In the landscape of polygraph and scientific instrumentation, few names carry as much weight and credibility as Lafayette Instrument Company. Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, this pioneering American manufacturer has played a central role in the development and refinement of lie detection and psychophysiological measurement technology for over 75 years. Serving clients ranging from federal agencies and law enforcement to academic researchers and private polygraph examiners, Lafayette has become synonymous with reliability, accuracy, and innovation.

This article delves into the company’s origins, technological breakthroughs, major acquisitions, and ongoing legacy in the credibility assessment industry.

Early Beginnings: Max Wastl’s Vision

The story of Lafayette Instrument begins in 1947, in the heart of post-war America. Max Wastl, a young German immigrant who arrived in New York as a teenager in the 1930s after losing his father, was the visionary behind the company. Having worked briefly at Sound Apparatus, Wastl developed an early interest in electronics and pursued a degree in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University—a decision that would shape the rest of his life.

Despite language barriers and limited formal education, Max excelled academically and graduated in 1947. That same year, he founded Lafayette Instrument Company, initially operating out of an 8×10-foot shed. Wastl began by producing laboratory instruments for academic use, including kymographs, tuning forks, and other measurement devices.

Establishing a Reputation in Psychophysiology

During the 1950s and early 1960s, Lafayette Instrument expanded into psychophysiological instrumentation, supplying devices to psychology departments and research labs across the country. The company’s early catalogs featured equipment for measuring galvanic skin response (GSR), respiration, blood pressure, and muscle activity—physiological metrics that would become foundational to polygraph testing.

In 1954, Lafayette released its first professional promotional catalog, solidifying its brand identity and reaching a wider scientific audience.

By 1965, rapid growth necessitated a move to a new and larger headquarters at 3700 Sagamore Parkway North, Lafayette, Indiana. This facility became—and remains—the operational heart of the company.

Innovating in the Polygraph Field: The Examiner’s Polygraph (1972)

The pivotal moment for Lafayette in the polygraph world came in 1972, when the company introduced its Examiner’s Polygraph. Designed for field portability without compromising accuracy, this analog polygraph became widely adopted by law enforcement and government agencies.

The Examiner’s Polygraph set new standards in ergonomic design and signal clarity. Its modular components allowed for easier calibration and maintenance, making it a preferred tool for traveling examiners conducting credibility assessments outside of traditional office settings.

From Analog to Digital: The Computerized Polygraph Revolution

With the digital age on the horizon, Lafayette Instrument anticipated the shift to computer-based polygraphy. Throughout the 1990s, the company invested in software engineering and microprocessor integration to transition away from analog chart recorders.

In 1997, Lafayette released its first computerized polygraph system, a revolutionary device combining proprietary software with precise digital signal acquisition hardware. This development allowed for:

• Improved signal fidelity and digital filtering

• Real-time data visualization and scoring

• Enhanced data storage and retrieval

• Automated reporting features

These innovations helped the company expand internationally and gain recognition from agencies involved in national security, criminal justice, and border control.

Strategic Acquisitions and Diversification (2004–2006)

To stay ahead in an evolving scientific marketplace, Lafayette embarked on a strategy of strategic acquisitions.

• 2004: Lafayette acquired a controlling interest in MindWare Technologies Ltd., a firm based in Gahanna, Ohio, specializing in biosignal processing software. This acquisition allowed Lafayette to integrate advanced heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and cardiac impedance analysis into its systems—enhancing its appeal to academic researchers and clinicians.

• 2006: The company acquired Acumar Technology, a Portland-based manufacturer of digital inclinometers and range-of-motion measurement tools. Acumar’s product line, especially the only digital inclinometer approved under the AMA’s 5th Edition Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, diversified Lafayette’s offerings into medical rehabilitation and orthopedic evaluation.

Global Expansion and Training Leadership (2015–2016)

In 2015, Lafayette formed a partnership with Plexon Inc., a Dallas-based provider of hardware and software for neural data acquisition and behavioral neuroscience. This alliance strengthened Lafayette’s presence in the life sciences research space.

In April 2016, the company launched the PEAK Credibility Assessment Training Center in Cape Coral, Florida. Under the direction of polygraph expert Ben Blalock, the center became one of the few professional institutions in the U.S. to offer APA-compliant training in modern polygraphy, with a focus on scientific integrity, quality control, and examiner ethics.

Later that year, in September 2016, Lafayette Instrument was named Small Business of the Month by the Greater Lafayette Commerce organization—acknowledging its contributions to the local economy and international scientific community.

The Acquisition of Limestone Technologies (2022)

In September 2022, Lafayette made a major move by acquiring Limestone Technologies Inc., a Canadian polygraph manufacturer renowned for its flagship product, the ParagonX.

This acquisition united two of the most respected brands in the polygraph field and significantly enhanced Lafayette’s product lineup. The ParagonX is known for:

• Nine high-resolution data channels

• 625 Hz sampling rate per channel

• Custom polycarbonate-fiberglass housing

• Specialized channels for PPG and movement monitoring

• Premium-grade Lemo connectors

By integrating the ParagonX into its product ecosystem, Lafayette reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and global leadership in forensic psychophysiology.

Lafayette Today: Upholding a Tradition of Excellence

Today, Lafayette Instrument continues to serve a diverse global clientele, including:

• Law enforcement and intelligence agencies

• Private investigators and credibility assessment professionals

• Academic and clinical researchers

• Government security services and military departments

Their flagship computerized polygraph systems—now including both the LX and ParagonX series—are supported by advanced analytics software, comprehensive examiner training programs, and unmatched customer service.

Conclusion

From a one-man operation in a backyard shed to an international leader in scientific instrumentation, Lafayette Instrument Company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in polygraph and physiological measurement technology. With over seven decades of experience, a strong portfolio of innovations, and a dedication to scientific integrity, Lafayette remains the gold standard for those seeking truth through technology.

Whether in the hands of government investigators, academic researchers, or private examiners, Lafayette instruments continue to represent accuracy, reliability, and the pursuit of truth.