NCJ Number
101251
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1985) Pages: 126-138
Editor(s)
N Ansley
Date Published
1985
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Excerpts from testimony before the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations in April 1985 describe how polygraphs are used in security screening of prospective employees of the U.S. Air Force, the U.S. Army, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Abstract
In the U.S. Air Force, the polygraph is used as one of many tools to screen prospective employees for security clearance. Appropriately used with realistic constraints, the Air Force believes the polygraph is a useful supplement to other data sources that sharpen a person's investigative profile. The U.S. Army supports the use of the polygraph for personnel security screening to augment normal personnel security investigations. It does not support the polygraph's use as the sole basis for granting or denying access to classified material. The scope of the examination is limited to counterintelligence and loyalty questions, so as to avoid any perception that the polygraph is used to invade privacy unrelated to security matters. The Federal Bureau of Investigation may use the polygraph to resolve questionable items in background investigations.