Former CIA Analyst's Personal Account of Polygraph Testing Experiences Across Multiple Intelligence Agencies
By
grubbs
Baker's choice. Dense with flavour, light on filler.
Summary
A former CIA analyst provides a detailed personal account of her experiences with polygraph tests throughout her intelligence career. She describes taking polygraphs during CIA applicant screening, as a CIA analyst, and later as a contractor for various intelligence agencies including the NRO, FBI, and DIA. The article covers her preparation methods, the psychological aspects of the tests, her observations about polygraph effectiveness, and reflections on the broader implications for national security and employee screening.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledI first took a polygraph when I applied to the CIA and went through the applicant screening process.
A future colleague at the Agency advised me, 'Spill your guts.' I thought it was good advice, and I planned to follow it.
To prepare for the test, I read A Tremor in the Blood by David T. Lykken. The book described the use of control versus relevant questions as well as countermeasures such as butt-clenching.
I wasn't out to 'beat' the test: I wanted to understand how it worked.
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