What is the difference between Credibility Assessments, Polygraph Examinations and Lie Detection techniques?
Credibility Assessments are any attempt to determine truthfulness, when the truth is unclear, or even disputed. Polygraph examinations are synonymous with, or are commonly accepted as being synonymous with, “lie detection”; however, there are other ways to assess credibility and the polygraph is a powerful tool
What is a Forensic Assessment?
A Forensic Assessment is a category of psychological assessment, or evidentiary based assessment, that is used to aid a legal fact finder.
How accurate is the polygraph?
The American Polygraph Association (APA) reports that scientific evidence supports the high reliability of polygraph examinations. The APA has a compendium of eighty (80) research projects, that have been published since 1980, that have measured the validity of polygraph testing. Current research has demonstrated that single-issue polygraph examinations may have an accuracy rate of 92% or greater.
When will you know the results?
Polygraph test results will be provided in a Polygraph Report. The results of the exam will be divulged to the examinee at the conclusion of the exam; unless, another arrangement was agreed to ahead of time.
What kind of questions will be asked during the exam?
All questions will be thoroughly reviewed with the examinee, before the test begins. The examinee will help to select the questions that will create the best opportunity to accomplish the examinee’s goal: to prove truthfulness to an issue that is being disputed; or, it cannot be proven otherwise. All questions will be phrased to elicit a “Yes” or “No” response from the examinee.
Can a polygraph examination replace a thorough investigation?
No. Polygraph exams are intended to assess the examinee’s truthfulness to a certain issue. A thorough investigation is always preferable to an investigation that relies solely on a polygraph examination.
How long will the polygraph exam take?
To be in compliance with ethical standards, all polygraph exams will take approximately 90-minutes. Examinees are encouraged to plan for up to 3-hours. This allows time to address any housekeeping matters that are bound to occasionally occur.
Can I bring someone with me to the exam?
Certainly. Please know that the guest will not be allowed to be in the room after the examinee is satisfied with what to expect during the examination. The actual testing involves only the examiner and the examinee.
Do I have to take a polygraph test?
No. Polygraph examinations are voluntary. The decision to participate in a polygraph examination rests solely on the examinee. The decision whether or not to administer the examination lies solely with the examiner. It is an agreement. If, after beginning the examination, the examinee chooses to discontinue the test, the request will be honored. That being said, the Pricing rules do apply.
What if I’m nervous?
It is quite common to be nervous during the polygraph examination. All examinees will experience some level of general nervous tension. The examinee’s nervousness will be accounted for by the examiner. It is nothing to worry about.
Who are the most frequent users of polygraph testing? How is Polygraph testing used?
Polygraph testing is most commonly used in the legal system and in offender treatment and supervision. Testing is done for a variety of assessments: criminal cases, civil cases, pre-employment testing, corrections offender supervision, sex offender treatment, and other personal matters that the examinee is trying to resolve. This is not an exhaustive list. Feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss whether or not the polygraph is a tool that should be used in your situation.
Do you conduct Infidelity or Cheating Spouse tests?
Infidelity testing will only be conducted in conjunction with a marriage or couples counseling therapist. The test result will be given directly to the therapist, not to the examinee. Only the examinee will be allowed in the polygraph office. The other party should just stay home.
What if I’ve been accused of something I didn’t do and I am not represented by an attorney?
The recommendation is to ask an attorney to arrange your exam; but, you may choose to be unrepresented.
Can everyone participate in a polygraph exam?
No. There are certain physical, emotional and mental conditions that must be determined to be certain the examinee is suitable for testing. If the examiner does not think the examinee is able to take the test, the test will be discontinued.
Pregnant women, mentally ill people, persons with very low IQ’s, and juveniles less than 12-years old cannot be tested. All other conditions will be discussed with the examiner.
How will I be treated?
All examinees will be treated with the utmost respect and exams will be conducted professionally. All exams will be recorded, to ensure accuracy of the interpretation of the examinee’s statements and to be a record of what happened during the examination. The recording will be retained by the examiner, unless otherwise advised by an attorney or therapist representing the examinee.
Are there any hidden fees?
No. Refer to the Pricing section of this website. All pricing terms will be agreed upon before the test begins.