Introduction

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

Spycatcher use fully qualified polygraph examiners based in the United Kingdom.

The UK has not traditionally embraced the polygraph with the same enthusiasm as the likes of Canada and the USA, however recent changes in social perceptions coupled with a refusal to “just accept” a persons word have led to a growing interest in polygraph. Spycatcher only use experienced and qualified polygraph tests examiners, below is some valuable information regarding the polygraph that anybody considering taking a test should know.

How does the polygraph work?

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

Pnuemograph – Two rubber pnuemograph tubes are placed around the subject’s upper chest and abdomen, these record breathing and movement. These tubes can be placed over the clothing.

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

Cardiosphygmograph – This component traces changes to your relative blood pressure and pulse rate, it is similar to the pressure cuff your doctor uses to take your blood pressure.
Once the questions have been asked whilst the subject has been attached to the components the examiner will read the generated charts to establish truth or deception.

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

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

All questions are fully reviewed with the subject before the test commences.

Reliability – There is no doubt that the polygraph is highly reliable providing the person using it is trained and the technique they use is validated. 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 real cases since 1980, evidence suggests that qualified polygraph examiners are 98% accurate in their overall decisions (Ansley, N 1990 The validity and reliability of Polygraph examinations in real cases).

What can I expect from the test?

A polygraph examination usually takes around 2 hours 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, discuss the issue, develop and review all questions to be asked on the polygraph test. This stage is normally the longest to complete and will take anywhere between 45-90 mins.

Collection of Charts - During this phase the subject will be attached to the polygraph. The question set which was developed during the pre-test interview will be asked several times.

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 to the issue.

What you should ask before taking a test?