poligraph for a 17 year old ???

[ksim]

What is the name of your state? Florida
My 17 year old son was questioned at home without my presence about a missing watch ( a $4,000 Rollex). When I contacted the detective he asked that my son take a poligraph. There were two other people that had access to this watch and to my knowledge, neither of them have been questioned other than to get my son's name, address, and cell number, which the detective used to contact him. They are 19 and 35. My son says he could pass the test, but I don,t feel comfortable about him taking it. The watch has reappeared and there doesn't seem to be any other evidence as to what happened. What should I have him do?What is the name of your state?

[averad]

Just seems like the only reason you wouldnt want him to take it is because you believe he might have done it.

*shrug* Maybe im wrong

[tranquility]

Let's think all the way back to Adam-12:

1. You have the right to remain silent.
2. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.

Now, not talking to the police will make you look suspicious to them. But, suspicion can be handled. Proof is something else.

Polygraphs are an extremely unpleasant experience. False positives and negatives can happen, although they are less likely when a specific crime is being discussed. I had a polygraph once. Never again. It was for a background check and I had disclosed anything that could even remotely be considered deragatory on my statement forms. I still had this guy yelling at me and calling me deceptive. Something about being a member of a milita or something. Heck, I was thinking back to boy scouts and indian guides as I'm trying to answer the interrogator as maybe that's what he's talking about. I'm getting a slight sweat just thinking about it and it was decades ago.

The police know the polygraph can be fooled. They are not going to elimate your son as a suspect if he "passes" if they have evidence he did the crime. If they don't have the evidence, they are just trying to generate some with the test. (Not "evidence", but information and things which will put pressure on your son.)

And, if your son is of a personality-type to give a false positive, look out.

Some countries force you to prove your innocence. Not here. Contact an attorney and find out what is going on. At some point you may want to go through the incredible hassle, but it seems a little early right now.

[BelizeBreeze]

Originally Posted by ksim

What is the name of your state? Florida
My 17 year old son was questioned at home without my presence about a missing watch ( a $4,000 Rollex).

o.k.

When I contacted the detective he asked that my son take a poligraph. There were two other people that had access to this watch and to my knowledge, neither of them have been questioned other than to get my son's name, address, and cell number, which the detective used to contact him. They are 19 and 35. My son says he could pass the test, but I don,t feel comfortable about him taking it. The watch has reappeared and there doesn't seem to be any other evidence as to what happened. What should I have him do?What is the name of your state?

tell him what you want. But there is no restriction against giving a 17 year-old a polygraph.

[CdwJava]

Since it is inadmissable one way or the other, I'd take a pass and say "no". A polygraph is a stress analysis device, and there is no standard for the training and operation of these things in most states (in fact, I don't believe there is any licensing or minimum standard in ANY state ... but I could be wrong). *I* could run out and buy the machine and set myself up as a polygrapher!

However, there are many very well trained and experienced polygraphers out there that do an outstanding job. But, there is no way to know if the guy that would be doing YOUR polygraph is one of those.

- Carl

[garrula lingua]

Don't do the polygraph.

There's a good reason they are not acceptable in CA courts - they are unreliable.

Also, let this whole mess die of its own accord - don't offer any fuel to keep the 'case' alive.

[stoneyx]

I can tell you from first hand experience that polygraph tests are not reliable. I took one myself regarding an issue in which I was 100% innocent, and I failed. I went in voluntarily to clear my name and ended up being the primary suspect. Luckily it all worked out alright for me. Good luck