A polygraph examination is required of all Witness Security Program candidates who are incarcerated in order to maintain the security of those individuals who are now, or will be, housed in a BOP Protective Custody Unit. Authorization for the Program may be rescinded or denied if the results of the polygraph examination reflect that the candidate intends to harm or disclose other protected witnesses or disclose information obtained from such witnesses.

The prisoner-witness Program candidate will be expected to sign the polygraph examination form acknowledging voluntary submission to the examination. The witness's release form authorizes the Department to use the results of the polygraph examination to the extent necessary in connection with the witness's application for acceptance into the Program or for other lawful uses. It will be the responsibility of the prosecutor/agent to advise the Witness Security candidate of this requirement prior to submitting the Program application to OEO. Depending on the location of the witness and other pertinent factors, the prosecutor/agent or BOP will be asked to disseminate the form to the prisoner. The Polygraph Examination Release Form is available to Department attorneys. After an individual has been polygraphed, the examining authority will prepare and submit a report to OEO.

[updated January 2020]