• GONADS125@lemmy.world
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    11 months ago

    I had clients in federal probation whose freedom was dependent on the results of annual polygraphs. Refusal was considered a fail, and they’d be shipped back to FedMed or prison. Inconclusive results were also blamed on the clients, and would count as a failed test.

    Was total bullshit, especially given the level of function and serious psychiatric symptoms and diagnoses of my clients.

    • A_Random_Idiot@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      Oh, right.

      For one blissful moment I forgot that America was a festering, infected pustule on the ass of society.

    • emergencyfood@sh.itjust.works
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      11 months ago

      A polygraph, often incorrectly referred to as a lie detector test, is a junk science device or procedure that measures and records several physiological indicators … there are no specific physiological reactions associated with lying.

      Lead of Wikipedia article

      • GONADS125@lemmy.world
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        11 months ago

        I argued with the PO and complained to my team about it all the time. Polygraphs are definitely junk science and absolutely should not determine someone’s freedom.

        • A_Random_Idiot@lemmy.world
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          11 months ago

          The only functional use a polygraph has is as a tool of intimidation and coercion to people who are uninformed about the true nature of the device and how the handler can manipulate the results.

          Which is why daytime TV shows like Dr.Phil looooooooooooved polygraphs.