>strapped to a chair, hooked up to machines, and being yelled at for hours
I've done periodic polygraphs, both lifestyle and full-scope, every 5 or so years since 1997. None of mine have ever lasted longer than 30 minutes.
You just sit in a chair while wearing some straps and there's never been any yelling involved.
It's all quite prosaic and relaxing actually.
It has been my experience that the clearance investigation process is quite simple, although I lead a very boring and law-abiding life.
I know of some people who have had quite long polygraphs and failed them repeatedly but my hunch is that the examiner has the findings of the background investigation in-hand and is trying to clarify some findings.
Many people with past financial, drug, or legal problems have gotten through the process with no issues just by being open and honest with the investigators and polygraphers.
So yeah, if the background investigator interviewed a friend of a friend of a friend and was told that 20 years ago you used to get stoned in college and whip your dick out but when asked during the polygraph about past drug use you go "I've been a squeaky clean boy my whole life" you're gonna have issues.
The annual financial disclosure is much more stressful just because of all of the damned paperwork.
That’s a little comforting at least… only met one guy IRL who ever said “Yeah the polygraph was fine.” Everyone else said it was a miserable experience for one reason or another, even people who were very straight laced
I've done periodic polygraphs, both lifestyle and full-scope, every 5 or so years since 1997. None of mine have ever lasted longer than 30 minutes.
You just sit in a chair while wearing some straps and there's never been any yelling involved.
It's all quite prosaic and relaxing actually.
It has been my experience that the clearance investigation process is quite simple, although I lead a very boring and law-abiding life.
I know of some people who have had quite long polygraphs and failed them repeatedly but my hunch is that the examiner has the findings of the background investigation in-hand and is trying to clarify some findings.
Many people with past financial, drug, or legal problems have gotten through the process with no issues just by being open and honest with the investigators and polygraphers.
So yeah, if the background investigator interviewed a friend of a friend of a friend and was told that 20 years ago you used to get stoned in college and whip your dick out but when asked during the polygraph about past drug use you go "I've been a squeaky clean boy my whole life" you're gonna have issues.
The annual financial disclosure is much more stressful just because of all of the damned paperwork.