2 minute read
Polygraphs
Th e TRU
t h T H a b o u t by Jacki Condon, Managing Director of Apache Security Services e P O L Y G R A P H
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The Polygraph Test has become both famous and infamous through the popularity of its presence in crime dramas, dramatised on TV and in movies. The result of this increased attention and exposure is that there seems to be a rise of scepticism about the validity and value of taking or administering a polygraph test.
It is also apparent that there are many misconceptions the test is talked through and each question is reviewed. about the polygraph or so called ‘lie detector’ test. The person being tested has a chance to make sure Many of these misconceptions can lead to faulty or that they understand what the questions mean so as to misinterpreted results. However, if the test is administered alleviate panic at a question during the Testing Phase. by highly trained and qualified professionals it does offer “It is imperative that the technicians conducting the some valuable information. test are highly trained and skilled. This is not merely a
According to the American Psychological Association: computer telling you if someone is lying or not. It is a very “The Polygraph involves inferring deception through intricate process of assessment that requires the utmost analysis of physiological responses to a structured, but professionalism and attention to detail,” explains Jacki unstandardised, series of questions.” Condon, Managing Director of Apache Security Services.
The Association goes on to confirm that the polygraph During the Simulation Test Phase, subjects are test does not ‘detect lies’ as such, but rather monitors questioned with known truths and lies so as to get their physiological behaviours in the body that could indicate individual physiological readings in a ‘truthful’ versus that a person has reason to be anxious and/or calm upon ‘deceptive’ state. In the Testing Phase, target and control answering a certain question. That information thus questions are asked and physiological responses are highlights where problem areas are, or rather, areas that perhaps need further The third is skin conductivity, measured investigation. The physiological changes that are through electrodes attached to the being monitored are three indicators fingertips. This measures the galvanic skin or of autonomic arousal. The first is electrodermal response. respiration, measured by monitoring the rate and depth as recorded by pneumographs, which are wrapped around the chest. recorded. During the final Analysis Phase, the results are The second is heart rate and/or activity, measured using a analysed, and indicators of possible deception and/or areas blood pressure cuff. The third is skin conductivity, measured of interest are marked for further investigation. through electrodes attached to the fingertips. This “The polygraph test is a highly complex system that, measures the galvanic skin or electrodermal response. when used correctly, can be incredibly valuable when
The phases of the polygraph test include the Pre-Test trying to ascertain areas of concern or interest. In the hands Phase, the Simulation Test Phase, the Testing Phase and of highly skilled technicians it functions as an asset to any the Analysis Phase. In the Pre-Test Phase the technicality of investigation,” concludes Condon.