FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
SHOULD I TAKE A POLYGRAPH TEST?Taking a polygraph test is a serious matter. Taking a polygraph test is not a game or something to experience just to say you did it. You should evaluate and thoroughly understand exactly why you were asked or why you want to take a polygraph test as well as how the outcome of the test could affect you.
There are basically two primary reasons why a person is asked to take a polygraph test. Many law enforcement agencies utilize the polygraph as “part of an investigation” regarding some specific issue or event. Notice that I used the words “part of the investigation.” This is because the polygraph is used as an investigative or forensic tool and should never be considered the entire investigation. The majority of federal, state, and municipal law enforcement agencies in the United States use the polygraph instrument to support the investigation of criminal issues. For instances, a suspect or a person of interest who denies involvement in the issue under investigation may be asked to take a polygraph examination as a means of assessing his or her denials; a witness or informant may be asked to submit to a polygraph for the purpose of assessing the information he or she has provided; or in some cases, even a victim of a crime may be asked to demonstrate his or her veracity to prevent the wrongful prosecution of an innocent person. In additional to law enforcement agencies, many defense attorneys, insurance companies, auditing firms, and financial institutions also utilize the polygraph as an investigative tool, in additional to the general public to resolve issues involving family matters, relationship issues, or other situations where there is a need to determine the truth.
The second primary reason why a person is asked to take a polygraph involves security and personnel screening programs. Many law enforcement agencies utilize the polygraph as a tool and a component of their personnel screening process. The objective of the polygraph test is to enhance the probability that the applicant selected for one of these positions of trust will have high levels of truth, honesty, and integrity. Other organizations commonly utilize polygraph testing as one component in their security clearance process. Many include the polygraph as part of their initial security selection process; others use it as part of their on-going security maintenance program; and some use the polygraph for both purposes.
Each of these examinations, the specific issue investigation and the security screening examination, has different unique characteristics and features. Therefore, if you are considering a polygraph examination you should understand the type of examination you will be administered and how the test results could impact you. In some cases, an individual may receive a positive benefit from the examination, while in other cases the potential negative impact of the examination can be very significant. An individual should know how the polygraph examination is likely to affect them before he or she aggress to undergo the testing process. This means an individual should have a good idea as to the issue(s) or subject matter of the examination and assess his or her ability and willingness to be thorough and truthful regarding those issue(s).
Suppose an investigator from a law enforcement agency asked you to submit to a polygraph examination because you are a person of interest in a particular issue or crime. Remember, all citizens are encouraged to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. However, be aware that if you are involved in the issue under investigation and you have concealed relevant information from the investigator, your deception will almost certainly be identified. If you have committed the crime you might want to seek legal counsel before agreeing to take the polygraph. If you are not involved in any of the matters under investigation there probably are very strong reasons for you to process with the polygraph examination. Nevertheless, it is wise to confirm the purpose of the examination in advance. Will a truthful test result significantly lower you on the suspect list? What is the benefit to you for submitting to the polygraph examination?
You may be offered a polygraph examination in relation to a job application or security clearance. Such examinations are referred to as screening examinations. Screening examinations are different in several ways from the specific issue examination described above. First, screening examinations address several issues as opposed to one specific issue under investigation. Secondly, the issues of a screening examination tend to be broad in scope and cover a variety of possible activities. For example, a law enforcement agency may use the examination to address your involvement in major thefts, use of illegal drugs, physical abuse of others, undetected crimes, or lying about the information requested on your job application.
If you submit to a screening polygraph examination you are encouraged to consider the following: First, be aware that screening examinations may be long (two to three hours or more); it is very important that you remain alert and involved for the entire session; prior to the examination date get a good night’s sleep and arrive well rested for the examination; eat a meal before the examination and take care of any personal affairs so you won’t have any outside distractions during your examination; if your are on medication, adhere to your normal practice and physician’s advice. Contrary to a common misconception, nervousness and anxiety will not cause an individual to “fail” the examination. Expect to experience some nervousness which is normal for everyone. Moreover, truthful examinees generally report that they become less nervous as the examination proceeds.
The polygraph examiner will usually begin the session with a detailed explanation of the testing procedure, followed by a discussion of the examination issue(s) during what is known as the pre-test interview. This discussion period is very important. You should be certain that you understand exactly what the polygraph examiner is asking of you. Request further explanation if the examiner does not explain the issues to your complete understanding. When responding to the examiner’s inquiries be as accurate and thorough as possible. If you are uncertain of an answer, make that clear to the examiner.
After the pre-test interview the testing phase will begin. The examiner will attach several non-intrusive sensors to your body for measuring physiological activity. Before the testing begins, the examiner will review with you each test question. There are no surprise or trick questions asked during the test. Listen carefully to each question to ensure that you understand the questions and are able to respond fully with a simple “Yes” or “No” answer.
The examiner will also give you instructions to follow during the examination. You must sit motionless and in an upright, yet relaxed position. Do not become rigid or stiff. Do not try to do anything to help the examiner or to alter your body’s normal activity. You should remember that you must fully cooperate with the examination process for it to go well for you. If you fail to follow the examiner’s instructions this may cause the examination to take longer or result in a deceptive or inconclusive test result.
Unfortunately, some truthful individuals make the mistake of trying to manipulate or influence the physiological recordings. These strategies are sometimes recommended by anti-polygraph websites and books to help produce a favorable polygraph test result, but in reality this is bad advice. Think of it this way: If a person is seeking a job that demands truth, honesty and integrity, what conclusion would a hiring department or agency have of an applicant who tries to cheat during the selection processes? Many, or perhaps even most, deceptive examinees attempt to manipulate or defeat the polygraph examination process. Unlike the truthful applicants, they have nothing to lose and, except under some narrow circumstances, their efforts are ineffectual and often even facilitate the identification of their lies. The truthful examinee who uses the same strategies, however, risks being misidentified as a liar trying to conceal his or her deception. This does not serve in the best interest of the truthful examinee who may be disqualified for lying to manipulate the test, nor of the employer who might miss the opportunity to hire a qualified applicant.WHAT IS A POLYGRAPH?
The polygraph or “lie detector” as the media aptly dubbed the polygraph back in the 1920’s was designed to detect and record deception. The theory is that when a person lies, the lying causes a certain amount of stress or anxiety that produces changes in several involuntary physiological bodily reactions. According to the current research, the polygraph is still the best means available to determine the truth. It is used extensively in all levels of law enforcement; from the local agencies all the way up to the federal agencies. In addition to the criminal investigations, the polygraph is used in counter-intelligence, counter-terrorism, and counter-narcotics programs, and has also proven invaluable in issues dealing with presidential protection and nuclear materials containment programs. In the private sector, the polygraph is used extensively by individuals, families, therapists, attorneys, courts, business, and many other entities.The term “polygraph” means “many writings.” The name refers to the manner in which selected physiological activities are simultaneously collected and recorded. The polygraph is like a recorder, except instead of recording sounds, the polygraph instrument will record physiological changes occurring within the examinee's body as the polygraph examiner asks a series of test questions. The polygraph instrument is basically a combination of medical devices that are used to monitor changes occurring within the examinee's body. As an examinee is questioned about a certain event or incident, the examiner records and monitors the relative changes in the examinee’s heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and electro-dermal activities.
Source: Lafayette InstrumentsThe polygraph instrument has undergone a dramatic change in the last decade. For many years, polygraphs were those instruments you saw in the movies with little needles scribbling lines on a single strip of scrolling paper. These are called analog polygraphs. Today, many polygraph tests are administered using digital computerized equipment. The scrolling paper has been replaced with sophisticated algorithms and computer monitors. Hobson’s Polygraph Service uses a Lafayette Computerized Polygraph Instrument – both in a desktop model for polygraph examinations administered in the office and in a laptop model for travel as pictured below.
Source: Lafayette InstrumentsPolygraph examinations are most often associated with criminal investigations, but there are also a number of other uses for the polygraph. One day you may be subjected to a pre-employment polygraph examination before being hired for a job. Today, many government entities and law enforcement agencies require a pre-employment polygraph screening in conjunction with the background investigation prior to employment.
Source: Lafayette InstrumentsRelative physiological changes within the examinee’s body are monitored by the following polygraph attachments:
Respiratory rate: Two rubber tubes filled with air, called pneumographs, are placed around the examinee’s chest and abdomen. When the chest or abdominal muscles expand, the air inside the tubes is displaced. The digital or computerized polygraph employs transducers to convert the energy of the displaced air into electronic signals.
Blood pressure/heart rate: A blood pressure cuff is placed around the examinee’s upper arm. Tubing runs from the cuff to the polygraph. Again, in digital or computerized polygraphs, these signals are converted into electrical signals by transducers.
Galvanic skin resistance: This is also called electro-dermal activity and is basically a measure of sweat on your fingertips. The fingertips are one of the most porous areas on the body and therefore are a good place to look for sweat. The theory is we sweat more when we are placed under stress. Fingerplates, called galvanometers, are attached to two of the examinee’s fingers. These plates measure the skin’s ability to conduct electricity. When the skin is hydrated (as with sweat), it conducts electricity much more easily that when it is dry.
The polygraph examination involves three phases: The pre-test phase, the data collection phase, and the data analysis phase.
In the pre-test phase the polygraph examiner will complete the required paperwork and then familiarize the examinee with the testing procedure and the polygraph instrument. He will spend most of the pre-test phase discussing the issue for the polygraph test. Before the examinee is attached to the polygraph instrument the examiner will review each polygraph test question with him, word for word. There are no surprise or trick test questions.
During the data collection phase the examiner will administer the polygraph test and collect a number of polygraph charts depicting physiological changes occurring with the examinee’s body as the examiner reads each test question and the examinee answers “yes” or “no.”
During the data analysis phase, the examiner will carefully review and score each chart in order to render an opinion as to the truthfulness of the examinee’s answers. The opinion rendered will be one of the following: No Deception Indicated meaning the examinee answered the relevant questions truthfully, Deception Indicated meaning the examinee did not tell the truth to the relevant test questions, or sometimes the opinion is Inconclusive when the examiner is unable to determine truth or deception from the examinee’s polygraph charts due to abnormal and/or inconsistent physiological reactions.
If the examinee renders an opinion of Deception Indicated, the examinee is given the opportunity to explain his deceptive physiological responses as displayed on his polygraph charts.VIDEO - THE LIE DETECTOR: THE HUMAN BODY
The Lie Detector: The Human Body (3 minutes) Click Here
With permission from Jack Trimarco - Polygraph ExaminerWHO USES POLYGRAPH TESTING?
Three sectors of our society currently use polygraph examinations for a variety of reasons.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR
Individuals, families, therapists, and employers use a polygraph examination to verify statements and to find the truth in a variety of issues, including but not limited to issues involving infidelity, drug use, addictions, sex offenses, employee thefts, criminal activities, physical abuse, and other criminal activities.
THE LEGAL COMMUNITY
The polygraph is used extensively by attorneys who wish to provide the best possible defense for their clients. Many attorneys will submit their own clients to a polygraph examination, while other will use the polygraph to verify statements made by witnesses and other parties to the litigation. Many polygraph examiners have a great deal of experience working with attorneys, both in private and government practice and have aided thousands of clients in preparing defenses that would otherwise have been unavailable to them. Based on the current polygraph research, the polygraph has improved its credibility with the scientific community. These standards, approved by a combined body of experts, now provide a template for the increased acceptability of polygraph test results.
Contrary to popular belief, the polygraph is not per-se inadmissible in court proceedings. Admissibility standards are different in each jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions allow polygraph evidence, either stipulated or un-stipulated, some prohibit polygraph evidence altogether, and many others allow the judge to decide admissibility on a case-by-case basis. Polygraph tests have been used outside the courtroom in pre-trial negotiations, plea bargaining, sentence recommendations, and witness verification or impeachment.
LOCAL AND STATE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, FEDERAL AGENCIES, MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT
Local Police Departments, Sheriff Offices, U.S. Military Branches and Government Agencies such as the FBI, CIA, NSA, and Department of Defense all use polygraph examinations for applicant screenings, criminal investigations, and matters of national security.
WHAT DOES THE POLYGRAPH TESTING PROCEDURE INVOLVE?
Most polygraph examinations last between two-and-a-half and three hours, but the examinee is only attached to the polygraph instrument 40 to 45 minutes. The typical polygraph examination involves three separate phases. The PRE-TEST PHASE takes up most of the time. During this phase the polygraph examiner completes all the miscellaneous paperwork and provides the examinee with an introduction to the polygraph instrument and all components. Then the examiner and the examinee will review and thoroughly discuss the test issue (reason for the polygraph test) during which time the examinee will tell the examiner what he or she did or did not do. Prior to attaching the examinee to the polygraph instrument all test questions are reviewed with the examinee, word for word. There are no surprise or trick questions asked. During the CHART COLLECTION PHASE the examinee is attached to the polygraph instrument. The examinee’s psycho-physiological responses are recorded as the examiner asks each question and the examinee responds with a “yes” or “no” answer. The same questions are repeated on three separate polygraph charts. At the completion of the third chart, the TEST DATA ANALYSIS PHASE begins where the examiner analyzes and numerically scores all polygraph charts to determine whether the examinee’s answers to the test question indicate truth or deception. The examinee is immediately informed of the test results and if deception is indicated, the examinee is provided with an opportunity to explain the deceptive reactions in his or her answers to the test questions.POLYGRAPH SCREENING OF APPLICANTS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (EPPA) prohibits most private employers from using polygraph testing to screen applicants for employment. It does not affect public employers such as police agencies or other governmental institutions.
In 1988, there was no current and reliable data on police applicant screening. The APA Research Center at Michigan State University embarked on a survey of police executives in the U.S. to determine the extent of, and conditions in which, polygraph testing is being used for pre-employment screening. The survey population included 700 of the largest police agencies in the United States, excluding federal agencies, and produced usable returns from 626 agencies, a response rate of 90%. The major results of the survey showed the following:
Among the respondents, 62% had an active polygraph screening program, 31% did not, and 7% had discontinued polygraph screening, usually because of prohibitive cost factors.
These results make it clear that a great majority of our largest police agencies do have a polygraph screening program in effect. These agencies employ, on average, 477 officers and service a population averaging 522,000 citizens. They primarily use the polygraph to screen applicants for sworn positions, although 54% also screen persons interested in non-sworn positions. Approximately 25% of the persons tested are disqualified from police employment based on the information developed during polygraph testing which, by the way, is used both to verify information provided in an application form and to develop information that cannot be gotten by other means.
Only a very small proportion (2%) of agencies use polygraph testing as a substitute for a background investigation. A rank ordered listing of topics covered during polygraph testing revealed that investigation of illegal drug usage, employment related dishonesty, and involvement in undetected criminal activities are the most important.
When asked to indicate what their reasons were for using polygraph screening, the great majority of the agencies indicated the polygraph test reveals information that cannot be obtained by other selection methods. Closely following this item in order, was polygraph testing makes it easier to establish background information, it deters undesirable applicants, and it’s faster than other methods of selection.
The three leading benefits of polygraph screening were that job applications were more honestly completed; higher quality employees were hired; and there were fewer undesirable employees.
Over 90% of these agencies expressed either moderate or high confidence in their polygraph screening program and 80% of them reported that in their experience the accuracy of the testing ranged between 86% and 98%. The only procedure that was considered to be as useful as polygraph screening was a background investigation; all others, including written psychological test, psychological or psychiatric interviews, personal interviews, and interviews by a selection board were judged to be less useful.
Finally, this survey also showed polygraph screening revealed the applicant’s involvement in serious, undetected criminality. For example, 9% of the agencies said polygraph screening detected involvement by some applicants in unsolved homicides; 34% indicated some applicant involvement in forcible rape; and 38% showed some applicant participation in armed robberies. Other serious, unsolved crimes, such as burglary, arson, and drug offenses were also revealed by polygraph testing.CAN SOMEONE BEAT A POLYGRAPH TEST?
The polygraph instrument records psycho-physiological changes or reactions occurring within the examinee’s Autonomic Nervous System as the examinee answers the polygraph test questions with a “yes” or “no” answer.
The Autonomic Nervous System functions automatically, involuntarily, and without the examinee’s conscious control. For example, your heart and lungs continue to function even when you’re asleep. You don’t have think about doing this and you have no control over it. Therefore, any attempts to change or alter these psycho-physiological changes or reactions through the use of countermeasures (in an attempt to manipulate or alter the polygraph test results) can be detected by countermeasure components used by a well trained and experienced polygraph examiner.
CAN NERVOUSNESS CAUSE AN EXAMINEE TO FAIL A POLYGRAPH TEST?
No. Nervousness is a constant. In other words, you cannot turn your nervousness off for one test question and then back on for the next test question. Your nervousness is present throughout the testing process. Plus, when reviewing and numerically scoring your polygraph charts, a well trained and experience polygraph examiner can evaluate the difference between a nervous reaction and a reaction caused by a deceptive answer to one of the polygraph test questions. This is why the education, training, and experience of the polygraph examiner is critical. The bottom line: Nervousness will not cause deceptive reactions, but lying will.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN SOMEONE “FAILS” A POLYGRAPH TEST?When a polygraph examiner concludes that deceptive psycho-physiological reactions are seen on the polygraph charts in one or more of the examinee’s answers to the test questions, the examinee is said to have “failed” the polygraph test. Deception is indicated when the examinee’s Autonomic Nervous System displays a significant and repetitive “defensive” reaction to one or more of the relevant test questions. Although this reaction in itself in not a “lie,” years of research has shown that 90 to 95 percent of the examinees who display this reaction were either lying to the relevant test questions or was withholding pertinent information relating to the relevant test questions. Frequently, an examiner will conclude only that “the examinee can not be excluded as a suspect” when deceptive reactions are present. It is important to note that some examinees will “fail” a polygraph test even though they are telling the literal truth, but they continue to hold back pertinent or incriminating information from the examiner. I strongly suggest that no one make a life-altering decision based solely on the results of a “failed” polygraph test without the existence of additional evidence supporting this test result.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT QUALIFICATIONS FOR A POLYGRAPH EXAMINER?
There are approximately 3,500 polygraph examiners in the United States. According to Frank Horvath, a Michigan State University professor of criminal justice, approximately 2,000 of these polygraph examiners belong to a professional organization.
Frank Horvath, a member of the American Polygraph Association, is concerned about the credentials and qualifications of many polygraph examiners who do not belong to some sort of professional organization. Laws regarding polygraph licensing vary from state to state and there is no government or private entity that controls polygraph licensing. Horvath also feels the training of polygraph examiners is inadequate. According to Horvath, you could buy a polygraph instrument tomorrow and come to Michigan and you wouldn’t be able to administer polygraph examinations because the state of Michigan has a rigorous polygraph licensing law, but you could move down to Colorado or any number of other states, and open a polygraph business tomorrow.
Less than half the states in the U.S. have a polygraph licensing law and unfortunately, Colorado is one of them. Therefore, the qualified, trained, and experienced examiners in Colorado rely on polygraph certification through their state and national polygraph associations.
The results of your polygraph test may change your life. Make sure you have the test performed by the best polygraph examiner you can find. When choosing a polygraph examiner the price of the test is the last thing you should ask about; affordability does not always equal quality. Remember the saying, “You get what you pay for.” Don’t put yourself in the hands of anyone but a highly trained and qualified professional. When selecting a polygraph examiner to conduct your polygraph test, inquire into the following areas involving experience, training, and qualifications:
The polygraph examiner should have completed a nationally recognized and accredited polygraph school which normally takes between 8 to 10 weeks to complete. After completing the polygraph school, the new polygraph examiner conducts polygraph examinations during an “internship” period. During this period the polygraph school reviews the examiner’s work and if his work meets the school standards, the polygraph examiner is awarded a certificate of completion. In Colorado, after receiving the certificate of completion the examiner should apply for membership in the state polygraph organization called CAPE (Colorado Association of Polygraph Examiners). The examiner may also apply for membership in a national polygraph association. The two most prominent national associations are the APA (American Polygraph Association) and the AAPP (American Association of Police Polygraphers). These associations provide polygraph examiners with advanced training and continuing education courses in order for them to maintain their proficiency. Based on the total number of continuing education hours completed within a two year time period, determine whether the polygraph examiner has been CERTIFIED by the Colorado Polygraph Association (CAPE) and/or the National Polygraph Associations (AAPP and APA). Beware of polygraph examiners who boast about their years of training and experience, yet they have not completed any advanced training or continuing education courses in years. Technology changes through the years and polygraph examiners must keep up with these changes. Was the polygraph examiner employed by a county, city, state, or federal law enforcement agency? How many examinations has he or she conducted? How many were criminal specific issue examinations as compared to pre-employment screening examinations? This is important because law enforcement polygraph examiners also have years of training and experience in interview and interrogation techniques and other related training that enhances their proficiency in obtaining admissions and confessions from those examinees whose test result shows deception to the relevant test questions. Make sure the polygraph examiner you select has training and experience in the type of polygraph examination you’re looking for. If the polygraph examiner does not have this training and experience or is unable to provide you with answer to these questions, that polygraph examiner may not be a good choice. Again remember, you get exactly what you pay for.
WHY ARE POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS EXPENSIVE?
The best polygraph examiners are highly trained and experienced professionals with a college degree. These polygraph examiners provide a very specialized service. This service requires the examiner to purchase very expensive equipment and pursue continuing education in order to maintain the highest degree of proficiency. The time required to conduct a specific incident “single issue exam” averages between three and four hours. In most cases, the polygraph exam is conducted because there simply is no other reasonable way to get the desired information, such as when no evidence exists one way or the other, or when it is simply a “he-said-she-said” situation. For example, in a fidelity case a person might spend thousands of dollars on continuing surveillance while the same information could be obtained for a fraction of that price with a polygraph test and thereby save thousands of dollars. The fees charged for polygraph examinations are reasonable when considering the cost of the polygraph examiner’s training, the equipment required to do the job, the degree of specialization, and the worldwide need for this unusual service.HAVE YOU BEEN TOLD THE POLYGRAPH IS ANTIQUATED?
If so, don’t discount the value and reliability of a polygraph yet. There are proponents of other lie detector techniques that claim to have “no equal” and refer to the polygraph as “outdated and unreliable.” There is some truth to this claim. There are no equals and the polygraph is the oldest and most reliable lie detection technique in use today. It is also the only proven lie detection technique in use, based on independent scientific reliability and validity studies, coupled with peer acceptance. The polygraph is the only lie detection instrument used by federal government agencies for investigatory purposes and the polygraph is also used by more state and local law enforcement agencies than any other technique available.
HOW ACCURATE IS A POLYGRAPH TEST RESULT?
The current polygraph research indicates that when a specific single issue polygraph exam, conducted by a qualified, trained, and experienced polygraph examiner, is properly administered the accuracy rate is between 95% and 98%. This percentage is still higher than other forms of evidence, including psychiatric opinions, suspect identification as provided by victims and witnesses, and fingerprint identification. The polygraph is the most accurate tool available today for determining truth or deception. The accuracy of the multi-issue exam drops in accuracy due to a number of psychological factors. These statistics do no include “inconclusive” test results in which no opinion of truth of deception can be made from the physiological data collected on the polygraph charts.
WHAT KIND OF QUESTIONS MAY BE ASKED ON A POLYGRAPH TEST?
Normally, eight to ten questions are asked on a polygraph test. Prior to administering the test, all test questions are reviewed with the examinee, word for word. The question review process eliminates any misunderstandings, confusion, or attempts to rationalize the true meaning of any test question. There are no surprise or trick questions. The test series consists of relevant questions interspersed with irrelevant and comparison questions.
The answer to each test questions is limited to either a yes or no. There are no narrative answers or interrogation taking place during the polygraph test as portrayed on television or in the movies. Compound test questions or test questions that ask for opinions, feelings, emotions, intent, or frame of mind must not be used. Hypothetical questions or questions about future events must not be used. WHAT IF MY QUESTIONS WERE NOT ANSWERED IN THIS LIST OF FAQ's
If your question or questions were not answered in the FAQs listed above, please call Larry Hobson at the listed office telephone number or click here and ask your question on the Polygraph Request Form.
