Polygraph Frequently Asked Questions

The attempt to detect deception is as old as mankind itself. Since time immemorial, different methods have been employed to detect deception, for example pulse-taking by the Greeks in 300BC, or the swallowing of a rice cake in China in 220BC. In modern times, more scientific methods have been developed to uncover deception.

The first person to utilize an instrument for the purpose of detecting lies was C Lombroso in 1895. He measured changes in blood pressure and pulse rate with a hydrosphygmograph. J Larson (1921) was the first person to use a continuous method of recording changes in blood pressure and pulse rate and more than one recording to detect deception. In 1926, L Keeler developed a more complex recording instrument, utilising blood pressure changes, pulse rate and respiration. He added the galvanograph in 1936. The first electronic polygraph was introduced in 1974 by Stoelting Co. Today most examiners use computerised polygraph instruments.

In 1952 Reid developed an improved questioning technique by adding control questions. The first polygraph school was opened by L Keeler in 1948. In 1961, Backster developed the Zone Comparison question technique. Several studies on the polygraph have been conducted in the USA in recent years and continuous research and development is taking place in the field.

A polygraph instrument collects physiological data from at least three systems of the human body. Pneumograph tubes are placed over the examinee’s chest and abdominal area to record breathing patterns and finger plates are attached to the fingers to record sweat gland activity. A blood pressure cuff will record cardiovascular activity. The reactions are charted by the polygraph instrument and reflected on charts printed from the recordings.

When a person answers questions during a polygraph examinations the examiner will monitor for a set of physiological reactions which have been correlated to the act of being deceptive on a statistically significant level. These changes can thus accurately indicate whether a person is being truthful or not.

A typical polygraph examination will include periods referred to as a pre-test phase, a chart collection phase, post- test phase and a test analysis phase. This procedure usually takes one to one and a half hours.

• In the pre-test phase, the polygraph examiner will complete required paperwork and explain the theory of the polygraph in an understandable way to the examinee. The examinees will be given the opportunity to discuss their roles or perceptions regarding the case under investigation and provide relevant information. During this period, the examiner will discuss the questions to be asked and familiarise the examinee with the testing procedure.

• During the chart collection phase, the examiner will administer the examination and collect a number of polygraph charts. No questions will be asked during the examination that have not been discussed and reviewed with the examinee.

• In the post-test phase, the examiner will analyse the charts and render an opinion as to the truthfulness of the person taking the test. The examiner, when appropriate, will offer the examinee an opportunity to explain physiological responses in relation to any questions asked during the examination.

During the past 75 years, over 250 different studies have been conducted in this regard. The preponderance of available information indicates the polygraph technique to be reliable in as much as 85% to 98% of specific issue investigations. This proves the polygraph to be more reliable than most, if not all other conventional methods of investigation.

Continuous research is conducted regarding polygraph examinations including an in depth statistical analysis conducted by Dr Nelson and his team and multiple independent institutions. Even to date polygraph examinations are considered the most accurate means for the detection of deception.

Unless contracted as such, no person can be compelled to undergo a polygraph examination. This is in keeping with section 35 of the South African Constitution and also the Criminal Procedure Act.

The polygraph technique allows for the level of a person’s general nervous tension. Most individuals will be nervous before and during a polygraph examination. However, this only affects the level from which recordings are made and does not affect the result of the examination, i.e. although the level of nervousness will affect the individual’s physiological baseline, it will not affect the variations on the baseline and consequently the result of the examination.

No examiner of the PISA Integrity Assessment Centre or Polygraph Institute of South Africa will ask questions about any of the following areas during an examination:

• religious beliefs or affiliations
• beliefs or opinions regarding racial matters
• political beliefs or affiliations
• beliefs, affiliations or lawful activities regarding unions or labour organisations
• sexual preferences or activities

It often happens that individuals are unfortunately or unjustly implicated in a crime or marked as targets for accusations or inferences. In many cases, there is no way in which those concerned can restore the trust or protect their reputation from the harm of careless accusations. The polygraph examination provides an excellent opportunity to restore the trust between employee and employer and creates an unequaled opportunity for such individuals to substantiate their truthfulness and prove their innocence.

These agencies have found that the polygraph can be used most effectively to limit the number of suspects. The results normally indicate which person or persons were involved in the matter under investigation, and in some instances admissions of guilt are obtained during or after a polygraph examination. It must be stressed however, that the polygraph does not replace an investigation.

The polygraph is a valuable aid in an investigation, and can add valuable information to the investigation. The polygraph helps to focus the investigation, thus saving time, manpower and money. It also helps to establish the bona fides of honest persons implicated in a case quickly and efficiently.

The polygraph helps to provide information regarding the integrity of workers quickly and accurately. It can therefore be of great value in the appointment of personnel, as well as in establishing culpability in cases of employee theft or fraud. The polygraph is an invaluable aid in any personnel integrity maintenance program.

Every effort is made to ensure the privacy and security of an examinee or client’s information. All files are restricted to those immediately involved in the procedure. The results of an examination or even the fact that an examination was conducted is carefully guarded information. Only the individual sponsoring the examination (and others as may be required by due process of law) is entitled to the facts concerning the results.