PolyGraph - Specific Issue Testing

When a specific and identifiable incident occurs (theft, sabotage, arson, homicide, assault, fraud, sexual acts and/or contact with a minor, etc.), the polygraph technique is the most effective means available to determine the credibility of a person's statements.

A specific issue polygraph examination consists of the following steps:

• A personal conference or telephone discussion during which the polygraph examiner obtains a complete history of the case background information;
• A pretest interview with the subject which will generally last an hour or more during which the examiner discusses the issue under investigation, thoroughly reviews all of the test questions that will be asked during the examination, and assesses the individual's emotional and physiological suitability to take the test;
• A thorough explanation of the instrument and testing procedures;
• A series of 4 to 6 tests, during which the subject's physiological responses are recorded as they answer a set of pre-established questions concerning the issue under investigation; and
• A review and interpretation of the polygraph charts, from which the examiner will reach one of three conclusions - that the subject is telling the truth; that the subject is not telling the truth; or, that the results are inconclusive.

Upon completion of the examination a verbal report will be given to the client, followed by a written report which will provide a synopsis of the case information available to the examiner at the time of the testing, a list of the relevant test questions, the subject's answers, and the examiner's opinion as to the subject's truthfulness or deception.

If the exam is provided at the customer's location it is the customer's responsibility to provide a suitable testing room. The room must be quiet and free from distracting noises and other interference (ie. crying babies, telephones, television, nearby conversations). No one other than the subject and examiner (and an interpreter if needed) are permitted in the examination room. There must be a table (3-foot by 3-foot minimum), two chairs and an electrical outlet. This room may be inside someone's home or office, or may be a rented meeting room at a hotel. We do not recommend testing in a hotel room or bedroom, particularly with female subjects, for obvious reasons. This room must be provided at the customer's expense, as it is not included in the exam fee.