OF&A :: Polygraph Testing Makes Life Difficult

Polygraph Testing Makes Life Difficult

POLYGRAPH TESTING MAKES LIFE DIFFICULT FOR FRAUDSTERS

For hundreds of years, law enforcement agencies have searched for scientific means to test whether suspects are telling the truth. As far back as 1730, physiological changes were taken note of in an attempt to identify criminals. The science has advanced in leaps and bounds and is now known as polygraphy. Today, polygraphists use laptops and sophisticated equipment, and the scientific accuracy of professional polygraph examinations is becoming more acceptable in court. A long way from the skepticism and the experimental days at the beginning of the century.


	The Instrument The polygraph measures any physiological changes experienced by an examinee when asked questions relating to a specific event. The instrument measures changes in respiration, changes in skin responses, and an increase or decrease in blood pressure and pulse rate.
(Top) Andrew Fourie, an OF&A polygraph examiner, conducts a polygraph examination.

The Test

Prior to testing, the polygraph examiner questions the examinee on various subjects, including background and medical history. This assists the examiner in determining the questions to be asked, and ensures that the examiner is aware of all factors contributing to the interview as a whole.

Once the pre-test interview is over, the examinee is attached to the instrument and the questions are repeated. The examinee's results are then discussed and, if there are indications of deception, all efforts are made to obtain a confession. A good polygraphist is thoroughly trained in techniques of interviewing, and often elicits information withheld by examinees in previous interrogations.

Polygraph examinations are most often used in internal theft and fraud cases where is not enough physical evidence to ascertain the identify of the culprit. The examination can also be used to determine the innocence of a person under suspicion. As an investigative tool, the polygraph can prove the honesty of the innocent and can direct the investigator towards the quilty.

The polygraph is used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies world wide, and forms an integral part of many investigations. Without it, a lot of time and money would be spent following up false information and a large amount of guesswork would be involved.

Uncovering False Claims

When correctly applied, the examination has a 98% accuracy rate, and even the most brazen liar finds it hard to beat the sensitivity of the examination. With the high success rate that the polygraph test now enjoys, a number of insurance companies have written a polygraph examination clause into their contracts, while others offer clients the option of taking an examination to establish the truthfulness of their claim. Insurers feel that not only does this examination pick up fraudsters, but it also deters people from instituting fraudulent claims.

Training

Performing polygraph examinations requires extensive training. OF&A's polygraph examiners studied towards their polygraph qualifications at the Maryland Institute for Criminal Justice in the United States. The Institute, which is affiliated to the American Polygraph Association, has highly trained and qualified lecturers. A large proportion of the lecturers are experts from the US Department of Defence and Law Enforcement.

OF&A is proud if its examiners, and has an excellent track record of combining skillful interrogation with the results of the polygraph examination to catch the guilty party.