Understanding Polygraph Tests: Do They Work for FBI Agents and Other Intelligence Agencies?

It is a widely known fact that numerous members of intelligence agencies, such as the CIA, NSA, and others, must endure polygraph tests during their hiring processes. However, the question arises: do FBI agents need to undergo these tests, and if so, for what reasons?

The Polygraph Literacy in Major Intelligence Agencies

Similar to the CIA, NSA officers also undergo a rigorous security regime that includes polygraph tests both during hiring and throughout their careers. The CIA/NSA utilize the Relevant/Irrelevant Test, which involves a comprehensive polygraph screening process. It’s a shared commonality between these agencies, somewhat akin to a badge of honor.

In contrast, the FBI practices vary. During the author's tenure, the requirement for polygraph tests was limited to officers engaged in counter-intelligence work. However, without additional research, it's uncertain whether this policy has changed in recent years.

The Controversy Surrounding Polygraph Tests

The consensus among scientific experts is that polygraph testing lacks scientific basis. Many historical figures in the field of polygraphology have been negatively scrutinized. For instance, the creator of the lie detector test was regarded as a fraud and a crackpot by the FBI. The founder of the CIA's polygraph program once believed that plants could read human thoughts. An academic polygraph advocate was discredited by a federal judge. The longest polygraph school trains new polygraphers in a mere 14 weeks, a time frame much shorter than the typical barber college graduation period.

The National Center for Credibility Assessment (formerly the DoD Polygraph Institute) suppressed a study which suggested that innocent blacks were more likely to fail polygraph tests than innocent whites. The researcher who developed the US Government's polygraph test for espionage and sabotage had produced results that were called into question.

The Flaws of the Polygraph Test

The National Academy of Sciences concluded that spies, including Ignatz Theodor Griebl, Karel Frantisek Koecher, Jiri Pasovsky, Larry Wu-tai Chin, Aldrich Hazen Ames, Nicolas Sirgado, Ana Belen Montes, and Leandro Aragoncillo, all passed the polygraph test. Moreover, one of the most infamous serial killers in U.S. history passed the polygraph, while an innocent suspect failed the test.

Al-Qaeda and Iraqi insurgents are well-aware of the polygraph's inaccuracy. They understand that it can be manipulated and that individuals do not need to be psychopaths, attend spy school, or even believe their own lies to deceive the polygraph. We will reveal some of the methods on how to fool the polygraph.

The Federal Law Enforcement Pre-Employment Test

Law enforcement agencies with a full scope polygraph requirement use a technique called the Law Enforcement Pre-Employment Test. It is crucial for these agencies to ensure that their recruits have no criminal history and possess the necessary integrity to serve in a position of trust.

Despite the controversy, polygraph tests continue to be used by various agencies. While they may not be scientifically reliable, they serve as a preliminary tool to screen potential hires or to confirm suspicions in certain cases. The reliability and utility of polygraph tests are an ongoing topic of debate in the field of law enforcement and intelligence.