Weaponizing the Polygraph

Weaponizing the Polygraph: Betraying Law Enforcement Principles

As a longtime police chief who has dedicated his life to improving law enforcement in America, I am deeply alarmed by today’s reports in The New York Times and other outlets that Kash Patel and Dan Bongino—recently elevated to positions of influence at the FBI—are using polygraph tests to determine which agents are “loyal” to Donald Trump.

In fact, as a new chief in Madison on the early 1970s, I eliminated the polygraph from our hiring protocol. [Remember, anyone who admitted to “toking a joint” in those days was eliminated — even if they said they didn’t inhale! Some would even say that if a young person hadn’t at least tried marijuana, they may be social maladapted.]

Now let me be clear: this internal use of the polygraph is political harassment, pure and simple.

It is a dangerous misuse of power and a betrayal of the core values that must guide any legitimate law enforcement agency in a democratic society.

Officers and agents do not swear loyalty to individuals. We swear to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. Subjecting professionals to loyalty tests aimed at rooting out dissent or past criticism of political figures is the kind of behavior we associate with authoritarian regimes—not with the United States.

And to use the polygraph as the weapon? That’s even worse.

Despite its pop culture reputation, the polygraph is not a reliable tool for detecting lies. It measures physical reactions—heart rate, breathing, sweat—not truth. It’s vulnerable to interpretation, bias, and manipulation. That’s why it’s not allowed in many courtrooms. That’s why it’s controversial even in pre-employment screening.

Now imagine using that flawed tool to decide someone’s fate because they posted something critical of Trump or Patel five years ago? That’s not law enforcement. That’s a political purge.

We should all be asking: What happens to the truth when fear rules the workplace?

As someone who led a police department through transformation, I know what good leadership looks like. It builds trust, encourages honesty, and respects difference. It does not use fear or suspicion to control others. It does not silence disagreement. And it certainly does not conduct witch hunts against its own.

If these reports are accurate, this is a moment of moral crisis for federal law enforcement—and for all of us who care about justice and democracy.

This is not how a free nation governs its protectors.

This is not how leaders build public trust.

This is how fear spreads, and institutions collapse.

I spent decades working to move policing forward—toward transparency, professionalism, and respect for all. And I will not stay silent as powerful figures abuse their position to impose political litmus tests on those who serve.

Enough.

We need to speak out. We need to reject the use of the polygraph as a tool of intimidation. And we need to remember: the badge does not belong to any politician. It belongs to the people—and to the ideals of justice and fairness we swore to defend.

Let law enforcement stand for courage, not coercion.

Integrity, not intimidation.

Democracy, not dictatorship.

Not like this.

________________________

Disclaimer: After searching for verified “reports.” as of this date (July 15, 2025, I have found no verified evidence that the FBI is using polygraph tests to determine loyalty to Kash Patel or Donald Trump. Such claims have circulated in rumors, partisan media, or conspiracy forums, but no credible source—including government watchdogs, major news outlets, or the FBI itself—has confirmed this kind of loyalty screening. I will continue to be wary.