FS 5 – LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES

CHAPTER 3

Accuracy of Polygraph Test Result:

If the properly trained examiner utilizes the established testing procedures, the accuracy of the decisions made by
polygraph examiners is very high. Generally, the accuracy level as based on several experiments is on the range of
85%-95%.

Errors in Polygraph Test Result:

 False Positive – occurs when a truthful subject is reported as deceptive.

 False Negative – occurs when a deceptive subject is reported as truthful.

Causes of Errors:

 misinterpretation of the data on the charts

 lack of training and experience of the polygraph examiner
 counter-measures 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 conditio
 improper use of testing techniques
 lack of quality control review

Examination Room – A controlled environment where polygraph examination is conducted.

An Ideal Examination Room:

1. spacious for two persons

2. well lighted
3. roam temperature should be more or less 25℃
4. at least 90% sound proof
5. no decorations
6. painted with white color
7. with one-way mirror
8. with concealed microphone
9. with adjacent observation room

Principal Use of Polygraph Examination

1. It is an investigative aid for the investigator to:

a. confirm the statement of the victims
b. ascertain the credibility of witnesses
c. assess truthfulness of suspects

2. It speeds the process of investigation

3. It eliminates innocent subjects
4. The investigator can concentrate/focus to one subject to determine if he is deceptive
 FS 5 – LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES

USES OF POLYGRAPH

1. Criminal Investigation

It is a valuable tool for criminal investigation. lt provides fast means of eliminating innocent suspects, gives
clue about the identity of criminal suspects, verifies statements of those who are involved and save a lot of time
and effort during the process of investigation (Geronimo 2007)

2. Pre-Employment Test(Screening)

It is the fastest and most accurate means of verifying the statement of a job applicant from derogatory remarks
by a previous employer who bears personal grudge against him.

3. Periodic Personnel Check (Integrity)

It is the best way for the company to determine dishonest employees who are responsible for company losses
and to determine the honesty of the employees assigned to sensitive positions.

4. Claim Verification Test(Insurances/Compensations/Benefits)

For the insurance company, for them to know if there's a fraud or manipulation

5. Loyalty test (Intelligence and Honesty Check)

This is mostly conducted in organizations like PNP, Phil Air Force, Phil Army, Phil Navy and the likes

6. Promotion

There are instances wherein the company has difficulty in deciding between two or more candidates to be
promoted, polygraph test helps to determine who is the most qualified as well as employee’s future intent against
the company (Geronimo 2007)

SCIENTIFIC METHODS OF DETECTING DECEPTION

Hypnotism

- often describe as a sleep like state

- the hypnotist has the control over the person’s state of mind

Truth Serum Method

- subject will administer a drug called Hyoscine Hydro bromide (Scopolamine) in repeated doses before
delirium.
- when the appropriate point was reached, the subject truthfully answered the questions.

Narco-Analysis or Narco Synthesis

- same with the administration of truth serum

- drug used is Psychiatric Sodium amytal or sodium pentothal is administered by the subject

Psychological Stress Evaluator

- a machine for detecting signs of stress in the voice

- when the person is under the stress as when he is deceiving, the micro tremor in the voice utterance in
moderately or completely suppressed.

Intoxication

- in wine, there is truth.

- using alcoholic drinks as triggers in order to elicit truth.