Frequently Asked Questions About Polygraph:

What is a Polygraph?

The term "polygraph" literally means "many writings." The name refers to the manner in which selected physiological activities are simultaneously recorded. Polygraph examiners may use conventional instruments, sometimes referred to as analog instruments, or computerized polygraph instruments.

It is important to understand what a polygraph examination entails. A polygraph instrument will collect physiological data from at least three systems in the human body. Convoluted rubber tubes that are placed over the examinee's chest and abdominal area will record respiratory activity. Two small metal plates, attached to the fingers, will record sweat gland activity, and a blood pressure cuff, or similar device will record cardiovascular activity.

A typical polygraph examination will include a period referred to as a pre-test, a chart collection phase and a test data analysis phase. In the pre-test, the polygraph examiner will complete required paperwork and talk with the examinee about the test. During this period, the examiner will discuss the questions to be asked and familiarize the examinee with the testing procedure. During the chart collection phase, the examiner will administer and collect a number of polygraph charts. Following this, the examiner will analyze the charts and render an opinion as to the truthfulness of the person taking the test. The examiner, when appropriate, will offer the examinee an opportunity to explain physiological responses in relation to one or more questions asked during the test. It is important to note that a polygraph does not include the analysis of physiology associated with the voice. Instruments that claim to record voice stress are not polygraphs and have not been shown to have scientific support.

How accurate is a polygraph? (back to top)

U.S. Government studies have concluded that when a qualified examiner conducts the test properly, the polygraph exam is between 87 and 95 percent accurate. It is the most accurate means available for determining the truth or deception of a person answering a direct question.

What does the test consist of? (back to top)

The polygraph examiner receives and reviews the facts of the case.

The examiner formulates the specific test questions based upon the facts of the case and the examinee’s version of the events.

The examiner explains the test process to the examinee and reviews the facts of the case during the pretest interview. At this time the examiner reads each question to the examinee to make sure each one is easily understood.

If at any time or for any reason, the examinee feels uncomfortable with the examiner, the examination should be stopped. Arrangements should be made for another examiner to conduct the test at another time.

The examinee is attached to the polygraph instrument and given additional instructions.

The questions are read to the examinee three times while they are attached to the polygraph instrument using sensors that measure blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and sweat gland activity. These measurements are charted on graphs or stored in the memory of computerized polygraph units.

Upon completion of the questions, the examiner will analyze the charts and numerically score the charts to make sure that his analysis is within the acceptable limits of the instrument. This score results in a conclusion that the examinee has answered either truth, deception or is determined to be inconclusive.

The examiner will transmit the test results to the client verbally as soon as is practical. A written report will be provided if requested.

NOTE: Polygraph exams are conducted in private. No other persons are allowed in the examination room during the test. Exceptions may be made if an examinee requires an interpreter. Most reputable examiners videotape the examination for the protection of all parties involved.

What is measured by a polygraph? (back to top)

A standard polygraph records changes in physiological signs. These signs include blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and sweat gland activity (galvanic skin reflex).

It does not matter that the examinee is nervous during testing; some nervousness is to be expected. The polygraph records significant changes from the examinee's baseline or normal reading when specific questions are asked.

An examinee intending deception when answering a particular question activates their sympathetic nervous system when that question is asked. This will cause identifiable changes in one or more of the physical responses that is measured by the polygraph.

Are special examiners needed for sex crimes? (back to top)

There is a new certification for examiners called "Certified Post-Conviction Sex Offender Examiner.” This certification requires 40 hours of additional training. If the exam you need involves an allegation of a sex crime, it would be wise to choose an examiner with this additional training and certification.

Are special examiners needed for immigration cases? (back to top)

Yes. I-CARE certified examiners receive a minimum of 16 hours of special training in the use of computerized polygraph examination with immigration related issues. This training allows the examiner to address the specific needs which are unique to immigration cases. This training also helps to qualify the examiner as an expert witness at administrative hearings and can provide substantial weight to the Preponderance of Evidence.

Is the polygraph admissible in court? (back to top)

Each jurisdiction must be checked to determine admissibility standards; some criminal courts allow the introduction of polygraph evidence while others have not. In most cases, polygraph evidence is used during pre-trial investigation and preparations rather than during the actual trial.

In the O. J. Simpson civil trial, the results of a polygraph were admitted into evidence. This established a precedent across the nation allowing polygraph examinations in civil trials such as divorce cases.

Polygraph is used in administrative hearings such as immigration hearings to verify plaintiff's claims, statements and credibility. It has been used successfully with both foundation and appeals cases. Federal Rule 702 allows examiners to qualify as expert witnesses. I-CARE examinations are helpful in supplementing the Preponderance of Evidence requirement.

Can someone beat the polygraph? (back to top)

While an honest person that has done nothing wrong has no reason to try, some people will try to beat the test.

The polygraph works by recording changes caused by a person's sympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that makes your heart beat and causes you to breathe, it can only be consciously controlled very slightly. Attempts to control breathing or heart rate are usually picked up by the trained examiners. A dishonest person might try to affect the outcome of their examination by using drugs or other countermeasures in an attempt to mask the changes caused by their sympathetic nervous system when they answer a question untruthfully.

A person that is under a physician’s care should continue to take their medication as prescribed. Failure to follow the prescribed regimen of any medication could cause a metabolic imbalance and have potentially serious medical consequences for the examinee. Prescription medications taken as prescribed should not normally affect the outcome of a polygraph examination. If drugs or alcohol impairs an examinee at the time of their test, it is usually obvious to the examiner.

Attempts to beat the test using medications use of diazepam (Valium) or methylphenidate (Ritalin) are usually unsuccessful. A study published in 1983 showed that the accuracy rate actually IMPROVED in examinees taking these medications before the test. If the use of drugs is suspected, a pre-test (or post-test) drug screening is advised. While the use of certain drugs and medications may affect the exam, such use generally results in an "inconclusive" test rather than changing the result from deceptive to truthful.

The use of hypnotically induced amnesia to defeat a polygraph examination was the subject of a study published in 1945. While the subjects in this study showed complete posthypnotic amnesia for certain learned words, they recognized the words at the unconscious level.

Some examinees will attempt to defeat the test by inflicting pain on themselves, excessive movement or controlling their breathing. Use of a motion detection chair will identify many of these attempts. The examinee’s fear of detection in answering relevant questions will usually create more measurable responses than self-inflicted pain during the other questions.

It is virtually impossible to change a result from "deceptive" to "truthful" through the use of drugs, medications or other countermeasures prior to an exam. This can be demonstrated through verified accuracy rates as high as 95%.

Can an employer require an employee take to the test? (back to top)

Yes, under certain conditions.

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 requires

1) That the employer has suffered a specific economic loss of money or merchandise and the loss has been reported to the appropriate authorities.
2) That the employee to be tested had access to the missing property or loss.
3) And that the employee is suspected of involvement in the missing property or loss beyond mere access.

If these conditions exist and the employer desires to have an employee tested, the employer must make the request in writing. This request must advise the employee that the exam is voluntary and that no action can be taken against him/her solely for refusing to take it.

The employee must also be advised of the incident under investigation, his/her legal rights, and a number of other notifications required under the law. This request must be presented to the employee at least 2 business days prior to the scheduled exam.

Questions must be limited to the specific loss only. The examiner is not permitted to ask questions about losses other than those listed in the notification form.

If an employee "fails" a polygraph under these conditions, the employer still may not take action against the employee without additional supporting evidence indicating the employee's involvement in the loss.

Exemptions granted by The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 allow pre-employment polygraph examinations for employees of banks, hospitals, nursing homes, drug warehouses, armored car companies and law enforcement agencies. If you have questions about pre-employment polygraph screening for your employees, please contact us.

What should I look for when hiring a polygraph examiner? (back to top)

The rapport between the examiner and examinee is paramount in conducting an effective polygraph examination. If at any time or for any reason, the examinee feels uncomfortable with the examiner, the examination should be stopped. Arrangements should be made for another examiner to conduct the test at another time.

Most importantly, if your state requires licensing, make sure the examiner has a current license.

Every examiner must attend a polygraph-training program, which lasts 7 to 8 weeks. Upon completion of this training the examiner must conduct a certain number of exams under the guidance of an experienced examiner. After this internship period, the school reviews the examiner's work and grants the certification if this work was done to their standards.

Most examiners complete a certain amount of continuing education or advanced training programs. As technology changes, examiners must keep up with new techniques and equipment.

Look for an examiner with professional affiliations and memberships, such as the American Polygraph Association or other professional organizations that set standards for examiners.

Last, you want to be sure that the examiner you choose has experience in the type of situation you are testing for. Someone that has spent all their time doing tests for retail theft and white-collar crimes might not be the best choice to test a sex offender.

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