In most cases, you will be asked in advance for permission to use a lie detector on you, and only with your permission will the test be taken. In some cases though, a polygraph test may have to be used without a prior request for permission, but that’s mostly when dealing with a criminal or a suspected criminal.
But when you are given an invitation to be polygraph tested, should you give your consent or just refuse? Well, your reply to that request may go a long way in affecting you in one way or the other. If you are looking for a job as a private investigator, police or a law enforcement agent the polygraph test is a requirement, so your refusal may mean your lack of interest in the job. In cases of infidelity, your refusal may mean you’re guilty as charged, so it (the pros and the cons) should be considered extensively before rejecting or accepting a polygraph test. But what are some situations that a polygraph test may be required of you?
Police Recruitment
After you must have successfully passed the police aptitude tests and interviews, the next phase of the recruitment process is always a polygraph test, so most likely, the questions you were asked during your interviews will still be asked, and a copy of your previous answer will be kept handy. So if you want to successfully be a police recruit you should be sure of your answers, even if the polygraph doesn’t detect a pulse spike, irregular answers is enough ground for disqualification
Private Investigation
If you want to work with a private investigations company, you may have to take a polygraph test. Private investigators will be taking care of very vital information about people, so you should be trustworthy, and the only way to know that you can be trusted is through a thorough investigation into your past and possibly—a polygraph test.
Employment
Are you hoping to start working with a company? In some companies, a polygraph test may not be required, but some organizations will prefer doing it. Private investigators are asked to confirm some of the information you gave to employers, but it is sometime cheaper to use a polygraph test.
When Can You Decide Not To Take A Polygraph Test?
When you are wrongly accused and you feel taking the test may mean that you are conceding, you may decide not to take the test. In situations where private matters are going to be asked you may also decide not to take a test. Irrespective of your decision, you should know that being relaxed, while still saying the truth is the key to passing a polygraph test.