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U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
|PERSONNE1
|POIWGRAPH
PROGRAM
SUDOCS
00LLECTION
LIBRARIES
JUL 8 2003
DEPOSITED BY
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA






HISTORY
Although the FBI has had a polygraph initiative in
place since 1978, personnel security testing did not
commence until 1983. At that time, the only FBI
personnel subject to a polygraph were those needing
special access to sensitive investigations coordinated
through outside intelligence agencies and those
employees subject to investigations conducted by the
FBI's Office of Professional Responsibility. Limited
applicant testing began in 1985 and grew in 1994 to
include all applicants seeking FBI employment.
In March 2001 former Director Louis Freeh authorized
the expansion of the personnel security polygraph
program, commonly known as the PSP test, as a
deterrence to those contemplating espionage or
engaging in espionage within the ranks of the FBI.
The program has proved effective and as a result,
further expansion developed.
A Review of FBI Security Programs, published by the
Commission for the Review of FBI Security Programs,
dated March 31, 2002, also known as the Webster
Commission, recognized the FBI's current polygraph
program to be "well managed and monitored" and
noted adequate quality-control procedures.
Furthermore, the Webster Commission report
recommended that the FBI implement a
counterintelligence polygraph for employees and non-
FBI personnel with Special Compartmentalized
Information access and special access clearances.
In June 2002 Director Robert Mueller approved the
expansion of the PSP to make it a permanent part of
the FBI security process. Included in this expansion
are all FBI employees assigned to counterintelligence,
counterterrorism, and security programs.
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SELECTION PROCESS
The pool of candidates to be selected for counter-
intelligence-focused polygraph examinations will
largely be drawn from counterintelligence, counter-
terrorism and security programs. However, all FB
employees are subject to random selection at any
time. Additionally, all non-Bureau personnel,
including Joint Task Force members, contractors
(both independent contractors, such as contract
linguists, and employees of corporations and other
business entities that contract with the FBI), and
others who perform functions requiring access to
FBI information, FBI information systems, and FBI
space will be subject to a PSP examination if there is a
requirement to perform a function similar to or have access
to the same sensitivity of information as an FBI employee
who is required to take a polygraph examination.
Once identified as needing a PSP examination, the
candidate will be notified by the division's security
officer. The security officer will conduct a personnel
security interview (PSI) of the candidate prior to
scheduling the polygraph with an FBl-certified
polygraph examiner. The PSI provides an opportunity for
the candidate to voice any concerns the person has that
he or she thinks may create a problem on the polygraph
examination. This is an intelligence-gathering process that
has proved instrumental in allowing candidates to
successfully complete the polygraph examination. The
polygraph examination will be scheduled soon after the
PSI and will generally be in conjunction with the periodic
security reinvestigation.
The Assistant Director, Security Division, functions
as the Security Programs Manager (SPM). The SPM is
authorized to compel any Bureau or non-Bureau person
With access to FBI information or
- facilities to submit to a polygraph
- examination, with the scope
tailored to resolve specific
issues which may impact on
the person's trustworthiness.
The SPM will use the thirteen
| Adjudicative Guidelines
----- Tº associated with Executive
--- Order 12968 to determine
- whether a polygraph
examination is warranted.
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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q: Why does the FBI use polygraph if the results
are not accepted in Court?
A: The FBI recognizes polygraph is not an
exact science, but rather a highly effective
investigative tool not to be used in evidentiary
proceedings. The FBI's utilization of the
polygraph has a long, proven history of
usefulness in obtaining information not
previously known.
Q: Will I know the results of my polygraph
when I am finished here today?
A: Although you know whether or not you have
been candid with the examiner, the results must
first be reviewed through quality assurance at
FBIHO. The results will then be forwarded back
to the division security officer who will inform you.
Q: What would happen if I refuse to take the
polygraph examination?
A: You must consent in writing prior to
the polygraph examination. Refusal to consent
will prompt the Security Division and your
division head to reevaluate your security
clearance and/or your continued access
to sensitive/classified information.
Q: How accurate is the polygraph?
A: Current research continues to show that the
polygraph is highly reliable and a valid technique.
Your test will receive an opinion by your examiner
but will be subject to a quality assurance review
to be sure you receive a fair and accurate
examination.
Q: How long will my polygraph take?
A: Time frames vary according to the number
of issues that may need to be discussed; however,
most polygraph examinations are completed within
two hours.
Q: Why have I been singled out to take this
polygraph test?
A: You may be selected for the counterintelligence
polygraph for reasons of national security to include:
(a) exposure to highly sensitive or classified
information, (b) selection for temporary duty with
another outside intelligence agency who requires
the candidate to have a polygraph, (c) periodic
background reinvestigation, (d) random selection
for purposes of espionage deterrence, and (e)
Security issues may have surfaced which the SPM
deems necessary to resolve.
Q: If it is determined that I have failed my
polygraph, what recourse do I have?
A: The SPM or other appropriate officials within
the Counterintelligence Division will conduct a
review or investigation to explain your polygraph
test results. A Senior Review Panel (SRP) composed
of the Assistant Directors or their designees from
your division, the Counterintelligence Division, the
Office of Professional Responsibility, and the
Administrative Services Division will monitor the
equity and reasonableness of the PSP process. The
General Counsel or his designee will participate on
the panel as a legal advisor. The SRP will also
reserve the right to invite representatives of other
FBI components, as appropriate, to provide counsel.
The SRP will consider both the requirement to
safeguard national security and the rights of those
taking the test.
Q: if its determined that did not pass the
polygraph, how will it affect my job if I am not an
FBI employee?
A: Resolution of an unresolved polygraph for a
non-Bureau employee is the same as it is for FBI
personnel. However, during the resolution phase,
you may be asked to remove yourself from a task
force, contractor's assignment, or other sensitive
task. You and your superior will be notified that
your unescorted privileges are held in abeyance
pending successful completion of the PSP.











Q: If I am nervous, will this cause me trouble on the
polygraph test?
A: It is normal and expected that you will be nervous
during the polygraph process. Your polygraph examiner
will explain to you the process and eliminate areas of
concern that you may have. Feel free to ask your
examiner any questions you think are necessary to ask.
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Q: what kind of questions will I he
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A: Your PSP test Will cover counterintelligence issues
as well as security-related areas. This test is not a
personal lifestyle test. º *
SECURITY DIVISION
POLYGRAPH UNIT
NIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN |
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3 9015 085434879