Polygraph
testing, is more than connecting you to an instrument and asking
questions. The polygraph examination involves three distinct phases. The
pre-test phase, the in-test phase, and the post-test phase, which includes chart
analysis. Examination times can vary between 1 ½ to 4 hours.
During the pre-test phase, the examiner acquires
basic information about the examinee, discusses the issue to be tested, and,
with the examinee’s assistance, develops and reviews the questions to be asked
during the test. It is during this first phase that the examinee is also
acquainted with the scientific instrument and its purpose.
During the in-test phase, the test is
administered, utilizing only questions reviewed and agreed upon. The instrument
sensors collect physiological responses of specific areas of the examinee’s
body. The resulting responses are recorded on charts later analyzed and
discussed.
During the post-test phase, the recorded charts
are analyzed, and the examiner provides an opinion to the truthfulness of the
responses provided. If areas of concern are noted, the examinee is provided an
opportunity to explain reactions to particular questions.
Polygraph uses: Polygraph examinations verify
information of past acts or behaviors. Polygraph examinations are used by
multiple levels of government, and various federal and state law enforcement
agencies. Testing is additionally utilized by U.S.and state district attorneys,
public defenders, private attorneys, parole/probation officials, security
companies, and private parties. Employers also uses polygraph testing when it
falls under the specific reasons allowable under the 1988 EPPA guidelines for
theft, sabotage or espionage. Please review
http://www.dol.gov/dol/compliance/comp-eppa.htm for specific allowances.
Who uses Polygraph Examinations:
Polygraph Examinations offer valuable utilization to a
wide variety of end-users.
Legal Community: Attorneys (Prosecution/Defense),
Public Defenders and Attorneys in civil litigation.
Law Enforcement Agencies: Federal, state and local
law enforcement agencies, U.S.and State Attorneys Office, the courts and
parole/probation officers.
Treatment Therapist: Medical professionals engaged
in the behavioral treatment of individuals for sex crimes, (See Association for
Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) and American Polygraph Association (APA)
guidelines and recommendations). Treatment professionals involved in treatment
for substance abuse, marital, domestic violence and gambling additions.
Probation/Parole: Officers charged with managing
and monitoring the activities of convicted sex offenders to assist and
supplement public safety measures.
Private Sector: Private Citizens in matters not involving the legal or criminal
justice system. Infidelity tests are not performed.
Business Sector: Private employers, small
businesses, Companies and Corporations under the limits of the Employee
Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (EPPA).
The most valuable aspect of the investigative use of polygraph testing is to
help exonerate the innocent person surrounded by circumstantial evidence. It is
particularly valuable in those investigations that rely only on testimonial
evidence. At the same time, polygraph testing is very helpful in investigations
involving multiple suspects by narrowing the focus of the investigation.