I've taken many polygraphs before but fail most of them although I'm being as honest as I possibly can. I'm an over-thinker and need questions to be specific or I will think of anything and everything that might apply while I struggle in my head rationalizing whether or not my answers are correct. Because of this, I tend to fail polygraphs. I'm overly honest, almost to a fault. Yolanda saw my previous history and made it very clear what the questions were asking. She made me feel comfortable and confident while also maintaining the "hard" polygrapher aesthetic. As long as you come in with a plan to be truthful you'll be fine. The negative reviews are a little much I think ... since when is doing a polygraph a "pleasant" experience? Just tell the truth and don't take anything personal. They are doing their job to make sure you can handle the heat while also maintaining your composure. If you can't do that sitting down in a chair how are you going to fair out on the streets as an officer. read more

My name is John S. I don't even know my results yet but my experience with Truth Be Told Polygraph was great. There is so much stress in taking a polygraph, because of all the unknown criterias and evaluations. TBT eliminates so many concerns with their introduction video alone. I have applied to 4 different Police agencies as a recruit and lateral officer over the 8 year span of my career. I typically do great with interviews, court testimony and the voice analyst (CVSA) evaluations. I am one of the most honest and sincere people you'll ever meet. So when I applied with the 3rd PD and took a polygraph for the 1st time I felt like the Polygraph examiner was treating me like an opp or a suspect. The examiner was a veteran police officer who was new to being a Polygraph examiner. Her methods felt judgemental and accusatory while I was doing the Personal History Statement with her. She didnt explain why I was doing the PHS for a second time. Her follow-up questions were loaded with suspicion which led to me having high levels of anxiety. I was visibly shaking like I was experiencing Marine Corps. boot camp all over again. Needless to say I was later disqualified from the hiring process with that agency. I wonder if it would have been different if the agency had a private third party do their polygraphs if the results would have been the same? Or maybe it was just a bad examiner to examinee one off encounter. Either way I later learned that I dodged a bullet by not getting hired with that agency. Fast forward to the shall remain nameless examiner I had was thorough with explaining the why to all the examination expectations. He gave analogies, metaphors and best practice tips. He advised on what to look at, how to sit, and what senses to use in order to get out of my head and stay in the moment. He advised me on multiple perspectives to consider. I felt like he was trying to qualify me as oppose to trying to eliminate me. There is a difference. Truth Be Told Polygraph is as close to perfection as it gets when it comes to preparing you for all the unknowns of a traditionally daunting polygraph experience. I think all agencies would be better off hiring them to do their polygraph examinations. Or at the very least better off studying their methods. Well done TBT. And keep in mind I dont even know If I passed yet. Also I don't do reviews. So this should be 6 stars. read more

The polygraph examiner, Yolanda Gellis, is extremely RUDE and unprofessional. Walking in to the exam room, she did not once greet me even after I have greeted her. She seemed very entitled and felt she was better than anyone. Once in the exam room, she made me feel interrogated by saying false statements that supposedly my background investigator has said. She will deliberately pressure you, lie and provide misleading information to get you to admit to something that isn't true. If you have the opportunity to change examiners, DO IT. Every time she asked a question and I responded, she kept rolling her eyes and making condescending gestures. She displayed rude and unprofessional behavior throughout the entire interaction. Oh and to make things better in her favor of saying I reacted to her questions during the polygraph, there was CONSTRUCTION going on in HER BUILDING. The building literally SHAKING as construction workers drilled and hammered through the thin walls. How can you expect someone to sit still and NOT MOVE when there is LITERAL CONSTRUCTION ON THE BUILDING??! If she's your polygraph examiner, GOOD LUCK! :) read more

Yolanda needs to retire... her attitude is uncalled for. I wish luck upon anyone who gets her as their polygraph examiner because this lady is so precise on how you look, BREATHE, talk, nod your head, ect. She needs anger and frustration management classes. With the amount of reports she gets I don't know how agencies STILL trust her. For your sake and the people's sake RETIRE!!!! read more

I have had two polygraphs at TBT. My first was with Yolanda Gellis whom I believe to be is the owner or lead examiner of TBTpoly. My experience with her was very interesting considering it was my first polygraph. She is hard but fair! (I passed) But that's her job and she is very good at it by the way. Don't lie and you're good. My second was with John Booth. He is what everyone wants in a polygraph examiner. His voice was very soothing during the questioning which is helpful, he also does his best to make you as comfortable as you can be for one of the most uncomfortable moments in this process. He also has a ton of experience in LE and he wants you to pass. Just be honest and you should be fine. read more

I read all the complaints about Yolanda, I too had a test, it was not pleasant at all. BUT I kind of feel like it's her job to throw you off or irritate you. Because if you're applying to be an officer if you are in a stressful, aggravating situation how are you going to act? Like if we can't handle a little "rudeness" how are we gonna deal with the public? I think once we are thrown off our game we don't have time to think up lies? I was upset for a minute until I thought it all out. Just food for thought. read more

Yolanda was friendly to me when she found out that I had not eaten before the test and she gave me some snacks which helped me thru my test process without feeling hungry or too tired. She was informative and polite when going thru the instructions and questions. I think overall I had a good experience working with her. read more

Let me start by saying that Yolanda was not as intimidating as people have described her. However, she did seem a bit entitled. First off, I had to drive nearly two hours to get to the Brea location. While en route, she sent me a text message that said "We are running earlier than expected. Please arrive for your appointment at 11:30" My appointment was for noon. Well actually it was for 1pm but for some reason they want you an hour early for your appointment. Why not just schedule it for the time they want you there? After I responded that I driving and would arrive some time between 11:30 and Noon. Her reply was "Please provide an estimated time of arrival per your correct GPS..." Already she is trying to control the situation. Once I arrive she introduced herself and said that she does polygraphs different from other examiners. She did explain her process and I informed her that I have had a polygraph before and due to my anxiety I did not pass due my erratic breathing. She said just breathe normal and you'll be okay. When the exam started I was so focused on breathing normal she insinuated that I was controlling my breath in an effort to deceive the exam. When I mentioned that I was not and that it was difficult for me to not think about my breathing her response was basically "don't think about it, you don't think about breathing when you sleep". I also was a little fidgety in my seat after being there for two hours and adjusted by self, very slightly, and also moved my finger a couple of times. She was adamant that I was trying to deceive the test with all of this and not taking into consideration any of my condition that I had explained to her from the beginning of the interview. Just for the record, I laid everything out on the table here. I left nothing out of the pre-exam interview. After speaking with polygraph examiners that I know, and sharing my experience they shared with me that it sounds like she doesn't know what she is doing and should be able to distinguish anxiety and other social disorders during the exam. read more

Yolanda was horrible, rude, and for lack of a more appropriate term a B word. She needs to learn how to talk to people, made a formal complaint with the agency I went through about her. God bless you if you have to deal with her read more

First and foremost, typically, I wouldn't say I like having to give negative reviews. However, Truth Be Told Polygraph was such a horrible experience for me that I want to urge many people to ask for an alternate location as soon as possible. Yolanda initially informed me that she was different than most polygraph examiners due to being very evasive in the past and digging to the root. Yolanda was demeaning and accusatory and made me uncomfortable throughout the process. I'm here to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth, but it shouldn't have to be even more painful. She made me feel uneasy and discomfited due to her demeanor and comments. During the polygraph, she tells me to control my breathing - just like other posts have also mentioned; she says this because if you maintain your breathing, you're "cheating." Yet, most polygraph examiners can transfigure anxiety and nervousness to complete deception. Again, please go somewhere else - it's pretty sad agencies still use this business. However, you're better off to another agency if they do. read more

I had my first polygraph test conducted last Friday, my examiner Yolanda was extremely informative and walked me through every step of the process in a very professional manner. Having never went through a test like this I was anxious about the unknowns, she was patient with my questions easing the anxiety and making the test process a good experience. Thank you, Yolanda for your professionalism and kindness, it was very much appreciated. read more

Very professional, very quick, very helpful in calming nerves. Made the whole process painless.

The polygrapher is curt and rough around the edges. The polygraph room has a bluish, harsh fluorescent light that flickers randomly. It is not a relaxing environment by any means. I have a feeling, however, this is by design and they seem to get good results. Just know this going in and don't let it distract you from true answers. read more

All the negative reviews are exactly what happened with me. I have too polyed elswhere and was never treated this way. Its funny people mention how or why agencys still use her but my background investigator told me that she was "intimidating" and said hopefully you get the guy and not the woman to administer test, so they are well aware of this woman and how she treats people. Anywho, she did same to me yelled at the top of her lungs and disconnected the stuff I was attached to and told me I was purposley trying to cheat becuase I took a deep breath, and I answered im sorry this is me when im nervous (did it in my last poly) and she yelled at me told me not to speak that I was not to speak ! No one should be treated like this very unprofessional. read more

Yolanda was very professional. Great attitude. Explained everything very thoroughly. The experience was different because I have never had a polygraph exam. Yolanda made the experience "okay" and I appreciated her words of wisdom. read more

I had Yolanda for my test - and yes I read the reviews prior to my appointment. I do take overly negative ( and positive) reviews with a grain of salt. (just remember, what kind of a review would YOU get from them... so yes we always see just one side of the story). I think the whole process was fair, all is explained clearly before the test, so If you listen you should not have any surprises. Yolanda was professional, explained everything in detail, please know you are there to take a polygraph test, not to have chit-chat and a cup of tea. If you intend to lie, or to hide certain information I am sure it can be an uncomfortable test - (and if it seems like it, it is their job to find out what is going on...) Remember since it is not always an exact science, it can give inconclusive results - and at times you would be called back for a second test. Overall, I had no issues, yes I was nervous as everybody else, it does not happen often that you are hooked up to a polygraph and numerous cameras are recording you answering sensitive questions. read more

I have never been more disrespected by a complete stranger in my life. Yolanda was angry from the second I arrived. With what? Who knows. But she certainly took it out on me. I was belittled and accused of cheating. When I said goodbye and told her to have a good day she just grunted. Very unprofessional, give your $ to someone else. read more

Great service. Good honest work. Straight to the point. I don't have anything bad to say about this place.

This Yelp Review is long over due. Yolanda is extremely unprofessional and rude. She doesn't talk rather she yells at you. She is accusatory and makes you feel very un easy. The whole situation caught me of guard because i've never quite met such a vulgar person in a business. The reviews from others are very true. How this business is still up and running is beyond me. Do not waste your time or money here. Beware of this company. read more

I honestly can believe how unprofessional Yolanda is. I have been under polygraphs before and never have I encountered such a horrible person doing the test. I arrived over an hour early to complete my forums yet she came out of her office not even 5 minutes into me filling it out giving me attitude about wither or not I have finished it yet. Yolanda freaks out with the littlest changes of your natural breathing, making you basically feel claustrophobic because you aren't allowed to breath too slowly or fast - apparently your messing with the results with any slight breath to get air when you feel out of breath? I was asked if I did something which I was admitting to doing and because I took a quick little breath (I ran out of breath while I admitted yes to a serious question) she ripped off the device on my arm and yelled at me about how I'm screwing with the results that can make her look like a bad polygraph tester. That statement in itself tells me she is unqualified and doesn't know what she's doing. I can't believe any police department uses her services. It makes me question if I'd even want to be with an agency who'd use her horrible service. She's not getting lies or truths, she's just making everybody upset that goes in there upset with HER so they do fail for having stress/anxiety/anger. At the end she said I knew what I failed on and I continued to say idk because I honestly didn't know and she pestered me saying I did and to knock it off. I know I told the truth, I give no fucks about a machine that can't read minds and only detected my stress (which she caused and not over lies). I will never believe a polygraph to be true now after that experience. I don't know why these shitty polygraphers are still being used when they are liars themselves and the results they get are false. If they can get a false read on me, imagine all the innocent people who get falsely accused by this lady. read more

EVERYTHING everyone is saying about Yolanda is completely true! She is thee most absolute rudest woman I've ever spoke to within 2 min. She treats everyone horrible the minute you walk inside that place. Has the worst attitude & probably hates her job that's why she takes it all out on her clients. I can't believe anyone would hire someone like her, i understand the whole polygraph environment is let alone intense and some proctors try to give you a hard time but she is just a horrible person from the moment you walk in & the moment you walk out. She yells at you if you take a deep breath, she yells at you if she thinks your not following her direction, She told me that i most likely didn't have the minimum requirements to work for the agency i was testing for, when she doesn't even know me for more than 10min & sure enough i passed. So don't let her get to you she's just a mean person & doesn't want the best for you! read more

Very rude to me from the second i walked in. Treated me like i was stupid when i asked for clarification on certain things. Room was very warm from the second i walked in so i was sweaty before the test even started. Constantly accused me of controlling my breathing and told me that we were just wasting our time. Last thing she said to me was "we're done here" and not a word more. Haven't had a worse experience, probably the most stressful and uncomfortable environment I've ever been in and i had absolutely nothing to hide. Will never be going back there if i ever need another poly and will be urging everyone i know to avoid her. read more

I've been here two times with two different polygraph examiners. The first time I was with a male examiner. He was polite and respectful and made me feel at ease. I'm pretty sure I passed because I moved along the background process with the agency I applied with. The second time I got Yolanda. I am in the background process with another agency. For the most part she was respectful. She's a good practitioner. She's thorough in explaining the directions. I was expecting her to really turn up the heat because I've spoken to a few people who have had her In the past and have nothing but negative things to say about her. But to be honest she wasn't bad. She's good at what she does. I'm still waiting on my results so this is not a biased review (I still don't know if I passed or not). Bottom line you should be telling the truth. If you have nothing to hide then you shouldn't worry about them trying to mess you up. A good examiner like the first one I had shouldn't try and make you fail. Yolanda isn't a bad examiner, but if you know you're telling the truth don't worry about what she or anyone says. If I have to take it again for my third time; fine? I welcome it bestowed upon me. read more

An absolutely awful experience. The tester/Yolanda seemed to be in a bad mood before we even started. She told me that the polygraph for my situation was not an antagonistic polygraph, however once we started it immediately became one. She accused me of modifying my breathing to cheat the test somehow despite me explaining this was my first time sitting for a polygraph and I was very nervous. Instead of trying to help me she just kept accusing me. I also moved my leg a few times (which I didn't notice I was doing) and she again accused me of trying to cheat. It was like being berated by someone for something out of my control. She had no control of her own emotions as she basically threw a tantrum at the end of the session, pulling the devices off me and stopped communicating. This was one of the worst experiences I've ever had and made me not want to follow up on the job opportunity at all. This person should not be in any type of service role, I'd recommend her hiring someone else to ask the questions and deal with the client while she monitors the machine. She also probably needs anger management classes, or at least a pacifier to suck on when she's having a hissy fit. If you get assigned to this place do yourself a favor and schedule elsewhere! read more