Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax and the Polygraph Puzzle
Lt. Governor Justin Fairfax has tossed his hat into the ring of controversy by releasing polygraph results to claim his innocence. But just how reliable are these so-called truth machines? Grab your popcorn, as Dana Smith from 13News Now dives into the nitty-gritty of polygraph tests, airing new at 5.
Polygraphs, eh? We’ve all seen them in those edge-of-your-seat movies or crime series. But, let’s face it, these tests might be as mysterious as a cat in a top hat. I mean, who hasn’t wondered if they truly work? So, I decided to play detective myself. “Is WVEC-Channel 13 the best news station ever?” I asked. “Yes,” came the reply, as I put myself under the spotlight to unearth the truth about these tests.
Polygraphs: Truth or Trickery?
David Goldberg, the polygraph guru at Executive Protection Group, says most folks find them spot-on. But here’s the kicker: it all hinges on who’s asking the questions and how they’re framed. It’s a bit like baking—get the ingredients wrong, and you end up with a soggy bottom. “They work and are about 98 to 99 percent accurate,” Goldberg assures us. But remember, the devil’s in the details.
Yet, in the courtroom, these tests are as welcome as a skunk at a lawn party. Stephen Foster, a former FBI ace, spills the beans: “A polygraph won’t tell you if someone’s fibbing or not. That’s not its gig.” While polygraphs can be handy for nabbing confessions, some folks can dance around them like they’re playing hide and seek. They might not feel guilty, or they could just be focusing on counting sheep to fool the machine.
Ethical Tightrope Walking
Stay tuned to 13News Now as we wander into the murky waters of polygraphs and security clearances. It’s a topic that’s sure to tickle the old gray matter. To dive deeper, catch up with us on our piece about ethical issues tied to polygraphs for security clearances. Read More to unravel these ethical quandaries.