Robert Peters

Robert Peters is a veteran polygraph professional with 39 years of membership in the American Polygraph Association. For 13 years, he managed the development and operation of the information technology systems utilized by the CIA's polygraph officers, and played a principal role in the design and development of one of today's widely used computer polygraph systems. His career spans the evolution of polygraph technology from mechanical instruments to modern digital systems, giving him unique perspective on the field's technological transformation.

Peters has made significant contributions to understanding polygraph digitization and the Reid polygraph technique. His historical analyses document the evolution of computerized polygraph systems and the development of probable lie comparison questions. In his 2022 study with Frank S. Horvath, "Polygraph Testing and Social Intolerance: A Warning to Examiners Outside of the United States," Peters argued that testing for 'intolerance' is highly objectionable and is likely to encourage efforts to prohibit polygraph testing, especially so outside of the United States. This work addresses critical policy issues in pre-employment screening for law enforcement positions and the potential misuse of polygraph examinations.

Peters has been a frequent collaborator with Frank S. Horvath, Professor Emeritus at Michigan State University and former President of the American Polygraph Association. Their partnership has produced important work on polygraph methodology, social tolerance testing in screening contexts, and the historical development of the Reid technique. Peters' extensive practical experience in both government and technology development contexts complements Horvath's academic research background, making their collaborative work particularly valuable for bridging theory and practice in the polygraph field.