I took this during my “Forensics and the Law” class last week when an FBI polygraphist visited our class to sing the praises of the polygraph. It was fairly fascinating to hear all about these tests from someone who does not question their value or validity in the least. He bragged that the polygraph is a “springboard to confession,” virtually admitting that the whole point of it for purposes of law enforcement is to intimidate interrogation subjects into making confessions. While this polygraphist described the process as nicely as possible, I've seen videotaped polygraph exams and know they can be very harrowing for the subject. In fact, the polygraphist said that the procedure can be so stressful that the FBI has a policy of not testing pregnant women unless absolutely necessary.
I should have asked him how he felt about being a thug, but I don't think he would have understood the question.
