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NOTES IN POLYGRAPHY

BARRIERS TO POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

There are instances where it is impossible to make an analysis of polygraph tests
because of the following:

1. Pathological liar (a person who cannot determine right and wrong).

2. Mental cases.
3. Persons under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
4. Narcotics related cases.
5. Various heart and other organic troubles.

FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR

THE 25% ERRORS OF THE LIE DETECTOR TEST
1. Nevousness or extreme emotional tension experienced by a subject who is telling the
truth regarding the offense in question but who is nevertheless affected by:
a) apprehension induced by the mere fact that suspicionor accusation has been
directed against him.
b) Apprehension over the possibility of an inaccurate lie detector test result.
c) Over-anxiety to cooperate in order to assure an accurate test result.
d) Apprehension concerning possible physical hurt from the instrument.
e) Anger resentment over having to take a lie detector test.
f) Over-anxiety regarding serious personal problems unrelated to the offense under
investigation.
g) Previous extensive interrogation, especially when accompanied by physical abuse.
h) A guilt complex or fear of detection regarding some other offense which he had
committed.

2. Physiological abnormalities such as:

a. Excessively high or excessive low blood pressure.
b. Diseases of the heart.
c. Respiratory disorder.

3. Mental Abnormalities such as;

a. Feeblemindedness as in idiots, imbeciles and morons.
b. Psychosis or insanities, as in maniac-depressives, paranoids, schizophrenia, paretics,
etc.
c. Pschoneurosis and psychopathia, as among the so-called “peculiar” or emotionally
unstable persons – those who are neither psychotic or normal.

4. Unresponsiveness in a lying or guilty subject because of:

a. No fear of detection.
b. Apparent inability to consciously control response by means of certain mental sets of
attitudes.
c. A condition of “sub-shock” or “adrenal exhaustion” at the time of test.
d. Raionalization of the crime in advance of the test to such an extent that lying about the
offense arouses little or no emotional disturbance.
e. Extensive interrogation prior to the test.

5. Attempt to “beat the machine” by controlled breathing or by muscular flexing.

6. Unobserved application of muscular pressure which produces ambiguities and

misleading indications in the blood pressure tracing.

Parts attached to the person being tested are the following:

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1. Pneumograph tube with the aid of beaded chain, is fastened on the subjects chest or
abdomen.
2. Blood pressure cuff of the same type used by the physician is fastened on the subjects
either arm or around one arm.
3. Sets of electrodes are fastened to the palmar (or to the fingers).

THE FOUR MAJOR COMPONENTS OF POLYGRAPH

A. PNEUMOGRAPH -records the changes in the breathing of the subject.

-a rubberized corrugated tube about seven inches in length fastened
around the subject’s chest and abdomen. This occupies the two top upper pens of the
instrument which records the thoracic and abdominal breathing patterns of respiration.
The inhalation/exhalation of the subject cause the tubes to expand and contract, thereby
reflecting the change through bellows to the pen into the chart.

B. CARDIO-SPHYMOGRAPH - Records the changes in the blood pressure and pulse rate of
the subject.
 the blood pressure cuff containing a rubber bladder that is wrapped around one
of the subject arms in such a way as to ensure that the rubber portion of the cuff is place
over the brachial artery of the right arm for more satisfactory recordings. This is the fourth
and the bottom pen of the instrument. The polygraphist inflates the bladder with a hand
pump to put air into the system, which recorded in a sphygmomanometer in millimeter of
mercury (generally 60-80 mm).

C. GALVANOGRAPH - Records the changes in the skin resistance of the subject in a small a
mount of electricity, attached in the index and ring finger.
 a set of electrodes attached to the index finger and to the ring finger of the left
hand or the palmer or dorsal surfaces of subject’s hand. This is the longest and the third
pen of the instrument. The electrodes used for obtaining the recording of the GSR or
electro dermal responses, are fastened to the hand or fingers by means of the passage
of an imperceptible amount of electrical current through the hand or fingers bearing the
attached electrodes, a galvanometer unit provides recording of the variation in the flow of
the electrical current.

D. KYMOGRAPH - Is a small motor that pull or dried the chart paper at the rate of 6 inches per
minute.
 this is the chart-recording unit of the instrument. It has a synchronized motor that
drives the charts at the rate of six inches per minute and its speed constant is vital
because the vertical lines, which are spaced either at one inch interval, represents five or
ten seconds interval on the chart. This provides the polygraphist with a means of
determining pulse rate and question spacing.

E. PEN AND INKING SYSTEM – is used to make a permanent record of the test.

DETACHABLE PARTS OF ACCESSORIES:

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1. KYMOGRAPH or chart driving mechanism:

a) Chart roll arbor - Idler roller - Pen table - Paper guides - Sprocket roller - Cutter
bar - Off and on power switch - Synchronous motor

2. Pen and Inking System:

a) Capillary pen
b) Ink well plates
c) Ink dropper
d) Cuct bill

3. Pneumograph section:
a) Rubber jellows
b) Beaded chain
c) Rubber flexible tubing
d) Pneumograph tube connection
e) Pneumograph connecting tube
f) Pneumograph distributing ink
g) Pneumograph pipe line
h) Vent valve and vent bottom
i) Tambour assembly
j) Sphygmomanometer
k) Resonance control

4. Cardio section:
a) Pump bulb assembly
b) Blood pressure pump connection
c) Blood pressure cuff assembly
d) Connector block
e) Sphygmomanometer pipe line

5. Galvanograph section:
a) Hand electrode
b) Electrode jellow
c) Galvanometer

PURPOSE OF THE FOLLOWING:

1. RESONANCE CONTROL – It allows you to clear up or make a better pattern when you
have too much pulse pressure of the subject.
2. HAND ELECTRODE – which is fastened to the hand by a stretched band. Function is to
make electrical contact with the subject.
3. PANEL CONTROL – to allow the operator to control or adjust the operation of the
galvanograph.

THERE ARE FIVE CONTROLS:

1. Off and on power switch – on switch is to energize the galvanograph section.
2. Subject’s resistance control – is to balance the galvo section to the skin resistance of the
subject.
3. Reactivity control – to adjust sensitivity of the galvo section.
4. Self-centered normal switch – is to select either mode of operation.
5. Self-centering mode – is when the circuit electronically centers the pen itself after every
excursion.

CONTROL OF THE CARDIO-SPHYGMOGRAPH SECTION:

1. Manual centering knob – used to place cardio in its proper place on the chart.
2. Vent Valve – is used to left atmospheric pressure into the system and used to release
pressure all or parts of the pressure.
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3. Resonance control – is used to decrease the amplitude of the cardio tracing and used to
sharpen the diacrotic notch.

HOW TO OBTAIN BLOOD PRESURE PATTERN OR TRACING: (CARDIO)

Pen balance is critical. Pen is to be held on paper by friction of the. Inflate pressure until
you reach subject’s mean pressure. The mean pressure is the midway between the systolic and
the diastolic is the lowest pressure. In order to get the arithmetic mean pressure, add the diastolic
and systolic and the sum divided it by two. To get the geometric mean pressure, plus diastolic.
Watch your sphyg-dial when inflating the pressure, for maximum deflection.

CONTROLS OF THE PNEUMOGRAPH SECTION:

1. Manual centering knob – used to position base line of the pneumo tracing on the upper
heavy horizontal line.
2. Vent – with the vent down, the system is closed and unoperative. With the vent up, the
system is open and ready for use.
3. Uses of the vent:
a) To stop the pen between the test and to prevent possible tambour assembly.
b) To prevent pen from possible clugging by moving up or down in one place of the
chart paper.
c) To stop pen during the tube adjustment.
d) To assists in gaining amplitude.
e) To let atmospheric into the system.

HOW TO OBTAIN PROPER TRACINGS OF THE PNEUMO:

First observe subject for point of maximum chest motion. Placed tube at point where
maximum motion is observed. The tube must be smug. A tube that is too loose will result in a
distorted pattern. A tube is too tight will be uncomfortable and distort the pattern. With female
subjects the tube is almost, always placed above the breast. Some females are abdominal
breathers and tubes will have to be lowered.

CAUSES OF REACTION ON EXURSION OF THE PEN:

1. Sudden noise
2. Interruption
3. Extraneous thoughts
4. Sudden movements

HOW TO OBTAIN PROPER TRACING IN MODEL 63 KEELER MACHINE: (GALVO)

Turn power switch from off and on position. Then the galvo pen fails to the bottom of the
chart, then galvo section is then ready for operation from 15 to 18 seconds after you have turned
the switch to an on position.

APPLICATION OF THE ELECTRODES TO THE SUBJECT:

1. Position of hands or tip of fingers for convenience.
2. To adjust the sensitivity
3. Balancing galvanograph to subject
4. Sensitivity test
a)Have subject take a deep breath
b)Touch subject ear or neck
c)Quick motion within subjects line of vision

HEART RATE:
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The normal heart rate in adult males is 70 – 75 beats per minute. Rate is slightly higher
in female adults.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OF THE CARDIO TRACING:

1. The ascending limb – pulse wave causes an expansion of the arterial wall and an
increase surface pressure against the cuff bladder thus forcing air from the bladder
through the tubing into the tambour. The increasing air volume in the tambour increases
pressure against the bellows and forces the bellows forward.

This forward movement provides power to move the penfork in the attached pen in a
lateral clockwise or upward direction pen in a lateral clockwise or upward direction of the
chart surface.

2. Descending limb – when a pulsed wave passes beyond cuff bladder attendant drop in a
surface pressure against bladder reverses this processes permitting the below to return
to or toward its original position. This return of the bellows to its original position is
transmitted to the penforks and attached pen as a lateral counter clockwise or downward
stoke on chart surface.

3. Diacrotic notch – is cause by the minor secondary pulse wave passing under and
beyond the blood pressure cuff. In the wake of subsiding primary wave which
momentarily halts or slow down the decrease in the surface pressure against the bladder
in turn causing a hesitation in the bellow movement back to or towards its original
position.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OF THE PNEUMOGRAPH TRACING:

1. Ascending limb – with the expansion of the chest during the inhalating, the air capacity
in the pneumograph tube is increased creating a vacuum within the system, which
reduces the internal surface pressure against the bellow. Thus moving the bellows
backward causing a lateral clockwise or upward stroke of the pen.

2. Descending limb – cause by the exhalation thus reversing this process causing an
increase in internal surface pressure against the bellows, thus moving the bellow to or
toward its original position and producing a lateral counter-clockwise or a downward
movement of the pen.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OF THE GALVO TRACING:

1. The ascending limb – it is caused by the decrease of the subject’s resistance which
throws the established circuit out of balance and modifies the electric current flow through
the magnetic field surrounding the pivot-movement of the recording pen.

2. Descending limb:
a) Physical cause – is caused by a reverse in the subject resistance toward the original
position thus bringing the circuit back to or toward balance again producing a lateral
clockwise or downward movement of the pen.

b) Mechanical cause – the fine coil springs attached to the pivot mountain pen cradle
serve as counter balance for pen movement either above or below the established
base line and assists in returning the pen cradle to or towards the original position.

COMPUTING RATE:
Graph paper is lined and spaced in seconds. It is moving under pens at a uniform rate of
six inches per minute. Rate is kept uniform through medium of synchronized motor. From one
heavy vertical line constitute a five second period. It is also one half inch. Cont the beats inside
any five seconds scale multiply by twelve. This gave you number of heartbeats at any point in the
test. For greater accuracy you count the beats in two five seconds area multiply by six.
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TEST PROCEDURE

I. THE EXAMINATION ROOM:

1. Lie-detector test should be conducted in a quiet private room.
2. Select a room with none of the usual police surroundings and with no distraction within
the subjects view.
3. Select a room without any windows at all.
4. The interrogation room should contain no ornaments, pictures or other objects which
would distract the attention of the person being tested or interviewed.
5. This suggestion refers to the presence within the subject’s reach of small loose objects
such as papers, clips or pencils that he may be inclined to peck up and further distract
during the course of the interrogation.

 (EFFECT) – Tension relieving activities of this sort detract from the effectiveness of this
interrogation, especially during the critical phase when a guilty subject may be trying
desperately to suppress an urge to confess.

6. Estrange noise such as the ringing of a telephone or the conversation of persons outside
the examination room, of the presence of the arresting officers or other spectators in the
room itself, may produce disturbances and distractions which will interfere with a
satisfactory diagnosis of deception.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS when conducting the polygraph examination:

1. In order to conduct a satisfactory lie-detector test, kit is advisable for the examiner to
obtain from the investigators interested in the case, all the available facts and
circumstances forming the basis of the accusation or suspicion directed against the
person to be examined.
2. This will include, of course, the details of the case itself. Such information is essential to
the examiner so that he will be in a position to know questions should be asked of the
subject during the test.
3. The subject who is about to be tested should be informed of the nature of the test and
purpose of it. The instrument should be pointed out to him as one which is capable of
determining whether or not a person is telling the truth about a given matter. He should
be informed that it records certain bodily changes and that the instrument will not cause
any physical pain except for a slight temporary discomfort occasioned by the blood
pressure cuff.
4. The writer made it a practice, at this point in the proceeding to tell to the subject
somewhat as follows: “If you are telling the truth you have nothing to worry about, this
instrument will indicate you are telling the truth, and I’ll report the fact to the officers who
requested me to make the test. The machine itself will show it; and I’ll tell you so, and
then I’ll ask you to let me hear the truth. That is fair enough, isn’t it? And you don’t mind
taking the test, do you?.”
5. Experience has indicated that such statement tends to relieve the emotional tensions in a
person who is telling the truth, and at the same time they offer no relief to the liar.
Moreover, the asking of as regarding the subject’s consent has proved worth while in
those cases where the criminal confessions are obtained as a result of the test.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
1. Do not wait until the last minute to ask a person to take the test.
2. Do not tell the subject everything that you know about the offense or about him.
3. Do not fail to investigate the case before you ask a person to take the test.
4. If for some reasons, it must be temporarily taken, the investigator must continue
investigating the case.
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5. Do not depend on mass screening of possible suspects to produce a real or the guilty
one.
6. Do not tell anyone that the lie detector will decide whether one is innocent or guilty. The
court will make the decision.
7. If the test indicates that the person did not tell the truth or if the person confesses after
the test, do not think that the investigation is over.

II- FOUR (4) PHASES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

PHASE I (PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS) - Initial Interview with the investigator handling the
case or person requesting it.

The Groups Involved In the Case.

1.Victim / Complaint
2.Suspects
3.Witnesses

“The three groups in the case are all liars”

This phase includes;

1. Obtaining and evaluating facts
2. Determining the areas, the subject needs to be asked
3. The investigator must furnish the examiner of the following:
a. Sworn statement of the suspect / witnesses/ victim/ complainant.
b. Incident or spot report
c. B.I. of the suspect, witnesses, and victim / complainants.
d. Rough sketch or pictures of the crime scene and other facts such as;
1) Specific article and exact amount of money stolen.
2) Peculiar aspect of the offense or any strange set.
3) Exact time the offense was committed.
4) Known facts about the suspect’s action or movement.
5) Facts indicating any connection between the suspects, victim and witnesses.
6) Exact type of weapon, tool or firearms used.
7) Result of laboratory test.
8) Unpublished facts of the offense known only by the victim, suspects and the
investigator.

PHASE II - PRE-TEST INTERVIEW with the subject - The primary purpose of the pre-test
interview of to prepare or condition the subject for the test.

1. The appraisal of subject’s constitutional right.

2. Obtain subject’s consent to undergo polygraph test by signing a statement of consent.
3. The taking of personal data of the subject.
4. Determining his/her suitability as a subject.
5. Evaluating the psychological preparation of the subject.
6. Informing the subject of his involvement with the case.

FOUR RIGHTS OF THE SUBJECTS;

1. The right to remain silent
2. Anything you say may be used in favor or against you
3. The right to have a lawyer of his/her own choice
4. Right to refuse

“When the blood pressure rise up to 150 over 100 do not conduct examination”

Persons or subjects will not be scheduled for examination when they:

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1. are obviously fatigued or in ill health.

2. are physically injured or in pain.
3. their judgment is obviously influenced by or impaired by drugs or alcohol.
4. have just suffered emotional trauma.

The examiner’s interview with the subject prior to the test is of considerable importance,
both for the purpose:
(1) Conditioning the subject for the examination and also
(2) In order to provoke and observe the helpful indications of guilt and innocence which
are often forthcoming at this time.

Following is the detailed outline of the pre-test interview which has been found to be
effective. (We are assuming in the case illustrated that the subject has already been advised of
the fact that he is to be given a lie-detector test.)
1. As the examiner enters the waiting room to request the subject to accompany him into
the examination room, the greeting which the examiner extends should be cordial, but
firm.
2. Upon entering the examination room the subject should be requested to sit down in a
chair alongside the instrument, and immediately thereafter the examiner should proceed
to the taking of the consent of the subject.
3. Then fill up the necessary data asked in the interrogation log.
4. Afterwards inquire from the subject whether he has been on a lie detector test before. No
further comment should be made by the examiner but he should listen carefully to
whatever the subject himself may say.
5. If the subject has not told of the purpose of his appearance in the testing laboratories, the
examiner should explain that a lie detector test is desired of him as part of the
investigation regarding the case. Much time should be spent in the preliminary interview
as the circumstances reasonably warrants.

PHASE III (THE EXAMINATION/INSTRUMENTAL TEST) – The conduct of Instrumentation

and Actual Test.

After the pre-test interview, the examiner should proceed to place the attachment on the
subject. The first to be attached is Pneumograph, then the Cardiosphymograph and the
Galvanograph. Review all the questions with the subject before the actual examination is made.
The examiner should discourage any comments or statement by the subjects. Test instrument
must be given to the subject.

1. Upon completion of the necessary preliminary preparation the instruments is attached to

the subject.
2. The blood pressure pulse cuff is wrapped around snugly around the subject’s upper arm
and the pneumograph tube adjusted around the chest.
3. If female subjects or around the body, if male subjects or around the torso of male
subjects.
4. The cuff is then inflated to a point approximate midway between the systolic and diastolic
blood pressure. That is midway between the pressure produced by the output action of
the heart and that maintained at the time of the hearts intake action.
5. The synchronous motor carrying the paper upon which blood pressure pulse respirations
recording are made is then set in motion, the motor being so timid that the paper moves
along at the rate of a out six inches per minute, then ten to fifteen seconds after the
instrument has been set in motion, the inked filled pens of the instruments are permitted
to make their blood pressure pulse respiration tracings before the question are asked of
the subject.
6. During the test period the subject is informed that he will be asked several questions
which should be answered by either yes or no answers, and that they are so brief and to
the point.
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7. Approximately five to ten seconds after this instruction first question is asked and then
the other questions follows after or at the interval of fifteen or twenty seconds.

The questions may be written out in advance of the test or in the course of the test during
the intervals between the asking of each question.

TEST QUESTION
The phraseology of the test question is an extremely important aspect of the examination.
The questions, and every word used in the questions must be unambiguous, unequivocal, and
thoroughly understandable by the subject.
The questions must be states as simply as possible, and with a complete avoidance of
such double inquires as “Did you shoot him and then run into the house”?
All questions must have only a single, unambiguous meaning.
There should be an avoidance of lengthy questions.
Simplify questions. Avoid legal terms such as rape, murder, embezzlement, etc.

Limiting Scope of Questions

The relevant test questions used in any examination should be confined to a single case
investigation. The Polygraph technique is not effective for stimulation testing regarding two or
more unrelated occurrences.
With all the gadgets attached to the body of the subject, the instrument will start running
by applying pressure on a button. The subject then will be asked to answer the following
standard test questions:

1. Irrelevant questions (unleaded/immaterial questions) – these are questions which

have no bearing to the case under investigation.

2. Relevant questions (leaded/material questions) – these are questions pertaining

to the issue under investigation.

It is equally important to limit the number of relevant questions to avoid

discomfort to the subject. Relevant questions must be very specific to obtain an
accurate result.

Examples: “Did you shoot Mr X?”; Did you take the ring/wrist watch of Mr. X after
his death?”

3. Control questions – These are questions unrelated to the matter under investigation
but are of similar nature although less serious as compared to those relevant
questions under investigation.

The use of control question is considered by many polygraphists to be

the most reliable and effective questioning technique. These are usually asked if
there is doubt in the interpretation of the subject’s response to relevant and
irrelevant questions.

TEST PROCEDURE
The polygraph test consists of asking the subject/ person though the transducer of the
instrument, a list of prepared questions in a planned sequence; comprising of not more than
twelve. At least 3 test charts are taken, each lasting not more than four (4) minutes with a rest
interval of five (5) to ten (10) minutes between charts.
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TEST CONSTRUCTION APPLIED ARE OF TWO MAIN TYPES:

1. General Question test – most commonly applied.
2. Peak-of-Tension Test – usually used as supplementary test.

Five Number of Tests to be Applied:

Test I – General Question Test

Purpose:
1 1. To get the standard tracing of the subject.
2. To establish a true telling pattern for the initial part of the record.

Test II – Number Test (Psychological Test)

1. To check the possible deliberate distortion when the chosen number is
asked.
2. To obtain a chart wherein the subject is not under stress.

Test III – Spot Responder

1. To determine the responsiveness of the subject to crucial question on spot
responses.

Test IV – Mix Question

To compare the degree of reaction between control and relevant question.

Test V – Silence Answer Test (SAT)

It is a confirmatory test with the silence answer test.

THE GENERAL QUESTION TEST (General Series) - This consists of a series of Relevant &
Irrelevant Questions asked in a planned order. Questions are so arranged as to make
possible a comparison of responses to relevant questions with a subject’s norm made
during the answering of irrelevant questions.

Other Types of Questions Asked in the General Question Test:

Weak Relevant Question – it concern some secondary element of the crime or problem and
deals with mostly in guilty knowledge and partial involvement.

Strong Relevant Question – it is defined as verbal stimulus of primary important projected in the
form of a question which overcome a psychological excitement level and causes
pneumograph, cardiosphygmograph, and galvanograph tracings changes from the
subject’s physiological norms.

Evidence Connecting question – it is designed to stimulate the guilty subject and focus his
attention on the probability of incriminating proof that would tend to establish his guilt.

Knowledge question – this question is designed or begun to probe whether the subject possess
information regarding the identity of the offender, the location of evidences or items of
secondary element of the case.

GENERAL AND SPECIFIC RULES TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE

FORMULATION OF QUESTIONS

1. Questions must be simple and direct.

2. They must not involved legal terminology such as rape, murder, etc.
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3. They must be answerable by yes or no and should short as possible.

4. Must be short as possible.
5. Their meaning must be clear and unmistakable phrase in a language that the subject can
easily understand.
6. They must not be in the form of accusation.
7. Question must never contain an inference which presupposes knowledge on the part of
the subject.
8. All questions must refer to one offense only.
9. All questions must refer to only one element of an offense.
10. They must not contain interferences to ones religion races or belief.

Other Example of General Question Test:

a. Have you ever been called by the name Allan? (Irrelevant)
b. Is today Monday? (Irrelevant)
c. Do you have anything to do with the robbery at SM/ Shoemart last night? (Weak
Relevant)
d. Are you over 20 years of age? (Irrelevant)
e. Were you one of those who robbed the SM/ Shoemart last night? (Strong Relevant)
f. Have you been involved in a robbery case this year? (Control Question-Relevant)
g. Do you drink water? (Irrelevant)
h. Was the pair of gloves found at SM yours? (Evidence Connecting-Relevant)
i. Do you know of anyone involved in the robbery at SM/ Shoemart last night? (Knowledge
Question-Relevant)
j. Have you ever been involved in any robbery in your entire life? (Secondary Control -
Relevant)
k. Have you deliberately lied to any question I have asked you? (Relevant-Check Question
(optional))

OTHER QUESTIONS ASKED;

1. Check Question – last question asked in the lie test. It is direct question that relates to
the fact that the subject has told the truth to all questions asked in the lie test.
2. Fishing Expedition Test Question – Used to vagrants or loiters for routine interrogation.
No idea about what offense has been committed. Examples:
a. Have you ever been arrested before?
b. Are you wanted anywhere now by the police?
c. Have you stolen anything since you have been in tour?

PHASE IV – POST–TEST INTERVIEW/ INTERROGATION - This includes all consideration that

bears on the examination. This is done just after the instrument is turned off. If the
Polygraph test result indicates deception, the examiner will then proceed to conduct short
interrogation. The purpose of which is to obtain confession. However, if the Polygraph
indicates that the subject is innocent; the examiner will just release the subject cordially
and thanks him/ her for his/her cooperation.

The purposes of further questioning after the test are:

1. to clarify the findings;
2. to learn if there are any other reasons for the subject’s responding to a relevant
question, other than the knowledge of the crime; and
3. to obtain additional information and an admission for law enforcement purposes, if
the results suggest deception.

SUPPLEMENTARY TESTS – Aside from the standard tests described above, the following
special tests may be performed and incorporated as part of the procedure or may be
used as supplementary tests depending upon the result of the standard test in order to
draw a better conclusion.
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A. PEAK-OF-TENSION TEST

The subject may be given this test if he is not yet informed of the details of the offense for
which he is being interrogated by the investigation, or by other persons or from other sources like
the print media.

This valid test is only made possibly when there is no widespread publicity about a crime
where intimate details as to the methods of commission or certain facts of the case is known from
the victim and investigator.

The questions formulated are similar in nature and construction, only one of which is true
and the perpetrator who would naturally be in possession of such unpublicized knowledge will
usually exhibit a rise in the tracing up to that particular question followed by a decline thereafter,
caused by the relief of knowing that a dreaded question dangerous to his well-being, is past.

Examples of Peak-of-Tension Test:

a. Do you know whether the stolen watch from Allan is a Seiko? (This is an introductory
phrase plus padding question)
b. Is it an Omega? (Padding)
c. Is it a Rolex? (Padding)
d. Is it Timex? (Relevant question)
e. Is it Alba quartz? (Padding)
f. Is it a Citizen? (Padding)

B. GUILT COMPLEX TEST

This test is applied when the response to relevant and control questions are similar in
degree and in consistency and in a way that the examiner cannot determine whether the subject
is telling the truth or not.

The subject is asked questions aside from the irrelevant, relevant and control questions,
a new series of relevant questions dealing with a real incident and that which the subject could
not have committed.

If the subject does not respond to the added relevant questions, it indicates that the
subject was being deceptive as to the primary issue under investigation. However, no conclusion
can be drawn if the response to added guilt complex is similar to the real issue questions.

C. SILENT ANSWER TEST (SAT)

This test is conducted in the same manner as when relevant and control questions are
asked but the subject is instructed to answer the questions silently, to himself, without making any
verbal response causes distortion in the tracing such as sniff or clearing the throat.

KINDS OF SPECIFIC TESTING:

A. Known Solution Peak of Tension
This is administered when a fact relating to the event is known only to the perpetrator of
the offense and the victim, police and client. This material fact, whether it be particular sum
of money, a particular make of weapon, etc. is inserted into test comprising a list of similar
items, the examinee is tested to determine his guilty knowledge.

B. Proving Peak of Tension

This is administered to obtain information that might prove valuable to an investigation. It
is designed to determine the location, disposition, modus operandi and amounts on the list of
possibilities.
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C. Pre-employment Test
This test seeks to verify information contained in a job application and develop relevant
information deliberately committed by the subject.

D. Periodic Testing
This is conducted for the purpose of determining the honesty of employees assigned to
sensitive position. It also acts as a constant deterrent to employee’s dishonesty.

SIX (6) STEPS OF CHAIN REACTION THAT PRODUCE VISUAL RESPONSE;

Step 1. – The stimuli

Step 2. – The absorption of the stimuli by the body senses which consist of hearing, seeing,
smelling, feeling, testing and extra-sensory faculties. (Body senses)

Step 3. – The complicated process that takes place in human being manifested itself in what
is called emotion.

Step 4. – The action of the automatic nervous system

Step 5. – The actual physiological changes that takes place with in the body as a result of the
autonomic nervous system and the well of the subject.

Step 6. – The final occurrence in the reaction chain (Electro dermal Response)

DECEPTION DETECTION TRACED ON BODY RESPONSE:

A. Voluntary Response
Include those over which the subject has definite control and include breathing rate and
amplitude. Eye movements, facial expressions, muscular movements-contraction and
relaxation, oral or implied answers, and the expressions of stipulated emotions.

B. Semi-Voluntary Response
Include metabolism changes emotional expressions reaction time in replies and eye-
movements. The average subject has some control over these.

C. Involuntary Response
Include electro dermal response, perspiration rates, adrenaline flow rates, blood
pressure and pulse rate chemical changes of the body fluids, psychological reactions, brain
electrical currents, saliva flow rates, body temperature changes, genuine emotion, face color
changes, tremor and polarization of body currents. The average subject has no control over
these phenomena.

PHYSIOLOGICAL PHENOMENA AS BASIS OF DECEPTION DETECTION:

A. Blood pressure and heart beat frequency

Increase of blood pressure and heartbeat frequency following relevant questions and the
suppression in breathing are the criteria for detecting deception.

1. Ink curves as shown on the heartbeat recorded on a moving graph paper of a

polygraph represent the following:
1.a. beat frequency (pulse)
1.b. two pressures (blood pressures)

a. Systolic or high pressure - They exist when the heart is contracted and
the values are open with the blood rushing into the arteries.
 14

b. Diastolic or Low pressure - This exists when the values are closed and
the heart relaxed.

 Normal blood pressure - 120/80

2. The Heart is an automatic organ that continues to bat even when removed from
the body of provided with proper blood. The rate and force of the heart beat as regulated by
two sets of nerves;

a) the sympathetic set - Which accelerates the beat.

b) the cranial Autonomic system - Which retard the beat

It is also known that adrenaline, a certain hormone increases the heartbeat

frequency.

B. Breathing as a means of detecting deception. Breathing consists of two steps:

1. Inspiration - caused by the contraction of the diaphragm and expansion of the

chest cavity those results in the air rushing into the lungs.
2. Expiration – caused by a relaxation of the diaphragm and contraction of the
chest cavity resulting in the air rushing out of the lungs.

The following affects the breathing rates:

1. muscular exercise (muscle movement/jogging)
2. anticipation of muscular exercise (thinking to perform heavy work)
3. recalling mentally emotional experience
4. mental activity
5. anxious expectancy
6. shock
7. surprise

C. Electrodermal Response
This is the most current popular name for the human body phenomenon in which the
body, mainly the skin, changes resistance electrically upon the application of certain external
stimuli.

TWO CATEGORIES OF ELECTRODERMAL RESPONSES

1. Normal Response
2. Abnormal Response

EXAMPLES OF ABNORMAL RESPONSES:

1. Machine Fright Response
Interference abnormal response that originates in Step 2 (fright to the machine)
of the reaction chain or situational fright. It appears on the first question or so and no
longer appears throughout the test.

2. Physical Movement Response

Interfering response caused by voluntary physical movement by the subject
during the lie test and is found between steps 4 and 5 of the reaction chain. The result of
such physical movement causes physiological (muscle) changes to take place within the
body that shows up electrodermal response.

3. Outside Interference Response

Interfering response originating in step 1 of the reaction chain in the form of unwanted
auditory or stimuli. The slamming of the door or the ringing of telephone, a cough or
 15

sneeze by spectators in the room or any unusual noise to which the subject is not
accustomed at the location, will usually produceoutside interference response.

4. Mental Tie-up Response

Interfering response which originates between step 2 (machine fright) and step 3
(emotion) in the reaction chain. Other name is guilt complex.

5. Deception Response
Abnormalities as a result of telling a lie (more on psychological and such also is
accompanied by physical changes).

CHART MARKING
To facilitate evaluation and interpretation of test charts, markings are made with the use
of signs and symbols to enable the examiner to determine the following:

1. exact time the test commenced and terminated;

2. initial and final blood pressure and galvanograph readings;
3. particular point where each question asked started and ended. Corresponding
identification of the question, and the typeand time of answer given by the subject;
4. duration and amplitude of reaction patterns.
5. any instruction given or repetition of question made;
6. any movement, cough tracing by the suspect or outside distractions that occurred;
7. mechanical adjustment or re-adjustment made;
8. extraneous factors affecting test chart such as paper jams;
9. time interval between questions; and
10. chart number, name of subject, time, date, and place taken.

SIGNS AND SYMBOLS commonly used:

X / 60 / 1.5 A - first markings of the examiner on the chart

XX / 60 / 1.5 A - examiner’s mark after the test
X - start of the test
XX - end of the test
60 - millimeter of mercury shown in sphygmamometer dial
1.5 - ohms of skin electrical resistance
A or M - refers to automatic or manual galvo amplifier used
| | - particular point where each question begins and end (also called
stimulus mark)
+ - Yes answer to question
- - No answer to question
A - adjustment
T - subject talked instead of answering with single Yes or No
R - subject request for repetition of question
C - coughing
N - noise
S - sigh by the subject
PJ - paper jam
SN - subject sniffed
BI - breathing instruction
OS - tracing changed caused by outside stimulus
M - movement
IM - movement instruction
L - laugh
B - used to signify belch
C+ - increase in galvo sensitivity
C- - decrease in galvo sensitivity
 16

Y - yawn
IS - ink stop
CT - clearing of throat

CHART INTERPRETATION

A. The accuracy of instrumental detection of deception is dependent upon the

examiner’s ability to diagnose truth or deception by reading and interpreting a subject’s charts.
The polygraph chart is the composite record of the pneumograph, cardiograph and
galvanograph tracing from one series of questions. The chart is ruled vertically to represent time
element at an interval of either in second, five seconds of ten seconds division and horizontally in
fractions of ¼ inch for amplitude measurements. There are three heavy spaced horizontal lines
that serve as the guideline for the 3 tracings. The motor that pills the chart under the recording
pens has a constant speed of either 6 or 12 inches per-minute. A single test may consist of three
or more charts taken from one series of questions.

B. The pnuemograph tracing normally, found at the top of the chart, is a record of a
subject’s respiratory action during the questioning process and is classified as normal or
abnormal. The pneumograph pattern consists of inhalation and exhalation strikes with a normal
amplitude of form ½ to ¾ inches. The normal cyclic rate is from 13 to 18 breaths per minute and
may vary in reasons of exceptional physical build condition or respiratory defect. The
classification of abnormal is generally applied to those patterns that deviate from the norm
established by the individual.

1. Descriptive types of breathing are:

a. Normal;
b. Rapid
c. Slow
d. Shallow
e. Deep
f. Serrated inhalation / or both
g. Deviations caused by coughing and mechanics of answering

2. Pneumograph changes from the individual norm which may be considered

indicative deception are:
a. Change in rhythm or regularity
b. Change in amplitude or volume
c. Change in the inhalation / exhalation ratio
d. Notched or serrated inhalation / exhalation strokes.
e. Change of base line
f. Loss of base line
g. Hyperverventilation
h. Suppression
i. Respiratory block

C. The galvanograph tracing, normally located at the center position. If the chart,
when properly balanced takes from of as lightly wavering line across the middle portion of the
chart with a minor response to spoken stimuli. Galvanic tracings which may be indicative of
deception:
1. Vertical rise at point of deception
2. Double saddle response
3. Long duration and / or degree of response following point of deception
4. Plugging salvo tracing

D. The cardiosphygmograph tracing normally found at the bottom of the chart, is

the three physiological phenomena, a systolic stroke, a diastolic strokes and a dichotic notch.
 17

Normal pulse rate of the average individual is 72 to 80 beats per minute and may vary due to the
emotional tone of the subject. Amplitude or volume is also subject to variation and dictated by the
physiological structure of the person and the cuff pressure. Tracing taking the form of specific
responses indicative of deception are:
1. Increase or decrease in blood pressure
2. Increase or decrease in pulse rate
3. Increase or decrease in amplitude
4. Change in position or disappearance of dichotic notch
5. Extra systoles (premature contradition of an auricle or ventricle while fundamental
rhythm of the heart is maintained)

E. In the interpretation and analysis of charts taken in a Peak of Tension Test, the
following area considered in the evaluation of the level tracings:
1. An increase or decrease to point of deception then a level tracing.
2. An increase to point of deception and the an increase
3. A decrease to point of deception and then an increase
4. Level tracing to point of deception and then a decrease or increase
5. Erratic to point of deception and then an erratic tracing
6. Smooth to point of deception and then an erratic tracing
7. Any changes that may occur at point of deception

F. Other factors; that specific response to be considered as possible deception in

chart evaluation is:
1. Distribution of reactions
2. Degree of reactions
3. Trend of gross curve
4. Rate of change of the curve
5. Latent period of reaction
6. Duration of reaction

G. For an effective chart interpretation, the following rules must be followed:

1. There must be a specific response
2. To be specific, it must form a deviation from norm
3. It must appear in at least two (2) test charts
4. The best indication of deception is the simultaneous specific responses in the three
(3) tracings of the chart.

LEGAL STATUS OF POLYGRAPH

When the Polygraph Result is Admissible in Court:
1. When the examination is conducted upon a court order.
2. When business suffers economic loss and the employee of that business who refuses the
exam is implicated.
3. When the polygraph is made a condition or precedent to employment in continuous
employment.
4. When the nature of the subject’s relation to the public so demand. (Public Trust is
paramount).

The Law Regarding the Basic Admissibility Issue.

The first appellate court decision upon the admissibility the results of a deception test
was rendered in 1923 by a federal court in Fry V. United States, in which the accused (on trial for
murder) offered as evidence the results of a Marston “systolic” blood pressure” test. The trial
court refused to permit Dr. Marston to testify concerning his results, and upon appeal this ruling
was affirmed. The reason which impelled the court to arrive at the conclusion of inadmissibility
are very clearly stated in the following except from its reported opinion.
 18

Ten years after the Fry case decision the Wiscons Supreme Court was called upon to
consider the admissibility of the results of a Polygraph examination. In this case, State V.
Bohner, defense counsel offered to prove that the results of a Polygraph examination established
the truthfulness of the defendant’s alibi to a robbery charge, which offer the trial court refused.
Upon appeal the Wiscons in Supreme Court sustained the trial court’s ruling and held that
although the Polygraph technique may have some utility at present, or may ultimately be of great
value in the administration of justice a too hasty acceptance of it during this stage of its
development may be assumed to have.”

Two cases regarding the admissibility of the results of tests conducted with a galvanic
skin reflex recorder were decided by the New York court in 1938. One of the cases, People V.
Kenny, was a trial court decision; the other, People V. forte, a decision of New York’s highest
court, the Court of Appeals. In the Kenny case the defendant (on trial of robbery) offered in
evidence the testimony of the late Father Summers of Fordham University regarding the results of
a test conducted with a galvanometer. Over the objection of the prosecuting attorney, the trial
court admitted the evidence and permitted the jury to consider the witness opinion as to the
defendant’s innocence or guilt. The court in the Kenny case apparently was impressed with
Father Summer’s assertion to the effect that this “pathometer” was “effectively 100 percent
efficient.” Moreover, the effect of the Kenny case must viewed in the light of the latter and more
authoritative decision of the New York Court of Appeals in the Forte case.

In the case the defendant (on trial for murder) requested the court’s permission to be
tested on the same instrument and by the same examiner (Summers) as in the Kenny case. This
request was denied on the ground that despite the view taken by the court in the Kenny case, the
validity of such a test judicial acceptance. Upon appeal the trial court’s ruling was affirmed by the
New York Court of Appeals.

COLLATERAL ASPECT OF POLYGRAPH

1. Pre-employment Screening – it provide a safe method in verifying statements of a job

applicant, prevent false evaluation and false judgment as reported by previous employer
who carry a personal grudge against him Done when the subject is applying for a job.
2. Periodic Screening – conducted to organic employees only, act as constant deterrent to
employee’s dishonesty and create a bond of mutual strength among employees. We call
it as personnel check.
3. Intelligence Testing – provide a scientific method of testing the intelligence of a person.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING FOR THE EMPLOYEE

1. Prevent false evaluation and unfair judgment due to personality conflicts reported by a
previous supervisor or employer.
2. It does away with lengthy waiting while employment application is being check,
telephone, telegram or letter.
3. Eliminate the potential hazard of a person knowing to work along side with other who
might endanger their live or job security.
4. Provides a safe method for a person to be cleared of unwarranted suspicion and unjust
accusation and malicious gossip.
5. It will create a bond of mutual strength between employees.
6. It create a desire for incentives

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING FOR EMPLOYER

1. Provides an accurate method, whereby the employment background of an applicant and
relevant issues collateral thereto can be immediately checked and verify at a negligible
cost.
2. Detect the chronic alcoholic job jumper and accident prone person.
 19

3. Reveals some of the unusual aspect concerning the psychologically mal-adjusted

agitator amateur and professional theft in private industry.
4. Reduces costly personnel turnover by helping management put the right person on the
job and ascertaining an applicant attitude toward job permanent.
5. Acts as constant deterrent to employee dishonesty and permit basically honest employee
to work in greater harmony with basically honest employee.

USE OF THE WORD ASSOCIATION TEST

Lists of stimulus and non-stimulus word are read to the subject who is instructed to
answer as quickly as possible. The answers to the question may be “yes” or “no”. Unlike the lie
detector, the time interval between the words uttered by the examiner and the answer to the
question is recorded

When the subject is asked questions with reference to his name, address, civil status,
nationality, etc. which has no relation to the subject-matter of the investigation, the tendency is to
answer quickly. But when the questions bear some words which have to do with the criminal act
the subject allegedly committed, like knife, gun or hammer which was used in the killing, the
tendency is to delay the answer.
The test is not concerned with the answer, be it a “yes” or “no”. The important factor is
the time of response in relation to stimulus or non-stimulus words.
Like the use of the lie detector, the subject cannot be compelled to be subjected to the
test without consent.

USE OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS EVALUATOR (PSE)

When a person speaks, there are audible voice frequencies, and superimposed on these
are the inaudible frequency modulations which are products of minute oscillation of the muscle of
the voice mechanism. Such oscillations of the muscles or micro tremor occur at the rare of 8 to
14 cycles per second and controlled by the central nervous system.
When a person I under stress as when he is lying, the micro tremor in the voice utterance
is moderately or completely suppressed. The degree of suppression varies inversely to the
degree of psycho logic stress on the speaker.
The psychological stress evaluator (PSE) detects, measures, and graphically displays the
voice modulations that we cannot hear.
When a person is relaxed and responding honestly to the question, those inaudible
frequencies are registered clearly on the instrument. But when a person is under stress, as when
he is lying, these frequencies tend to disappear.

1. Procedure:
a. The examiner meets the requesting party to determine the specific purpose of the
exanimation and to begin formulation of relevant questions.
b. A pre-test interview is conducted with the subject to help him or her feel at ease with the
examiner, to provide an opportunity to specify matters, to eliminate outside issues, and
to review questions that will be asked.
c. An oral test of about 12 to 15 “yes” or “no” questions is given which is recorded on a tape
recorder. The questions are a mixture of relevant an irrelevant questions.
d. Immediately following the test or are a late time, the tape is processed through the
Psychological Stress Evaluator for analysis of answer.
e. If stress is indicated, the subject is given authority to provide additional clarification. A
retest is given to verify correction and clarification.

2. Advantages of Psychological Stress Evaluator over the Lie Detector Machine

a. It does not require the attachment of sensors to the person being tested.
b. The testing situation need not be carefully controlled to eliminate outside distraction
c. Normal body movement is not restricted.
 20

USE OF DRUGS THAT “INHIBIT THE INHIBITOR”

A. ADMINISTRATION OF TRUTH SERUM:

The term “truth serum” is a misnomer. The procedure does not make someone tell the
truth and the thing administered is not a serum but is actually a drug.
In the test, byosine hydro bromide is given hypodermically in repeated doses until a state
of delirium is induced. When the proper point is reached, the questions truthfully. He forgets his
acts or may even implicate others.

B. NARCOANALYSIS OR NARCOSYNTHESIS
This method of deception detection is practically the same as that of administration of
truth serum. The only difference is the drug used. Psychiatric sodium amytal o sodium pentothal
is administered to the subject. When the effects appear, questioning starts. It is claimed that the
drug causes depression of the inhibitory mechanism of the brain and the subject talks freely.

The administration of the drug and subsequent interrogation must be done by a

psychiatrist with a long experience on the line. Like the administration of truth serum, the result of
the test is not admissible in court.

C. INTOXICATION WITH ALCOHOL:

The apparent stimulation effect of alcohol is really the result of the control mechanism of
the brain, so alcohol, like truth serum, and narcoanalytic drugs “inhibit the inhibitor”.

The ability of alcohol to reveal the real person behind the mad which all of us are said to
wear (“mask of sanity”) is reflected in the age-old maxim, “In vino veritas” (“In wine there is truth”).
(Pathology of Homicide by Lester Adel son, Charles Thomas, 1974, p. 895)/

HYPNOSIS is the alternation of consciousness and concentration in which the subject

manifests a heightened of suggestibility while awareness is maintained.
Not all persons are susceptible to hypnotic induction. Subject who are compulsive-depressive.

HYPNOTIC STATE
 That it is a comfortable state or complete relaxation in which the subject will readily and
willingly to cooperate in every way with the hypnotizer.
 That it is not actually a sleep.
 That the subject will do whatever he is told to do.
 That the hypnotizer will not order him to do anything injurious.
 After the test, the subject will wake up with feeling of comfort and refreshment.

Reason Why Deception Detection Obtained Through Hypnosis Is Not Admissible in Court:
1. It lacks the general scientific acceptance of the reliability of hypnosis per in ascertaining
the truth from falsity.
2. The fear that the truer of fact will give uncritical and absolute reliability to a scientific
device without consideration of its flaw in ascertaining veracity.
3. The possibility that the hypnotized subject will deliberately fabricate.
4. The prospect that the state of heightened suggestibility in which the hypnotized subject is
suspended will produce distortion of the fact rather than the truth.
5. The state of the mind and professionalism of the examiner are too subjective to permit
admissibility of the expert testimony.

OBSERVATION
A good criminal investigator must be keen observer and a good psychologist. A subject
under stress on account of the stimulation of sympathetic nervous system may exhibit changes
 21

which may be used as a potential clue of deception. And since just one or a combination of the
following signs and symptoms is not conclusive or a reliable proof of guilt of the subject, their
presence infers further investigation to ascertain the truth of the impression.

Clues of deception or induces of lies (sign)

1. Swearing to God.
2. Failure of subject to look straight into examiner eyes.
3. Rapid movements of adams apple among males. Hysteria among females or woman.
4. Shedding tears of both sexes.
5. Arrogance or indifference to interrogation.
6. Bitting upper and lower lips after a hot stimulus is profounded.
7. Changes on the color of the face.
8. Complete and total denial of the case under investigation.
9. Questioning accuracy on the polygraph machine.
10. Sarcastic laugh of the subject.
11. Force laugh of the subject.
12. Restlessness of the subject.
13. Show of the unnecessary movements of legs and head.
14. Changing seats from chair to chair.
15. Frequent excuses to go to the comfort room.
16. Asking the examiner for a drink or a smoke.
17. Over perspiration despite of an air-conditioned room.
18. Answering questioning by beating around the hush when questioning and answered yes
or no.
19. Asking the examiner to repeat the question although profounded clearly.
20. Asking counter remark who me.
21. Making reference to prominent people and mutual friends.
22. Shifting blame to someone else.
23. Pointing the guilt to other.
24. Refusal to submit to polygraph examination. Consenting to polygraph examination but
refuse to sign the consent (written).
Physiological and Psychological Signs and Symptoms of Guilt:

1. Sweating
2. Color Change
3. Dryness of the mouth
4. Excessive activity of the Adam’s apple
5. Fidgeting
6. “Peculiar feeling inside”
7. Swearing in the truthfulness and assertion
8. “Spotless past record”
9. Inability to look at the investigator “straight in the eye”
10. “Not that I remember” expression