Lesson 8.

5 – Forensic Polygraphy

FORENSIC POLYGRAPHY

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Module 8 – Forensic Sciences

LESSON GOAL

To enhance the basic knowledge

of the participants on the use of
Polygraphy in crime investigation.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:

 Define polygraph, polygraphy and polygraph

test.
 Identify the four (4) major components of
polygraph.
 Discuss the uses of polygraph examination.
 Identify the limitations of polygraphy.
 Discuss the different types of lying.
 Discuss the phases of polygraph examination.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

DEFINITION OF TERMS
A. Polygraph – a scientific instrument especially
designed to record psycho-physiological changes
in the body.

B. Polygraphy – a scientific method of detecting

truth or deception.

C. Polygraph Test – a series of relevant, irrelevant,

and controlled questions.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

4 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
POLYGRAPH
A. Pneumograph tubes – are fastened around the
subjects abdominal and thoracic part of the body
to monitor the subjects breathing.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

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.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

4 MAJOR COMPONENTS OF
POLYGRAPH
C. Cardio-sphygmograph –the arm cuff of the
cardio-sphygmograph monitor the changes in
blood pressure and pulse rate upon inflation of
the rubber pump.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

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

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Module 8 – Forensic Polygraphy

USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

Criminal Investigation:

1. It is an aid to the investigator

2. It speed up the process of investigation
3. Elimination of innocent subject
4. The investigator can concentrate on one
subject

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

Prohibited Practices:

1. Do not subject the examinee to prolonged

interrogation.
2. Not to be used as psychological props.
3. Do not inform the examinee that his or her
innocence or guilt will be decided based on
the examination.
4. Do not request for a mass screening of
examinees.
5. Do not make final determination as to fitness
for polygraph examination.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

Sexual Harassment/Domestic Issues.

A lie detector test may be helpful in cases of

suspected violence in the family, molestation,
sexual harassment, and infidelity within a marriage.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

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.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

ROLE OF THE INVESTIGATOR:

A. Interrogate any person suspected of lying.

B. Inform the examiner of any unpublicized facts

which could be known only to the victim or
the offender.

C. Obtain authorization.

D. Set the exact time, date, and place of the test

with the examiner.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

FORMS OF LYING:

A. Deception is a way to believe something

which you do not believe to be true.

B. Perjury is lying under oath.

C. Bluffing is an act of deception.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

TYPICAL VERBAL INTERVIEW

Truthful Deception
Direct and spontaneous Evasive and frequent pauses
Story changes or doesn’t
Open and clear
make sense
Verbal and non-verbal is
Story doesn’t change
inconsistent
Verbal and non-verbal are
Denies factual information
consistent
Denies completely Argues legal issues
Few pauses outside baseline Overly polite

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

KINDS OF LIARS
Facial Expression
Professional Liar
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.
Investigation Officers Basic Course
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
 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

KINDS OF LIAR
Pathological Liar

a. The stories seem to be dramatic or unrealistic.

b. The lies seem to serve no purpose except to
impress people.
c. The lies can be easily shown up.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

KINDS OF LIAR
Pyschopathic Liar

a. Charming and seems bright.

b. No symptoms observed that he is mentally ill.
c. No nervousness that is commonly seen in a
neurotic person.
d. Threat of suicide when in trouble.
e. Failure to follow a life plan.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

Reasons to Lie:

1. Defense mechanism used to avoid trouble

with the law, bosses, or authority.
2. Sometimes they lie not wanting to hurt
someone’s feelings.
3. They lie because they profit from it.
4. To avoid embarrassment.
5. For a good laugh.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

PHASES OF
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION
Initial Interview
Requisition of Polygraph Examination:

1. Four (4) copies of Letter Request

2. Brief Facts of the Case / Investigation
Report
3. Sworn Statement / Affidavit of
Complainant
4. Sworn Statement / Affidavit of Examinees
5. Sketch of crime scene

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

Purpose of the Pre-Test Interview:

a. To prepare the subject for polygraph

examination.
b. To obtain subject’s consent for polygraph
test.
c. Taking of subject’s or examinee’s personal
data.
d. To determine the suitability of the examinee.
e. Evaluating the psychological preparation of
the subject or examinee.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

Purpose of Taking the Consent of the Examinee:

a. The examiner’s legal basis that no human

rights violations are committed.
b. That the subject voluntarily submitted his/her
self to undergo polygraph examination.
c. Not to be used as an instrument for
harassment.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

Preparation of the Examinee:

a. He should take full rest before the

examination day.
b. Normal food should be consumed by the
examinee.
c. He should be physically fit.
d. He should not be under the influence of any
drug or intoxicated.
e. No prolong interrogation prior to the test.
f. No physical abuse.

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

QUESTIONS?

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

SUMMARY
After the lesson we have been discussed that:

 The four (4) major components of polygraph.

 The different forms of lying.

 The reason to lie.

 The uses of Polygraph

Investigation Officers Basic Course

 Lesson 8.5 – Forensic Polygraphy

THANK YOU!

Investigation Officers Basic Course