is usually shown by their attitude.
This attitude is one of genuine confidence in both the machine
and the examiner. Because of this confidence they regard the
examination as an experience they will want to relate to their
family and friends.
Innocent subjects may refer to their nervousness, but after the
assurance of the examiner that nervousness makes no difference,
they are usually convinced and make no further reference to it.
Innocent subjects are often at ease, light-hearted, and talkative.
However, they are very sincere and their straight-forwardness is
displayed when they discuss the case during the interview.
Their attitude is later manifested by their giving complete cooperation
during the test....However, while being cooperative and
sincere, innocent subjects are not overly polite or solicitous.
In a separate article, Reid (
polygraph subject would hypothetically answer “No” in response to
the question, “Did you steal the
1982) goes on to describe how a truthful$500?”:
The subject who answers “NO” and is direct and unequivocal -
almost angry and very crisp is telling the truth.
The subject who says “NO” in a very final way is telling the truth.
The subject who says “NO” indicating disbelief is telling the truth.
The subject who says “NO” indicating you must be kidding is
telling the truth and,
The subject who says “NO” in a challenging way, like “I should
say not” is telling the truth.
How Polygraphers May Expect Deceptive Subjects to Behave
Reid and Arther (
postpone their polygraph examinations and tend to be late for their
appointments or fail to appear at all. They further opine:
1953) hold that guilty subjects will often try to
Once in the examining room the guilty person often looks very
worried and is highly nervous. This nervousness is manifested in
a variety of ways, e.g., acting aggressive, having a bitter attitude,
appearing to be in a shocked condition, experiencing mental
blocks, being evasive, having an extremely dry mouth, continually
sighing or yawning, refusing to look the examiner in the eye, and
moving about. Sometimes he is too friendly or too polite.
Guilty subjects repeatedly feel it necessary to explain before the
examination why their responses might mislead the examiner
into believing that they are lying. Hence, they complain of being
nervous, and if that does not seem to impress the examiner, they
further emphasize their “nervous condition” or mention a physical
defect which they may or may not actually have. Also, they frequently
feel it necessary to assure the examiner that they are very
religious, hoping the examiner will dismiss them as innocent because
of their alleged righteousness.
Guilty subjects sometimes claim that the apparatus is causing
them physical pain. They do this for at least one of several reasons.
First, they hope that the examiner will turn off the instrument,
remove the apparatus, apologize for the pain that was caused,
and report to the investigators that this subject cannot be examined
because of his great pain sensitivity. Second, its [
sic] provides
the examiner form obtaining a suitable recording. Third, they are
hoping that the examiner, when interpreting the record, will
wrongly decide that their guilty responses are pain and report
them innocent.
...
Since the entire lie-detector situation is unpleasant to most guilty
subjects, they usually want to leave the examining room as soon
as possible. Therefore, they inquire after the first test as to how
they came out, ask if the examination is not over yet, complain
that the examination is taking much too long, seek a speedy release
by alleging that they have another appointment, or refuse to continue
with the examination. When leaving they often quickly shake
the examiner’s hand and hurry out of the laboratory.
detectorthem with an excuse for not sitting still and thereby preventing
Regarding how a deceptive subject would hypothetically answer
“No,” in response to the question, “Did you steal the
(
$500?” Reid1982) writes:
The subject [who] says:
“NO” - crosses his legs and shifts in the chair is lying.
“NO” - looks in a different direction, down and up, or sideways
is lying.
“NO” - closes his eyes is actually seeking to escape and is lying
[sic, trying?] to hide.
“NO” - shakes his head NO and tried to place more emphasis on
NO to be more convincing.
“NO” - answers late is lying. Actually the delay is caused by the
debate in his mind, “Shall I say YES, I better say NO.”
“NO” - questions. A breathless sort of way is lying but is offering
a “NO” as “try that on for size” is lying.
“NO” - hesitates and appears to be thinking is actually hiding
behind an alleged seriousness is lying.
“NO” - studies, sort of false deliberation is lying.
“NO” - apologizes in saying "NO" is lying.
“NO” - plead is lying.
“NO” - qualifies the NO by the inflection of the voice is lying.
“NO” - has an empty or washed-out look, but this is a last ditch
effort to “get out from under” actually is lying.
“NO” - pauses and looks like the question was not directed to
him even though he and the questioner are the only ones in the
room and the question is directed to him. He almost appears to
be in an hypnotic state. He is lying.
“NO” - studied eyes is lying.

Mind Games
Your polygrapher/interrogator may play little games with you to
establish his dominance. Upon entering the polygraph room, you
should find that it is skillfully orchestrated for interviewing and
interrogation. The room will be sparsely furnished, with a table for
the polygraph instrument, a chair for the polygrapher, a chair for
you to sit in while connected to the polygraph instrument, and,
quite possibly, a third chair for you to sit in during the “pre-test”
phase. Your chair for the “pre-test” interview will in all likelihood
be stationary, while your polygrapher’s chair will probably be wheeled
for his ease of movement, placing you at a psychological disadvantage.
Upon entering the room, you may find that the chair you are to
sit in is facing the wrong direction or in the wrong location. By
directing you to move the chair, your polygrapher may subtly demonstrate
that
Your polygrapher may instruct you to remove your coat and hand
it to him, whereupon he will remove it from the room. He does this
to make you feel as though you are being psychologically “stripped.”
And by taking your coat out of the room, he wants you to feel that
he now controls a piece of you.
You may also be made to wait for your polygraph interrogation
in an uncomfortably overheated waiting room.
he is in control.
Do not be intimidated by your polygrapher’s little mind games.
Play along. Let your polygrapher think that he is in control.

More Smoke and Mirrors
A former polygrapher who gave up polygraphy because he considered
certain aspects of it to be unethical has revealed some additional
tricks of the trade (Anonymous, n.d., c):
The fake card trick was not the only ploy built into the school
curriculum to give the examiner some help in reaching his conclusion.
One such item was a serious plea to the testee to go to
the washroom and scrub both hands thoroughly - because “the
instruments won’t give me good results unless your hands are
spotlessly clean.” When the person goes to the empty bathroom
by himself, the examiner spies on his activity through a one-way
mirror. If the individual seems intent on foiling the examination
by failing to wash the hands, the examiner gets a pretty good hint
that he is not a truthful person. Often one hears the water running
and sees the individual pretending to wash his or her hands.
A similar stunt is to leave him/her in the room alone with the
polygraph itself, always laying on a stern injunction not to touch
or even breathe on the equipment because “it’s so delicately balanced
it will screw up all my results if it’s moved or shaken.”
Once again a one-way mirror comes into play. It is amazing how
many times one sees a wise-guy trying to loosen a wire or otherwise
shake-up the instruments.
If your polygrapher instructs you to wash your hands, do so. If left
alone in the polygraph room, don’t tamper with any equipment.
And
surveillance (for example, by making faces or gesturing toward any
mirror)!
don’t make it obvious that you know you might be under
“So What Do You Know About Polygraph Testing?”
At some point during the “pre-test” interview, your polygrapher
will ask you what you know about polygraphy. Don’t get into an
argument with him about the validity of this voodoo science! Polygraphy
is his profession, and if you question it, he will take offense
(and be more likely to conclude that you are deceptive).
If you’ve been polygraphed before, you can mention it. But don’t
tell your polygrapher that you’ve read this book or that you’ve
done research on the Internet and visited such websites as
AntiPolygraph.org! If you admit to having researched polygraphy,
your polygrapher will become suspicious. His next questions may
well be, “Why have you educated yourself so much about the polygraph?
Do you have something to fear from it?” Instead, provide a
general answer to his question about what you know about polygraphy,
such as:
• I heard on T.V. that they’re almost always accurate when
used by a skilled examiner. Is that right?
• A friend of mine in law enforcement said not to worry, just
go in and tell the truth, and you’ll have no problem!
• I understand that polygraphs are a lot more accurate than
those voice stress analyzers. (Polygraphers generally hold the competing
voodoo science of Computerized Voice Stress Analysis
[CVSA] in utter contempt.)
• I read in the paper that the polygraph has been constantly
improving with time and that the latest computerized polygraphs
are very reliable.
• When I was in grade school, a polygraph examiner came
and gave a demonstration to my class and showed us how the test
is done using my teacher as a volunteer. She lied about a card she
had picked from a deck, and the polygraph examiner caught her
lie and was even able to figure out exactly which card she had
picked!
• I heard it caught O.J. in a lie! (Virtually no one in the polygraph
community believes O.J. Simpson to be innocent of the
murder of his ex-wife, Nicole.)
and are just the kind of thing your polygrapher wants to hear.
Whatever answer you give, don’t memorize and repeat the above
examples word-for-word. Polygraphers will be reading this book,
too, and if something you say exactly matches something in this
book, your polygrapher might notice! You may wish to combine
elements from any of the above examples with your own experience,
or think of new examples on your own. And you can always fall
back on ignorance: “I really don’t understand how polygraph tests
work.”
All of these answers show confidence in the validity of polygraphy

Tips for Identifying “Control” Questions
During the “pre-test” phase, your polygrapher will review with you
the questions that he’ll be asking during the “in-test” phase. You
need to pay close attention and be able to distinguish between relevant,
irrelevant, and, most importantly, “control” questions.
Note that in directed-lie formats such as the TES, your polygrapher
will identify the “control” questions for you: they are the ones which
he will instruct you to answer falsely. When we speak of identifying
“control” questions below, we’ll be referring to probable-lie “control”
questions.
In order to become adept at identifying “control” questions, however,
you need to understand the rationale behind them. (We discussed
“control” questions at some length in Chapter
3 at pages
97Ð105.
will not do.
) Simply memorizing lists of common “control” questions
Note:
with which you are applying for employment, do not attempt to characterize
each question on the list as a potential polygraph question.
Questions asked during the “in-test” phase (that is, while you’re attached
to the polygraph instrument) often differ greatly from those provided
on background questionnaires, and you will be better off studying
question types here.
If you receive a lengthy background questionnaire from an agency
As explained in Chapter 3, probable-lie “control” questions are concerned
with behavior that the polygrapher secretly assumes most
people in society—even those who will be selected for hiring or
granted a high level security clearance, etc.—will not be able to
deny with
when interpreting each of the examiner’s questions as strictly as
possible: “Will the polygrapher assume that even a very honest
person would have a hard time answering this question
Take for example the question, “Did you ever cheat in school?”
You may not have broken into faculty offices to steal an exam. But
most people have at some point glanced at another student’s paper
during an exam or copied a friend’s homework. At the very least,
the great majority of students have likely written segments in research
papers that should have been better cited. Thus, this is a control
question.
Consider next the question, “Have you ever stolen anything?”
Interpreted strictly, this question includes the theft of pens, pencils,
a sip of soda before you top off your self-serve drink at the local fast
food restaurant, etc. Once again, since almost everyone has done
such things, polygraphers will assume that your denial is less than
completely truthful. Hence, this a control question.
Contrast this with the following question: “Have you ever stolen
anything worth over
“control” question, the polygrapher and the agency employing him
would have to assume that all applicants or employees screened
have stolen something worth this substantial amount. This is simply
not a reasonable expectation. The polygrapher would not assume
that everyone—including those who will be or have already been
hired—has pilfered objects of such high value. In actuality, nearly
everyone (except out-and-out criminals) will have an easy time
answering this one truthfully without even thinking about it. Thus,
100% truthfulness. Ask yourself the following question100% truthfully?”$200/$500, etc.?” For this question to be a
this does not fit the mold of a “control” question. It is a relevant
question.
Naturally, you may wonder, “What is the dollar cut-off amount?”
This depends on what the agency’s policy is regarding acceptable
thefts. You must consider whether or not the agency believes that
even the great majority of the people it would be willing to hire (as
well as current employees) have engaged in this behavior (no matter
how despicable the polygrapher may attempt to convince you he
considers it to be). We recommend that you assume that any preemployment
screening question that includes a minimum dollar
amount (that is, “Have you ever stolen anything worth more than
__ dollars?”) is relevant.
Note:
screening is, “Have you ever stolen money from an employer?”
Although agencies assume that all applicants have helped themselves
to small things (office supplies, etc.), they do not assume that applicants
they wish to hire have helped themselves to the cash drawer. The
question is a relevant one.
Another common theft-related question in pre-employment polygraph
Ambiguity in “Control” Questions
One of the hallmarks of “control” questions is ambiguity. Their
scope tends not to be clearly defined. Relevant questions, by contrast,
tend to be quite specific and leave little room for doubt.
Take, for instance, the common “control” question, “Have you
ever told a lie?” Strictly speaking, this question includes all lies,
even those you told as a young child, or regarding your opinion of
someone’s new hairstyle, and so forth.
If the examinee keeps answering “yes” to this question during the
“pre-test” interview and admitting to having told little white lies,
the polygrapher may modify the question to, “Have you ever lied
about anything
because just what is meant by “serious” has not been defined for
the examinee. It remains a “control” question.
serious?” Note that the question is still ambiguous
Let us consider the question, “Have you ever committed a crime
for which you have not been caught?” Here, the scope of the term
“crime” is not clearly defined. Technically speaking, jaywalking,
public urination, underage drinking, and unauthorized downloading
of copyrighted music from the Internet are illegal. This is a “control”
question.
However, this question can be transformed from a “control” to a
relevant question with a simple change in wording. “Have you ever
committed an undetected
asked by U.S. Secret Service polygraphers in pre-employment
screening. During the “pre-test” interview, the examiner carefully
explains exactly what crimes the Secret Service considers to be “serious”
for the purposes of this question. This list includes murder,
robbery, rape, arson, grand larceny, etc. The examiner may note
that the question does not include the possession and use of false
identification for purposes of underage alcohol consumption, but
that it does include the sale of such counterfeit documents. It is not
expected that most applicants have committed a serious undetected
crime, and the question is not ambiguous. It is a relevant question.
serious crime?” is a standard relevant question

“Read” the Polygrapher
The polygrapher’s demeanor often provides helpful insight into the
nature of each question. Remember, upon introducing “control”
questions, the polygrapher will usually attempt to steer you into a
denial. For example, he might tell you that his agency has absolutely
no tolerance for academic dishonesty before asking, “Did
cheat in school?”
A common tactic used during the “pre-test” phase to manipulate
the subject into a denial goes as follows:
The polygrapher introduces the control question, for example,“
Have you ever told a lie?”
The examinee
The polygrapher rewords the question to, “Besides what you have
told me, have you ever told a lie?”
The examinee responds affirmatively yet again and makes another
minor admission.
After a few cycles of this, the polygrapher launches into a little
speech on the importance of honesty and explain what a dim view
his agency takes to lying. He then asks the leading question, “You
haven’t lied about anything else now,
have you?”
Another tip for “reading” your polygrapher is this: if you ask for
clarification regarding what is meant by a question, does he provide
a helpful explanation? If he sidesteps your question with an evasive
answer like, “It means whatever you think it means,” then it is a
good bet that the question is a “control” question.
Has the question been prefaced with a modifier? Since most subjects
normally make some minor admissions to the “control” questions
during the pre-test interview, they are frequently rephrased with a
modifier like “other than what you have told me.”
Don’t fall into the trap, however, of thinking that every question
that is modified in this manner is a “control” question. For example,
suppose you are being polygraphed for employment with an agency
whose stated policy is that marijuana use up to
but that any usage in excess thereof is an automatic disqualifier. If
you admit having used marijuana six times, one of your
15 times is acceptablerelevant
questions may well be, “Besides what you told me, have you ever
used any illegal drugs?” The key point here is that while modifiers
such as “besides” often accompany a “control” question, the mere
presence of such a modifier does not guarantee that a question is a
“control” question.

A Final Tip on Identifying “Control” Questions
Note that it is standard practice for polygraphers to review the
different kinds of questions
example, in DoDPI’s “Law Enforcement Pre-Employment Test,”
as groups during the pre-test phase. For
questions to be asked are reviewed, then the “control” questions,
and finally, the irrelevant questions are reviewed. This practice of
grouping questions by type during the pre-test phase makes identifying
“control” questions easier.
the sacrifice relevant question is introduced first, then the relevant

Want to Get Anything Off Your Chest? No!
After he has reviewed with you the questions he’ll be asking during
the “in-test” phase, your polygrapher will give you the “opportunity”
to get anything off your chest that may be “bothering” you. Don’t
fall for it. Make no admissions.
Chart-Recording Manipulations
We will discuss here manipulations to affect the breathing and cardio
channels of the polygraph instrument. These manipulations may
also affect the electrodermal channel.
Breathing Countermeasures
Your polygrapher will attach the polygraph’s electrodes to your
ring and index fingers, the inflatable pressure cuff to your arm (or
perhaps a transducer set to your thumb instead), and place one
pneumograph tube around your chest and the other around your
abdomen. From the moment the pneumograph tubes go on, you
need to be concerned about your breathing. Many people are falsely
accused of attempting to “beat the box” because they (in the polygrapher’s
opinion) breathe too deeply or too slowly or both.
Your polygrapher will be happy if your breathing rate is between
about
each. Pick a breathing rate within this range that is comfortable for
you and take relatively shallow—not deep—breaths. Each breath
should be about the same length. Practice until it becomes second
nature.
15 and 30 breaths (in and out) per minute, or 2Ð4 seconds
You should maintain this baseline breathing pattern until the pneumograph
tubes are removed from your chest and abdomen. Don’t
relax and change your breathing pattern as soon as the last question
has been asked! The polygraph is still recording your breathing,
and your polygrapher may let the instrument continue recording
your physiological responses for a minute or so after asking his last
question in order to see if your breathing pattern changes. He may
interpret any change after the last question is asked as an indication
that you were employing countermeasures.
Your polygrapher will ask his series of questions, with a pause of
about
categorized the questions he reviewed with you as “control,”
relevant, or irrelevant during the “pre-test” interview. There will be
no surprises.
question, then you should err on the side of caution and assume that it
is relevant.
20Ð30 seconds between questions. You will have already mentallyIf you cannot decide whether a question is a “control”
As soon as you recognize that the question your polygrapher is
asking is a “control” question, or, alternatively, immediately after
answering the question, change your baseline breathing pattern to
produce one of the five pneumograph reactions that DoDPI considers
to be most significant in chart scoring:
29
Note:
None of these manipulations call for deep breathing, that is,
filling your lungs to full or nearly full capacity. Such deep breathing is
likely to be interpreted by your polygrapher as an attempted countermeasure.
The first reaction, blocking, is also the easiest. It is achieved by
simply holding one’s breath for four or five seconds (anything much
longer may make your polygrapher suspicious)
as illustrated in the DoDPI graphic below
The second reaction, a respiration rate decrease, may be produced
by simply breathing more slowly for
the asking of the next question:
The third scorable reaction, a change in inhalation/exhalation ratio,
may be effected by exhaling more slowly than inhaling for 5-15
seconds, ending before the asking of the next question:
The fourth reaction, a decrease in amplitude (also known as suppression),
may be produced by taking several shallower breaths and
after breathing out,30:5-15 seconds, ending before
then returning to one’s baseline breathing pattern, as illustrated
before the asking of the next question:
The fifth reaction is similar to the fourth, except that breathing
becomes shallower gradually before returning to one’s baseline
breathing pattern. Again, this should be done for 5-15 seconds,
ending before the asking of the next question:
below. This should be done over the course of 5-15 seconds, ending
Cardio/Electrodermal Countermeasures
In addition to the breathing countermeasures described above, you
can enhance your cardio (heart rate and blood pressure) response
to the “control” questions by choosing
them may be overkill) of the following two, additional countermeasures.
These countermeasures may also produce an associated
electrodermal response:
1.
in your head as quickly as you can. For example, divide
one (and only one, as combiningMental countermeasures: Perform mathematical calculations183 by
4
focused concentration is also effective. For example, pick an
arbitrary number (say
or calculate the square root of 223. Other activity that requires854) and count backward by 7s as quickly
exciting thoughts, (e.g., falling off a cliff, an encounter with a
rattlesnake, being raped at knifepoint—use your imagination).
You want to think of something that will make your heart
race and cause an increase in blood pressure. Again, begin
either as soon as you recognize a “control” question, or right
after answering the “control” question, and continue for
as you can (Honts et al., 1994). Alternatively, you may think8Ð20
seconds, but no longer than the beginning of the next question.
A breathing reaction may naturally accompany such mental
activity without your having to think about it.
2.
hard enough to produce moderate pain, but don’t cut your
tongue. (Honts
either as soon as you recognize a question as a “control” question,
or right after answering the “control” question, and continue
for
the next question. If you start biting as soon as you recognize
the “control” question, you will of course pause long enough
to answer the question, and then resume the tongue bite. Be
subtle, your polygrapher mustn’t notice. You can practice this
“pain countermeasure” in front of a mirror.
Tongue biting. Bite down slowly on the side of your tongueet al., 1985, 1994; Stewart, 1941) Again, begin8Ð20 seconds, but no longer than the beginning of

What About the Anal Sphincter Contraction?
The first three editions of
constriction of the anal sphincter muscle as a physical countermeasure
to be applied timely with the asking of the “control” questions.
This is one of the most discussed polygraph countermeasures
(Lykken,
well wonder why it has been dropped from this book.
In recent years, polygraph manufacturers such as Lafayette and
Axciton have begun marketing piezoelectric sensor pads that they
claim aid in the detection of physical countermeasures. These pads
are typically placed on the seat of the polygraph chair, and additional
The Lie Behind the Lie Detector included1998; Williams 1996; Reid & Inbau, 1977), and readers may
pads may also be placed on the armrests or beneath the subject’s
feet. While no polygrapher has ever demonstrated any ability to
detect the anal sphincter contraction employed as a countermeasure,
even with the aid of such pads, we cannot exclude the possibility
that a sphincter contraction
weight distribution over the surface of a piezoelectric sensor pad.
Given this uncertainty, we believe that mental countermeasures or
tongue-biting, which plainly
preferable.
might result in a detectable change incannot be detected by such means, are

Countermeasures and the “Stim Test”
Don’t try to mystify your polygrapher by producing a reaction to a
card or number other than the one you actually picked or wrote
during the “stim test” (see pp.
breathing and cardio countermeasures you’ve learned to augment
your physiological responses as you answer the question about the
number or card
think that you really
when you react strongly to the “control” questions.
89Ð92). Instead, by employing theyou actually picked, you can make your polygrapherare a “screamer,” and he won’t be surprised

Practice Makes Perfect
You should practice both the breathing and cardio countermeasures
until you can employ them at will and with confidence. It would be
wise to re-read Chapters
3 and 4 of this book several times.

What About the Relevant Questions?
You may naturally be upset at being asked accusatory questions
such as “Did you leak that memo?” or “Have you committed an act
of espionage against the United States?” Don’t worry. Just maintain
your baseline breathing pattern. Your mind should be more at ease
knowing that you—and not your polygrapher—are in control. Even
if you produce a slight response when asked the accusatory relevant
while answering the “control” questions.
questions, you will have artificially produced stronger responses
Countermeasures and the Relevant/Irrelevant “Test”
If you encounter a Relevant/Irrelevant “test” (see pp.
of the much more common “Control” Question “Test,” don’t worry!
Because the polygrapher typically places more reliance on his subjective
impression of the subject’s honesty with this technique, the
behavioral countermeasures discussed earlier in this chapter will be
of increased importance, and combined with a lack of any substantive
admissions on your part, may well be enough to get you through
the “test.”
In addition, recall that with this technique polygraphers look for
“consistent, specific, and significant” responses to a particular relevant
question over multiple charts. You can prevent such a pattern
from occurring by simply producing responses to two differing
groups of two relevant questions within the different chart presentations.
117120) instead

It’s Not Over Till It’s Over
Remember to continue your baseline breathing pattern until the
pneumograph tubes are removed from your chest and abdomen.
If you have correctly identified the “control” questions and applied
the countermeasures described above, you should have produced a
strongly “truthful” chart.

To Explain or Not to Explain
Responses to Relevant Questions
At some point in the “in-test” phase, your polygrapher may turn
off the polygraph instrument, sit down in front of you, tell you that
a question is troubling you, and ask you if there is anything you
would like to get off your chest before a repeat polygraph chart is
done. This is a commonly-used bluff. Don’t fall for it.
If you have agreed against our advice to submit to a polygraph
interrogation in a criminal investigation, then under no circumstances
should you try to explain why you might have reacted to a
question. Remember that any minor admissions you make at this
point are likely to be blown out of proportion. Maintain your truthfulness
politely, but firmly. “I told you the truth, nothing is bothering
me about that question.”
If, however, you have submitted to a pre-employment or postemployment
polygraph screening interrogation, then you should
have some explanation prepared in advance that cannot be turned
into a damaging admission, just in case your polygrapher tells you
that one of the relevant questions really seems to bother you. If you
refuse to offer any explanation at all as to why you might have
reacted to a certain relevant question, then your polygrapher might
interpret it as stonewalling and use his discretion to render an adverse
opinion. Thus, you should appear concerned and puzzled as you
offer a pre-planned explanation. Some examples of explanations
that cannot be twisted into damaging admissions include:
• “All I can think of is that I’ve always felt guilty when I’m
accused of something. When I was a kid, if my Dad asked me if I
had done something bad or a teacher accused me of copying
someone else’s homework, even if I hadn’t, I’d get upset, and I
just knew I looked guilty to them.”
• “The only thing that comes to mind is that I’m in the middle
of reading a Tom Clancy novel which involves espionage/drug
dealing.” (If you use an explanation like this, be prepared to name
the book, and be sure you’re familiar with the story, just in case.)
• “I recently heard that an old childhood friend of mine died
of a drug overdose. I hadn’t seen him in years. I never would have
imagined that he would grow up to become a drug abuser. I
polygraph countermeasures
153
couldn’t help thinking of him when you asked me the question
about drug use.”
You want to make certain that your “throw-away” explanation does
not invite further interrogation. For example, if the last explanation
in the above list referred simply to “a friend” rather than to “an old
childhood friend” whom you hadn’t seen in years, it might invite
interrogation about the kind of people with whom you associate.
Don’t memorize and repeat any of the above explanations word
for word! Again, polygraphers are reading this book, too, and if you
recite any of the explanations provided here verbatim, your polygrapher
may catch on. Instead, have a couple explanations based
on your own life experience handy before you go into your polygraph
interrogation.
Be especially careful with any throw-away admissions you make
regarding drug use. Something as simple as admitting that you
took a prescription drug every four hours instead of the every six
your doctor prescribed, or that you lent a college roommate a handful
of prescription acne treatment cream, could well be written up by
the polygrapher as, “In the post-test interview, the applicant admitted
to illegal drug use that he did not disclose in his application.” (We
are aware of a case involving an applicant for employment with a
federal law enforcement agency where this actually happened.)
If your polygrapher remains unsatisfied after you have offered
your explanation as to why you might have reacted to one of the
relevant questions, then you should offer no further explanation. “I
told you the truth. I can’t think of any other reason why I might
have reacted when you asked that question.”

Which Question Bothered You the Most?
After collecting the polygraph charts, rather than directly accusing
you of deception, your polygrapher may begin by asking
you to tell
him
the “control” questions as being the one that most troubled you.
which question troubled you the most. Be sure to name one of
You might also have an innocuous explanation prepared, for example,
“I was most troubled by the question about lying to a loved
one, because I suddenly remembered that last month, I told my
mother-in-law that I couldn’t come over on the weekend to paint
her house because of work, but I actually had a fishing trip planned.”
(Again, don’t memorize and repeat the foregoing explanation word
for word! Come up with your own.)

Don’t Stay for a “Post-Test” Interrogation
After you’ve gone through all the question repetitions, your polygrapher
may attempt to subject you to a “post-test” interrogation.
He may tell you that your charts show deception (even if, based on
polygraph doctrine, they don’t), and that he can’t help you unless
you admit to whatever it is that was bothering you. Again, don’t fall
for this bluff. Your polygrapher is not there to “help” you. He is
not going to “go to bat” for you against headquarters. The sole
purpose of the “post-test” interrogation is to obtain a confession or
damaging admission. If your polygrapher attempts a “post-test”
interrogation, it is a good sign that you have already “failed.”
We believe that ethics dictate that one should be truthful with a
potential employer from the earliest point in the application process.
Having provided truthful information, under no circumstances
should you deviate from what you provided, no matter how hard
your polygrapher may lean on you. Remember that even an innocent
remark can be twisted into a damaging “admission.”
nothing to gain by remaining for a “post-test” interrogation. While
a “failed” polygraph “test” can be detrimental to your future employment
potential (both with the testing agency and others), a
polygrapher’s report that you admitted to withholding information
31 You have
can be absolutely devastating. Politely, but firmly, terminate the
lying. I don’t understand. I have nothing more to say to you. Good
day.”
In terminating the interrogation, be sure to avoid the following
mistake, which Reid (
deception:
interrogation, and leave. “I told you the truth, but you say I’m1982) held was the surest behavioral sign of
The most significant behavior symptom that is indicative of guilt
is after a subject has been accused as guilty during an interrogation
and denies his implication, but while being dismissed turns to
the examiner, shakes his hand and says, “sorry to have cause you
so much trouble?”

A Note to CIA and NSA Applicants
If your polygraph examination is for employment with the CIA or
NSA, do not be surprised if you are told that you are “having
problems” at the end of your polygraph session, subjected to a
“post-test” interrogation, and scheduled for a “re-test.” It seems to
be standard operating procedure for these agencies to subject applicants
to more than one polygraph session. One recent CIA applicant
has explained how his polygraph operator, who had led him
to believe that he had just one shot at the polygraph, falsely accused
him of deception, subjected him to a full-blown “post-test” interrogation,
and then left the room
32:
He returns. Here it comes I think. To my surprise he announces
he has spoken to a supervisor about my case. I am being allowed
a chance to retest. I’m ecstatic. “Because we want you to pass
your polygraph, we are going to go ahead and schedule another
polygraph exam tomorrow to see if we can’t help you clear the
test. You have to understand, this is a rare second chance. We
don’t do this often. We’re doing this because we want to try to
work with you. I want you to think very carefully about what has
happened here today and reconsider some of the answers you
have given.”
I return to the waiting area. Other applicants are there, waiting.
I’m surprised to hear from their conversations that nearly all of
them have been offered “rare” second chances to retake the polygraph
the next day.…
And in the NSA, it is not unusual for applicants to be subjected to
as many as three polygraph examinations—the number that the
NSA polygraph unit is authorized to administer without approval
from above.
33

Can’t Polygraphers Detect Countermeasures?
Although polygraphers frequently claim that any experienced examiner
can easily detect countermeasure attempts, peer-reviewed research
suggests that they cannot detect the kinds of countermeasures
described in this book at better than chance levels of accuracy.
(Honts et al.
1985, 1994) Indeed, since it began publication in 1972,
Polygraph,
has not published a single article explaining how polygraphers
can detect such countermeasures! In January
C. Richardson, the FBI’s recently retired senior scientific expert on
polygraphy, reiterated a challenge to the polygraph community to
the quarterly publication of the American Polygraph Association,2002, Dr. Drew
prove its claimed ability to detect polygraph countermeasures. At
polygraph countermeasures
157
the time of writing (March
not been answered.
2005) Dr. Richardson’s challenge has34
Polygraph Counter-countermeasures
Although no polygrapher has yet demonstrated any ability to reliably
detect countermeasures, the polygraph community does have a number
of techniques that may be used in an attempt to detect or deter
them. We will briefly discuss some of these here.
35
Silent Answer Test
In this technique (Matte,
catch examinees off guard, the examinee is told to remain silent
during the “in test” phase and to answer the questions in his/her
head. Just as in normal polygraph examinations in which one answers
out loud, the way to pass the Silent Answer Test is produce stronger
reactions to the “control” questions than to the “relevant” questions.
Don’t do anything differently.
1996), which is apparently intended to
Yes Test
In this technique (Reid & Inbau,
answer all questions “Yes.” (In some cases, the “control” questions
may be left out.) The idea is to trick the subject who has been
augmenting his/her reactions to the “control” questions into producing
reactions to the relevant questions insead. If he/she does so,
1977), the subject is instructed to
countermeasure use is inferred. If you encounter the “Yes Test,” be
careful
“control” questions are included, you still want to show reactions
to them.
not to augment reactions to the relevant questions. If the
Referring to Irrelevant Questions as “Control” Questions
Another counter-countermeasure approach that seems to be in use
is the following: during the pre-test phase, the polygrapher will
deliberately refer to one or more irrelevant questions as “control”
or “comparison” questions in an attempt to mislead the examinee.
If the examinee then shows strong reactions to any of these irrelevant
questions, the polygrapher infers that countermeasures have been
used.

Time Bars on Irrelevant Questions
The polygrapher may also apply “time bars” to irrelevant questions
in an attempt to make them appear more like “control” questions.
Examples of time-barred irrelevant questions include, “Between
1996
and
2000, did you attend Georgetown University?” and, “Before
2005
strong reactions to a time-barred irrelevant question, countermeasure
use may be inferred.
, did people sometimes call you Henry?” If the examinee shows

“Dropping” of Polygraph Jargon
The “dropping” of polygraph jargon may be used as a countercountermeasure
technique with subjects who deny having researched
polygraphy. For example, in the case of an examinee whose charts
are scored as passing, after the “in-test” or chart-collection phase,
the polygrapher may casually inform the examinee that his polygraph
results are “NDI.” An examinee who has not researched the polygraph
should not understand that “NDI” means “No Deception Indicated”
(that is, he/she has passed), and should appear confused by the
examiner’s statement. On the other hand, if the examinee appears
relieved by the news that his charts were “NDI,” it would suggest
that the examinee has, in fact, researched polygraphy, and it might
Alternatively, the polygrapher might use the term “NSR,” which is
shorthand for “No Significant Response.” Some agencies prefer to
use this term in the context of screening examinations instead of
“NDI.”
This ruse may also be used with subjects whose charts are scored
as “failing.” In such cases, the polygrapher may start by telling the
examinee that his charts are “DI,” which is shorthand for “Deception
Indicated” (or possibly “SR” for “Significant Response”). Again,
the subject who has not researched polygraphy should not understand
the meaning of either of these terms.
be further inferred that the examinee has employed countermeasures.
Sensor Pads and Strain Gauges
As mentioned earlier in this chapter, some polygraph instruments
may be equipped with one or more piezoelectric sensor pads, typically
placed on the seat of the polygraph chair, and optionally on the
armrests and under the subject’s feet as well. The manufacturers
claim, without offering any scientific evidence, that these devices
may be used to detect physical countermeasures such as the anal
sphincter contraction. Some polygraphers may alternatively employ
one or more pneumatic (air-filled) sensor pads or a strain gauge
(typically placed under the front legs of the chair). Note that these
various pads and gauges clearly
presented in this book (breathing manipulations, mental
countermeasures, and tongue-biting).
cannot detect the kinds of countermeasures

What If I’m Accused of Employing Countermeasures?
The countermeasures we’ve discussed produce physiological responses
that are indistinguishable from those that polygraphers believe
to be associated with truth-telling concerning the relevant issues.
But if the polygrapher (or his boss) was already suspicious of you
before the polygraph interrogation, he may remain suspicious even
after you produce a “truthful” chart. He may accuse you of having
employed countermeasures, even though he can’t prove it.
This situation may be more likely if you have “failed” a polygraph
interrogation in the past. Perhaps you are reading this book because
you told the truth but “failed,” and you want to make sure that you
are not a false positive victim a second time. Your polygrapher will
be biased against you based on the earlier polygraph chart reading,
and may well be suspicious when you pass your second polygraph
interrogation with flying colors.
Your polygrapher might try the following bluff in an attempt to
get you to admit to employing countermeasures. He’ll turn off the
polygraph, disconnect the pneumograph tubes, arm cuff, and electrodes,
pull up a chair knee-to-knee with you, look you dead in the
eye, and in a calm voice declare, “I know what you’re doing.”(London
& Krapohl,
or offended as he delivers his bluff. Don’t fall for it!
Another bluff you may encounter is this: your polygrapher will
tell you that it’s “obvious” that you’re manipulating the results.
He’ll tell you he thinks you’re honest, and he would like to help
you pass, but he can only do so if you admit to having used countermeasures.
He might at this point even tell you about a person his
agency recently hired who was only able to pass the polygraph after
admitting to having foolishly used countermeasures he had read
about on the Internet. (Some polygraphers may even mention
AntiPolygraph.org by name.) Don’t be fooled: this person who admitted
to using countermeasures, passed, and went on to be hired
does not exist.
If your polygrapher attempts either of these bluffs with you, you
should appear to be confused, “I didn’t do any of the things you
said. I told you the truth.” Remember the first rule we discussed at
the beginning of this chapter: make no admissions! And the most
damaging admission you could possibly make (in your polygrapher’s
mind) is that you employed countermeasures.
1999) Alternatively, your polygrapher may appear angry
polygraph countermeasures
An Anecdote
During the Department of Energy’s public hearings on polygraph
policy (U.S. Department of Energy,
who before his retirement was in charge of countermeasures training
at DoDPI, attempted to convince his audience of scientists and
engineers that nowadays, polygraphers are able to detect countermeasures
such as those we’ve discussed in this book:
1999b), Dr. Gordon H. Barland,
We now are training our examiners how to detect people who are
trying to manipulate their results, and we have learned a lot about
how people go about doing that.
Earlier this year we published a case where Doug Williams
36
had given information to a person on how to beat the polygraph,
but he was not successful.
37
But Dr. Barland forgot to mention that the person “was not successful”
because he
Had he not made this admission, he might have “passed.”
admitted to having employed polygraph countermeasures!38
DoDPI itself uses Doug Williams’ manual, “How to Sting the
Polygraph” (Williams,
one at DoDPI has come up with a reliable method for detecting
these countermeasures, and Dr. Barland’s misleading statement be-
1996) in its countermeasures training. No
fore an audience of top-notch atomic scientists and engineers is
testimony to the polygraph community’s consternation over polygraph
countermeasures.
If DoDPI had indeed developed a reliable method for detecting
polygraph countermeasures, one would expect that instead of discouraging
countermeasure attempts, DoDPI would keep mum and
give special scrutiny to those caught employing countermeasures.
Instead, Dr. Barland tried to scare his audience with misleading
information.
The federal polygraph community also played games with the
National Academy of Sciences, stonewalling it with regard to purported
federal countermeasure studies as it conducted its review of
the scientific evidence on the polygraph (National Research Council,
2003
, p. 118):
…we were advised by officials from DOE and DoDPI that there
was information relevant to our work, classified at the secret level,
particularly with regard to polygraph countermeasures. In order
to review such information, several committee members and staff
obtained national security clearances at the secret level. We were
subsequently told by officials of the Central Intelligence Agency
and DoDPI that there were no completed studies of polygraph
countermeasures at the secret level; we do not know whether
there are any such studies at a higher level of classification.…
Paul M. Menges, who teaches DoDPI’s countermeasure course for
polygraph examiners, wrote an article for
argues that making countermeasure information available to the
public is unethical and should be stopped (Menges,
even goes so far as to suggest that providing information such as
that contained in this book should be outlawed! Would a federal
polygraph examiner be making these arguments if the polygraph
community truly had effective and reliable counter-
Polygraph in which he2002). Menges
polygraph countermeasures.                                                                                                                
Keep Notes!
As soon as your polygraph interrogation is over, take detailed notes
for your personal records. You might take a portable tape recorder
with you for this purpose and leave it in your car, briefcase, or
purse. Often, you will not be told whether you passed or failed
before you leave. If you have employed the methods described in
this book, you should have handily passed. But you may have made
a mistake. Or your polygrapher may have decided even before asking
his first question that you are not going to pass. In the event you
are later told you failed or that your results were inconclusive, your
contemporaneous notes will be of great importance.

A common tactic used during the “pre-test” phase to manipulate
the subject into a denial goes as follows:
The polygrapher introduces the control question, for example,“
Have you ever told a lie?”
The examinee responds affirmatively and explains some minor instance.
you ever

Polygraph Countermeasures

1 comment:

  1. Nice stuff, Its really very informative blogpost about polygraph counter measures, i think it can give clues that the person is saying truth or else he/she is lying that you are asking them.

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