FORENSIC POLYGRAPHY

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of this subject, the learners will be
able to:
1. Understand the following terms:
a. Polygraph
b. Polygraphy
c. Polygraph Test
2. Erase the Common Polygraph Myths
3. Know the Four Major Components of
Polygraph
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES
4. Know the Uses of Polygraph Examination
5. Limitations of Polygraphy
6. Different forms of Lying
7. Know the Phases of Polygraph
Examination
8. Know the Ideal Examination Room
9. Identify General Rules in Question
Formulation
10. Prevent the Errors in Polygraph Test
 POLYGRAPH
- is a composition of two words,
“poly” which means “many” and
“graph” which means “writing chart”.

- defined as a scientific instrument

especially designed to record psycho-
physiological changes that occur within
the body especially of lying when
questioned.
 POLYGRAPHY-is a scientific method
of detecting truth or deception through
the use of the polygraph machine.

 POLYGRAPH TEST - is a series of

relevant, irrelevant, and control
questions prepared by the examiner,
for the matter under investigation, and
asked of the person being examined.
Polygraph usage has proven successful in:
 Eliminating suspects
 Recognizing false complaints
 Testing informants to determine the
veracity of information provided
 Providing a new "key" to an investigation
when all other standard investigative
techniques have been exhausted
 Narrowing the focus of inquiry
 Gathering additional information and
evidence
 Assisting to focus the investigation on
particular suspects
COMMON POLYGRAPHS MYTHS

• Myth 1 - The polygraph

is no good because it is
not admissible in court,
right?
 Accuracy and Reliability

Accuracy 90%
Inconclusive 10%

Psychology Department
University of Utah
Funded by the U.S Treasury Department

Latest Study98% Accurate

 Admissibility in Court

American Polygraph
Association

 Frye v. U.S Federal Appeals Court 1923

 Picciononna v. U.S. Federal Appeals Court 1989

 Daubert v. M. Dow U.S. Supreme Court

1993

 Scheffer v. U.S., U.S. Supreme Court 1998

Reasons why polygraph results is
not admissible in court

 It has not been standardized

as to the instrumentation.

 As to the test procedure.

 As to the qualification of
Polygraph Examiners.
COMMON POLYGRAPH MYTHS

Myth 2 - If you are

nervous you will fail
the polygraph test.
COMMON POLYGRAPH MYTHS

Myth 3 - I had a friend

who took a polygraph
test and he failed
even though he was
telling the truth.
COMMON POLYGRAPH MYTHS

Myth 4 · “I’ve heard

that machine can be
beat.”
 “BEAT” the Polygraph
Detects Indications Result

Nervousness Pulse Rate Talk, Release

Tension
Drugs Pulse vs. Breathing Re-schedule

Mind Control Straight Tracing Repeat Questions

Muscle Control Movements, Jerks Remind Examinee

COMMON POLYGRAPH MYTHS

Myth 5 · “Does test

hurt? Will I get an
electric shock?
COMMON POLYGRAPH MYTHS

Myth 6 - “I have a high

blood pressure. Won’t
that look as though I’m
lying?”
COMMON POLYGRAPH MYTHS

Myth 7 - Drugs and

alcohol affect the
results/accuracy of
polygraph examination.
COMMON POLYGRAPH MYTHS

Myth 8 · I thought
the examination
would only take
about 10 minutes.
 QUESTION?

Can Someone Under the of Age 18 Take a

Polygraph Test?
 4 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
POLYGRAPH

a. Pneumograph
b. Galvanograph
c. Cardiosphymograph
d. Kymograph
 4 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
POLYGRAPH
a. Pneumograph tubes – are fastened
around the subjects abdominal and
thoratic part of the body to monitor the
subjects breathing.
 4 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
POLYGRAPH
b. Galvanograph - The Galvanic Skin Reflex (GSR) is
measured by attaching a set of electrodes to the surface
of the hand, or to the fingers of the hand which
measures the difference in the electrical resistance of
the skin as the question sweats under pressure
 4 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
POLYGRAPH
c. Cardio-sphymograph –the arm cuff of
the cardio-sphymograph monitor the
changes in blood pressure and pulse rate
upon inflation of the rubber pump.
 4 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
POLYGRAPH
d. Kymograph - An instrument for recording
variations in pressure, as of the blood, or
in tension, as of a muscle, by means of a
pen or stylus that marks a rotating drum.

Kymograph machine Kymograph showing traces

USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

 Criminal Investigation
 Pre-employment
 Periodic Screening
 Insurance Investigation
 Sexual Harassment/
Domestic Issues
 Employee Theft /Fraud
 Industrial Espionage/
Pilferage
 Finance and Banking
Investigation
USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Criminal Investigation
 It is an aid to the investigator.

 It speeds up the process of

investigation.

 It eliminates innocent subject.

 The investigator can concentrate one

subject to determine truth or
deception.
 PROHIBITED PRACTICES

The investigator should not subject the

examinee to prolonged interrogation immediately
before polygraph examination.

 The polygraph instrument must not be used as

psychological props in conducting interrogation.

 A prospective examinee is never informed that

his or her innocence or guilt will be decided
based on the results of the polygraph
examination.
 PROHIBITED PRACTICES

 The investigators do not request a

mass screening of possible suspect to
produce real suspect.

 The investigators do not make the final

determination as to the examinee’ s
fitness for polygraph examination.
USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Pre-employment Examination

The fastest and easiest way to

verify a candidate background and
instead of spending time on calling
previous employers and sending
out letter to universities to verify
education and employment history
it all comes out in the polygraph
test.
USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Periodic Examination

This test is for all size companies

on monthly or bi-monthly basis
were few of the employees were
examined to verify their loyalty, or
honesty to the company rules, and
regulations, employees never
know when the test is done or who
is going to be tested.
USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Insurance Investigation

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USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Sexual Harassment/Domestic Violence

A lie detector test may be

helpful in cases of suspected
violence in the family,
molestation, sexual
harassment, and infidelity
within a marriage.
USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Employee Theft/Fraud/ Industrial
Espionage/Pilferage

Several private investigation

agencies make frequent use of
polygraph test findings during
the course of private
investigations in a wide range of
subjects.
USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Sports and Competition
Occasionally, athletes are issued a polygraph
test to verify that they did not cheat in a
contest. This is more frequently done with
winners, but is not limited to them.
Competitions with high rewards for winners
create the most incentive to gain unfair
advantages, such as performance enhancing
drugs or illegal equipment. Many
competitors are told that they will be
subject to a polygraph test upon completion
of the event, which deters some from
participating if those individuals know they
will be caught.
 LIMITATIONS OF POLYGRAPHY

a. The polygraph does not, and cannot,

detect truth or deception.

b. It is a test where the accuracy is

dependent upon the examiner.
 Roles of the Investigator

1. Make a thorough effort to interrogate

any person suspected of lying before
submitting a polygraph request.
2. Inform the examiner of any
unpublicized facts which could be
known only to the victim or offender.
 Roles of the Investigator

3. Obtain the authorization for the

examination.
4. The investigator, with the examiner,
should set the time, date, and place of
the test.
5. Brief the examiner on minute details.
 Some of the information that the
examiner must know
• Specific articles or exact amounts of money stolen.
• Exact time the offense occurred.
• Peculiar aspects of the offense or any strange or
obscene act committed at the scene.
• Known facts about a suspect’ s actions or
movements.
• Facts indicating a connection between suspects,
victims and witnesses, especially when they deny
any connection.
• Exact type of firearm, weapon, or tool used.
• Results of laboratory tests.
• Background information pertaining to the person.
 FORMS OF LYING
Involves acting in such a way that leads another
person to believe something which you, yourself do
not believe to be true.
Deception
Is a legal term for the offense of lying under
oath. It is normally restricted to lies that are
also false statement.
Perjury

Is an act of deception that is not usually seen

as immoral because it takes place in the
context of a game.
Bluffing
 Truthful Deception
Direct and spontaneous Evasive and frequent pauses
Open and clear Story changes or doesn’t make
sense
Story doesn’t change Denies factual information

Verbal and non-verbal are Verbal and non-verbal is

consistent inconsistent
Denies completely Argues legal issues
Few pauses outside Overly polite
baseline
Denial becomes stronger Memory too good or fails
if accused
Offer excuses not facts
Complains excessively
Slips of the tongue
 Kinds of Liars

a. Professional Liar

b. Pathological Liar
c. Psychopathic Liar
 Professional Liar
Facial Expression
Paling, blushing or profuse sweating
on forehead, eyebrows, or chin.
Dilation of the eyes, protrusions of
eyeball, elevation of upper lid.
Twitching corner of the lips.
Excessive winking.
Movement of vein at temple.
Quivering nostrils.
Postural Reaction
Inability to maintain an “eye to
eye” contact.
Dryness of mouth and loud
clacking.
Excessive activity of “Adam’s
Apple”.
Fidgeting of fingers, trapping or
drumming of chair or table.
Swinging of one leg to another.
Exaggerated boldness and force
laughter
Incoherence trembling and
sweating
 Pathological Liar

 The stories seem to be dramatic or

unrealistic

 The lies seem to serve no purpose

except to impress people

 The lies be easily shown up

 Psychopatic Liar

 Charming and seems bright.

 No symptoms observed that he is
mentally ill.
 No nervousness that commonly seen in
a neurotic person.
 Threat of suicide when in trouble.
 Failure to follow a life plan.
PHASES OF POLYGRAPH
EXAMINATION

 Initial interview with the

investigator or the person
requesting the polygraph.
 Pre-test interview with
examinee
 Analysis/Interpretation of
polygraph charts.
 Post-test interview
 PHASES OF POLYGRAPH
EXAMINATION
1st. Initial Interview Requisition of Polygraph Examination
 Four (4) copies of Letter Request
 Brief Facts of the Case /
Investigation Report
 Sworn Statement / Affidavit of
Complainant
 Sworn Statement / Affidavit of
Examinees/ Witness/es
 Sketch of crime scene, /witness/es,
if available.
 PHASES OF POLYGRAPH
EXAMINATION
2nd. Pre-test Interview with the person to be
examined
During the pre-test
interview, the polygraph
examiner will explain how
the polygraph works,
discuss the issue, review all
the questions to be asked
on the polygraph test.
 PHASES OF POLYGRAPH
EXAMINATION
Purpose of Pre-test Interview
 To prepare the subject for polygraph
examination.
 Informing the subject of his/her involvement
with the case.
 To obtain subject consent for polygraph
examination.

 Taking of subject’s or examinee’s personal data.

 To determine the suitability of the subject or examinee.
 Evaluating the psychological preparation of the subject or
examinee.
Purpose of taking the Consent
of the Examinee

 The examiner have a legal basis that no

human rights violation is committed
 That the subject voluntarily submitted
his/her self to undergo polygraph
examination
 It is an armed against harassment
 QUESTION?

Is Polygraph examination an
invasion of privacy?
PREPARATIONS OF THE EXAMINEE
 Examinee should take full rest before the
examination day.
 Normal food should be consumed by the
examinee.
 Subject should be physically fit for test.
 Examinee should not be under the
influence of any drug or intoxication on
examination day.
 No prolong interrogation prior to the test.
 No third degree practices, no physical
abuse.
 The best step for a person to prepare for a
polygraph test are:
Step 1: Plan your polygraph examination at the
beginning of the day when you are still feeling
fresh and alert.
Step 2: Get a good night sleep. Don’t stay up late
watching television or reading.
Step 3: Eat breakfast if your schedule is in the
morning. Follow your normal habit. If you are a
coffee drinker, drink coffee. If you take any
prescribed medications or vitamins, take it.
 The best step for a person to prepare for
a polygraph test are:
Step 4:Plan for a polygraph examination
that will take a about 2-3 hours..
Step 5: Know your legal rights. A
polygraph examiner will not ask
questions about religious beliefs,
opinions, ethnic or cultural matters,
political beliefs or affiliations,
affiliations with activities related to
parties and sexual activities.
COUNTERMEASURES

Those deliberate techniques

which a deceptive subject uses in
an attempt to appear non-
deceptive when his physiological
responses are being monitored
during a polygraph examination.
 Forms of Counter measures

1. PHYSICAL

2. MENTAL

3. PHARMACEUTICALS
IDEAL EXAMINATION ROOM

 It must be spacious for

two persons.
 It must be well ventilated.
 It must be well lighted.
 It must not be decorated.
 It must be 90%
soundproof
 Instrumentation and Collection Charts

During this phase the subject will be attached to the polygraph. Prior to the actual test, the
question formulated will be review, and at the actual test, question reviewed to the subject
will be asked 3 to 4 times.
 GENERAL RULES IN QUESTION
FORMULATION
 Questions must be simple and direct.
 They must not involved legal terminology.
 They must be answerable by “yes” or “no” only
and should be as short as possible.
 The meaning must be clear and phrased in a
language that the subject can easily understand.
 All questions must refer to one offense only.
 Questions must never contain inference (opinion).
 They must not contain inferences to one’ s
religion, race or belief.
 ERRORS IN POLYGRAPH TEST
 Misinterpretation of data on the charts
 Lack of training and experience of the
polygraph examiners
 Countermeasures from the examinee
 Equipment malfunction
 Failure to properly prepare the examinee
for the examination
 Poorly worded test questions
 Improper assessment of the examinee’s
emotional and physical conditions
 Improper use of testing techniques
 CONCLUSION

 Detection of lies is not an easy task, that

does not mean that detecting lies is
impossible.

 There is no technique superior or inferior.

All the techniques will be used for
detection of deception accordingly as per
expert ability and suspect’s behavior.
 SUMMARY
 Polygraph, Polygraphy And Polygraph Test
 Common Polygraph Myths
 4 Major Components of Polygraph
 Capabilities limitations of polygraph
 Phases of Polygraph Examination
 Know the Ideal Examination Room
 General Rules in Question Formulation
 Errors to prevent in Polygraph Test
ACTIVITY:

Participants will proceed at the crime

laboratory to observe the conduct of
polygraph examination. After which,
one of the participants will undergo the
polygraph examination.
QUESTION?