Since the beginning of time man has sought to verify the truth and detect deception by various means. The polygraph is accepted in most countries as the only reliable and validated means to uncover lies and confirm the truth.

UK Polygraph Testing offer professional services from examiners, who have been formally trained at American Polygraph Association (APA) accredited training schools and use the latest techniques and instrumentation.

Below is some basic information relating to taking a polygraph test.

How does the Polygraph Work?

The polygraph works by tracing changes in a person’s Physiological conditioning during questioning. This is done by attaching various components to the subject.

Pneumograph – Two rubber pneumograph tubes are placed around the subject’s upper chest and abdomen; these record respiration and movement.

G.S.R – The GSR or galvanic skin response is traced by placing two fingerplates across the subject’s ring and index finger of the right hand. These trace changes in skin resistance during the examination.

Cardiosphygmograph – This component traces changes in the subject’s relative blood pressure and pulse rate, and is similar to the pressure cuff your doctor uses to take your blood pressure.

While the subject is attached to the equipment described above, he/she is asked previously agreed and carefully constructed questions, and in replying his/her body generates tracings on the polygraph charts. In analysing these tracings, the examiner reaches a conclusion to the subject’s honesty regarding the issue.

Question Formulation – We only carry out polygraph tests using the latest question techniques. These techniques are widely accepted in Law Enforcement throughout the USA.

Our examiners will work with the client to construct questions that cover the test issue as well as meeting the strict rules that ensure validity. The latest techniques allow a maximum of three relevant questions within a test.

All questions are fully reviewed and agreed with the client before the test commences.

Can someone beat the test?

Provided that examiner conducting the test is trained and qualified it is highly improbable. The polygraph is a medical instrument that records changes in a person’s autonomic reactivity whilst they answer questions, and If a person engages in behaviours in order to distort the polygraph tracings, it becomes evident to a trained examiner when he sees the tracings.

In most cases it is easy for a qualified examiner to determine if an examinee is attempting to alter the outcome of a test. When such behaviour is identified, a result of “purposeful non cooperation” is given.

Is The Test Confidential

Yes.

All tests results are kept strictly between the examiner, subject and the person requesting the test.

The tests are recorded with video & audio for the protection of the client and examiner.

Full written reports are available on request.

The Test Process

A polygraph examination typically takes around 2 hours from beginning to end, and consists of three different phases; pre-test interview, collection of charts, and analysis of charts.

Pre-test interview – during the pre test interview the examiner will explain how the polygraph works. He will then discuss the specific issue, develop and review all the questions to be asked on the polygraph test. This stage is normally the longest to complete and can take anything from 45 to 90 minutes.

Collection of Charts - During this phase the subject will be attached to the polygraph. The set of questions, which were developed during the pre-test interview, will be asked several times. During this stage only the examiner and subject will be present.

Analysis of Charts - Once the examiner has collected the charts he will analyse the results before giving a decision as to the subject’s truthfulness or deception.

What should you ask before taking a test

1. Is the examiner professionally trained at a polygraph school accredited by the American Polygraph Association?

2. Does the examiner use modern computerised polygraph instruments and test techniques.

3. Has the examiner passed the APA exam. Is the examiner a pending or continuing member of the American Polygraph Association?

 

Typical Uses Of The Polygraph

- False claims

- Fraud

- Infidelity

- Theft

- Sexual Abuse

- Pre-employment screening

- Accused of something you didn't do

 

Do Nerves Affect The Result Of A Test

Quite simply No!

It is expected and understood that all people who undergo a polygraph test will be nervous, whether they intend to answer the questions truthfully or not.

An examiner will look for responses over and above the examinee’s normal heightened level of nervousness or anxiety.

Typically, an examinee remains nervous throughout the entire testing procedure rather than at specific points in that process.

If nerves affected the result of a polygraph test, then nobody would ever pass!

How reliable is the Polygraph

Reliability – There is no doubt that the polygraph is highly reliable, providing the examiner using it, is highly trained and uses validated techniques.

The American Polygraph Association (APA) has gathered over 200 studies on the subject, you can view further information at their web site www.polygraph.org. Based on twelve separate studies involving 2174 actual cases since 1980, evidence suggests that qualified polygraph examiners are 98% accurate in their overall decisions (Refer: Ainsley, N 1990 The validity and reliability of Polygraph examinations in real cases).

 

Call now on (+44) 070 4000 3000 or email detective@uk-detective.co.uk for a free consultation or quote. Your enquiry will be treated 100% confidentially.