Critics of the polygraph assert that the machine does not detect lies and they are absolutely right! The lie detector test measures physiological responses for deception. Unqualified polygraph examiners are not trained to analyse such responses accurately.
The test is only as good as the polygraph examiner’s qualifications and experience. In addition to calculating meticulously structured questions and the pre-test interview with a subject, in depth analysis of responses is paramount. Unqualified polygraph examiners may, and often do, get it wrong and this is what gives the lie detector industry a bad reputation.
How does a polygraph instrument work?
Most people will have seen a lie detector test in films. The focus is usually on the chart the machine creates where lines are printed. These jagged lines are produced from sensors attached to the body and represent changes in respiration, blood pressure, perspiration and heart rate (pulse). When changes occur, a professional lie detector examiner is able to evaluate the results and determine dishonesty.
More modern technology that is used today collects data using electronic recording systems rather than the moving pen analogue system featured in movies.
Phases of a lie detector test
Lie detector tests can take many hours to conduct due to the different phases that need to be progressed as outlined below:
Pre-test – this is the first phase when the examiner sits with the subject to explain how the test will be conducted. Any queries the subject may have about the test are answered and questions that will be asked during the examination, reviewed. It is important that the subject has a clear understanding of these questions before the test begins.
Data – the second phase is when the examiner asks the questions that have been prepared and collects the data from the subject’s physiological responses.
Analysis – the last phase comprises analysis of the data that has been collected. Having studied this data, the examiner will calculate whether deception was present or not.
What to look for when ordering a lie detector test
Lie detector tests are used in recruitment screening and law enforcement as well as by private individuals. You will want the most accurate results and the only way you can guarantee this is by checking out the credentials of your examiner.
Make sure that the examiner is APA (American Polygraph Association) accredited. They are the best in the world. Use a company that has the latest in lie detector technology and is discreet. Confidentiality is a must when dealing with deceit.
Beware of unqualified polygraph examiners
For a lie detector test to be effective it is imperative that the examiner is qualified and accredited. You wouldn’t let an untrained mechanic fix the brakes on your car and hiring unqualified polygraph examiners falls into the same category.
Guidelines to help you make an informed decision when choosing a US Polygraph Examier
Most professional polygraph examiners in the US are highly trained, fully qualified professionals who are accredited by the APA (American Polygraph Association). However, as applies to most industries ours is highly competitive and there are a few cowboys around.
You can instantly recognise the ‘ne’er do wells’ because they are not accredited by the APA. Sometimes even those accredited by the APA let competition get the better of them. They are, after all, experts in deception detection but not always experts in running businesses. Rarely you may find polygraph examiners who criticise other APA members because they have not learned the first rule of marketing – do not slate the opposition. They may do this because they do not have much business, or perhaps work in a slightly different way to other examiners. It is hard to believe that professionals in the polygraph industry would behave in this way, but occasionally it happens.
Here are some guidelines to help you make an informed decision when choosing an examiner and avoid pitfalls along the way:
Accreditation
If you have doubts about your chosen examiner’s accreditation you can easily search for them on the APA website (click here to start your search).
You can get all of the information you need about an accredited polygraph examiner from the APA. This includes whether or not the examiner has committed to ongoing training which is a condition of accreditation. Some polygraph companies advise that you ask for certificates, CVs, proof of qualifications, which school the examiner attended etc. It is important to understand that your polygraph examiner is not applying for a job with you or your organisation. You are ordering a lie detector test that you want to be administered by a suitably qualified professional. If the examiner is not a professional, they will not be accredited by the APA. So you can save yourself a lot of time and effort by visiting the APA website.
Continuous Professional Development
Before ordering your lie detector test ask the examiner whether the equipment being used is the latest in polygraph technology. If it is, you know you are getting the best and that the examiner is strictly adhering to compulsory CPD (Continuous Professional Development). This is essential for them to maintain their accreditation with the APA and involves committing to a minimum of 30 hours of CPD training bi annually. All polygraph examiners working for or with Lie Detector Test are CPD compliant.
Examiners using the old analogue equipment should be viewed with suspicion. For optimum accuracy the latest computerised technology is best and is the type all our examiners use.
All examiners at Lie Detector Test have been rigorously screened to ensure they have the correct qualifications and accreditation including background and criminal record checks.
Fees and Cancellation
The cost of a polygraph examination fluctuates based on the number of questions administered and the location of the test. Typically, the fee for a single-issue polygraph test ranges between $500 and $900. It is important to exercise caution with offers substantially below or above this range. Additionally, prices may increase to account for travel expenses incurred by the examiner to reach remote locations. If you are offered a test at a significantly lower or higher price you should question it.
Before scheduling the test, ensure there are no hidden fees. The provided quote should be all-inclusive and fixed.
Most polygraph examination providers do not refund a booking fee. This is usually stated clearly on their websites. If it is not, ask. If you have paid the full amount for a test and need to cancel, depending on the terms and conditions of the provider, normally you will be offered an alternative date. Invariably the test will need to be done within a month of the booking if you are offered an alternative appointment. If you cannot make the alternative date or have some other reason for cancelling, provided you give 48 hours’ notice, your money will normally be refunded less the booking fee.
Should you find that the polygraph examiner offers no refund you might want to think about looking for another provider.
Duration of test and results
The average time allocated for a lie detector test is 2 hours depending on the complexity of the issue. This will encompass the pre-test interview and the test.
If you are offered a polygraph examination over the phone or internet, this is a scam. Do not book it or pay any money for it. There is no technology currently available that detects deception on the phone or via the internet.
The examiner may be able to give you the results verbally after the test. The fully analysed report is usually available within 24 hours. It is always best to use an examiner who gets his or her report peer reviewed. This means that another fully qualified polygraph examiner checks the report for accuracy.
Although a polygraph examination is commonly referred to as a lie detector test the process detects deception or the lack of it. The terminology in your report should reflect this. If it does not, ask why.
Contained within the report will be:
The name of the examiner including contact details
Date of the polygraph examination
Name of the subject
Pre-acquaintance notes
Questions that were asked (maximum of 4)
Analysis of responses
The report should be signed by the examiner.
If any or all of these components are missing, query it.
Customer Care
At Lie Detector Test we have a dedicated Customer Support Team. They will be the first point of contact when communicating with our company. They can answer any queries you may have regarding the examination process.
If you need or want to speak with a polygraph examiner our Customer Support staff will arrange it. Our polygraph examiners are not switchboard operators and do not answer calls directly. This is usually because they are out conducting lie detector tests, analysing results and having them peer reviewed.
Our polygraph examiners dedicate some time each week to answering questions that are sent to us by email. The queries and answers are sometimes published on our blog to help others who may find themselves in similar situations.
Some companies do have polygraph examiners answering telephones in which case you might want to consider how big the organisation is, or indeed how busy it is.
Reviews
Most customers check reviews nowadays and Lie Detector Test is registered with the most reliable review site on the internet – Trust Pilot. We currently have the most reviews of any polygraph service provider in the US. Trust Pilot works very hard to ensure that no fake reviews can be posted and that all reviews are genuine, good or bad.
If a polygraph service provider only has reviews on their own website ask to speak to one of the clients who have left a review.
Stability
Usually when a website is set up you are allocated a number of email addresses. Beware companies that have no dedicated email addresses connected with their website and use web based Hotmail or Gmail. It’s not very professional and should give rise to concern about stability and professionality.
Over time we have written some blog posts related to choosing a polygraph examiner and what to be wary of.
How Do Polygraphs Services Work? – A Guide to Hiring Professionals
Are you a business owner in need of polygraph services? If your company experienced a workplace theft and needs to find the culprit, a polygraph can help. There are plenty of uses for lie detector tests in the private and public sectors. The polygraph forms a line of defense between companies and bad hires that could damage the organization.
Provided you’re working within the boundaries of The Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988, you can implement a lie detector test at your company.
Most public sector organizations involved with law enforcement and national security require employees and candidates to take a polygraph test. These institutions, like the CIA, NSA, and Border Patrol, deal with classified information, state secrets, and other data that can’t afford to find its way into the wrong hands.
A lie detector test bolsters hiring practices in these agencies, preventing the hiring bad actors. The private sector mostly outlaws the use of polygraphs, but they do apply in specific circumstances. If your company manufactures pharmaceuticals, deals in security or protection, or handles high-value asset transfers, you can implement polygraph policies in pre-employment screening and on the job.
Similarly, suppose you operate a company outside of these industries. In that case, you can use polygraphs if you have a theft causing economic loss to the company or in cases of sexual harassment. The lie detector test can help you root out the bad employees at your company, making your organization safer for the rest of your staff.
So, how do you find the right polygraph company to help you implement a lie detector test? There are several organizations offering polygraph services to the public and private sectors. Understanding the procedure involved with hiring a polygraph specialist and how polygraph policies work is crucial to the proper use of this technology in the workplace.
Hiring the wrong polygraph specialist could make you liable to huge fines, sinking your company financially. This post unpacks everything you need to know about hiring the right polygraph professional for your private or public sector business.
What to Look for when Hiring a Polygraph Examiner?
There are dozens of polygraph service providers in each state. Each of these services complies with the procedures and ethical code surrounding the implementation of polygraph exams in the workplace. However, each of them offers a very different experience.
One company might have a more stern and fearful approach to executing a polygraph exam, while others might focus more on making their clients feel comfortable. Understanding what the company offers, the examiners they have on their roster, and how they execute polygraph exams are important to your employee experience with the lie detector test.
Here are the basic essentials you need to look for in a qualified, experienced, and professional polygraph service provider.
What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Polygraph Examiner?
Polygraph examiners need to meet specific criteria to qualify as certified practitioners. They’ll need to start by earning a bachelor’s degree. While it’s not really important which field they have a BA or BSc in, choosing a degree in psychology, criminology, or other related fields is a good way to get focused training they can use in their career.
Some individuals with specialized training, such as law enforcement officials, can become polygraph examiners without the requirement of a university degree to enter the field. Federal or state licensing is also a requisite for becoming a polygraph examiner.
The American Polygraph Association hosts a list of accredited polygraph examiner training programs, offering candidates a minimum of 400 hours of examiner training and instruction, usually held over 10 to 17 weeks.
These programs offer courses in instrumentation, psychophysiology, exam question formulation, chart analysis, and interviewing techniques. Polygraph examiners need advanced written and verbal communication, analytical and interpersonal skills, and a high level of personal integrity and professionalism.
Who Employs Polygraph Examiners?
In 2019, the American Polygraph Association had over 2,800 members. The APA lists job openings on its website, and some of the listings for employment opportunities include the need for polygraph specialists in law enforcement, government, sex offender programs, and immigration control.
Government contractors and private companies also use polygraph examiners to assist with the background check process for new hires to these organizations.
Polygraph Examiner Licensing
States and local jurisdictions have laws requiring certification and licensure of polygraph examiners. These laws require the examiner to have formal instruction and an internship period alongside the successful completion of their polygraph licensing examination.
As an example, here are the basic requirements for state licensure.
The examiner must establish they have good moral character.
The examiner must pass an examination under the supervision of the Licensing Committee to determine their competency.
The examiner must have an academic degree from an accredited university at the minimum of the baccalaureate level.
The examiner must complete six months of study in deception detection.
Examiner Ethical Code
The prospective polygraph service you’re looking at hiring must abide by a code of ethics. It’s easy for examiners and employers to abuse the polygraph exam process to force people out of their job without the employee doing anything wrong. Abuse of polygraph processes is illegal and can open the employer to liability for huge fines.
The Ethical Code of the American Polygraph Association (APA) ensures the following in the integrity of its members.
To maintain the highest standards of ethical, moral, and professional conduct by assuming the responsibility for behavior and conduct to serve the cause of justice and truth.
Respect the dignity of employees and persons by being fair, just, and impartial when discharging professional objectives and duties.
Examiners must protect themselves from influences intended to benefit personal, political, or financial gain when exercising their professional responsibility.
Quick Check List for Hiring a Polygraph Examiner
Ensure your preferred polygraph company meets the following requirements as an industry professional you can trust to deliver for your organization and your team.
Ask the Examiner for Their Qualifications
When considering a prospective firm for your polygraph partner, ask them for their credentials. The company’s examiners must undergo training administered and accredited by the American Polygraph Association.
The APA ensures that the polygraph examiners that go through its training meet its code of ethics and have the correct qualifications and experience required to conduct polygraph exams effectively and ethically.
Examine the Affiliation Credentials
Ensure that the organization has the correct credentials and memberships to the APA and affiliated organizations. Some companies might use clever wordplay in their website copy to appear to have these accreditations, misrepresenting their affiliation.
If examiners state they’re APA accredited but don’t refer to membership status, they may have accreditation from other recognized training institutions. However, they might not have applied for APA membership or to any recognized professional institutions, meaning they don’t adhere to the required standards of best practice, undergo annual mandatory training or adhere to the regulations of these organizations or institutions.
It’s also common for some polygraph companies to claim they only use examiners from a specific organization or “APA accredited” institution. This wordplay attempts to associate the accredited company with the APA or create an impression that their unrecognized company has credibility.
If not expressly stated that the polygraph company is a member of the American Polygraph Federation, the institution is likely unrecognized. There are instances where unqualified and unaffiliated polygraph examiners have attempted to use or used “training certificates” to provide the impression they are affiliated with the APA or members of the organization.
Always ask your prospective polygraph partner for their APA membership certificate.
What Is the Process for Hiring a Polygraph Firm?
Hiring a polygraph specialist is as easy as contracting the services of any other company. After you’ve identified a worthy service provider, it’s time to reach out to them and book your polygraph service. Follow this quick guide to hiring the right service provider for your organization.
Review the Website or Speak to a Consultant
After identifying three polygraph specialists in your area, use the contact form on their website to inquire about their services. We like using contact forms because they indicate the type of customer service you’ll experience for the company.
If the polygraph service returns your contact form inquiry promptly, they’re hungry for business and value every opportunity to serve their community. It shows a level of customer service that makes it easy to work with the organization, especially when you’re dissatisfied with something or need emergency assistance.
If the company doesn’t have a contact form on its site, that’s okay. Call their number and ask to speak to a consultant about their services. The consultant should ask you for critical information about your business model. They’ll be able to answer your questions about implementing a polygraph policy in your workplace and how to remain compliant with the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988.
Ask About the Testing Protocol
The polygraph consultant will likely run you through a series of qualifying questions to understand your business’s nature, hiring practices, and why you need a polygraph service. They’ll advise you on all aspects of implementing lie detector tests in the workplace.
While you have the polygraph professional on the phone, ask them about the testing protocol and what you can expect from hiring their services. The consultant should have all the information to explain the protocol to you and what you need to do to prepare for the polygraph.
They’ll give you a cost-benefit analysis of their services and a quote for hiring them. You can get quotes from two or three services to compare costs and what to expect from hiring each form. Some polygraph services are more expensive than others because they have more experience or a better industry reputation.
Don’t assume the cheapest quote is the best option. Sometimes it’s better to pay a little more for the polygraph specialist if they have a better industry reputation than the others you inquire about.
Make an Appointment
After you’re satisfied with your choice, call the company and ask for a consultant to visit your business and finalize the service. The polygraph consultant will arrive at your company premises to review your business model and discuss your polygraph requirements.
The consultant will issue you all the paperwork and documents you need to notify your team about the pending polygraph exam. The consultant works with you in informing your team and answering their questions about the lie detector test and what they should expect from the process.
Before The Day of the Polygraph Exam
The examiner should provide the employer with everything they need to know about the exam at least 72 hours before the exam day. The examiner will be available to the employer and the employee 48 hours before the exam day to answer employee-related queries on the exam process and what to expect during the lie detector test.
The polygraph examiner also assists the employer with handling all the paperwork required to legally administer the lie detector test in the workplace. There are several documents the employer needs to serve the employees well in advance of executing the exam. Failing to do so goes against the best practices and guidelines required for compliance with the Employee Polygraph Protection Act.
The examiner will ensure that the employees or candidates understand what they’re getting into before they take the polygraph exam. They assist them with handling the emotional side of the process during the testing process.
Hiring the Right Professionals for the Job
A polygraph policy in the workplace serves the specific function of improving the employee experience for your team. It is not a weapon of intimidation. The employer and the polygraph professionals must understand that polygraphs are there to serve the business and the team and listen to the feedback they receive from their staff regarding their polygraph experience.
Suppose the employees state they didn’t like the experience and felt threatened by it. In that case, it might be time to consider hiring a new polygraph service that adds value to the workplace experience and your team rather than intimidating and devaluing it.
