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The Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph (CSP) is a vital screening tool used by federal agencies, primarily to detect and deter espionage, sabotage, and other acts against the interests of the United States. First developed by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations in 1981 and implemented a year later, the CSP is now widely adopted by various federal entities as part of their personnel screening programs. This polygraph test focuses on issues related to unauthorized disclosures, foreign contacts, and violations of national security protocols. In this article, we will explore the essential elements of the CSP, its purpose, and the procedures involved in its administration.
Purpose of the Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph
The primary purpose of the CSP is to safeguard national security by identifying individuals who may have engaged in espionage or unauthorized disclosures of classified information. The CSP examination is structured to detect deception in matters directly tied to counterintelligence concerns. It also acts as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from engaging in such activities by presenting a heightened risk of detection.
The CSP helps to identify the following:
- Unauthorized foreign contacts or relationships
- Espionage, sabotage, or acts that could harm national security
- The unauthorized disclosure of classified information
- Involvement in actions that compromise the integrity and security of U.S. government operations
Scope of the CSP Examination
Unlike a traditional polygraph test that may cover a broad range of issues, the CSP is tightly focused on matters of national security. It does not delve into personal issues such as financial behavior or general criminal history unless they are directly relevant to national security. The scope is limited to counterintelligence concerns, making it a highly specialized polygraph test.
The CSP comprises several key question categories:
- Relevant Questions: These questions address the central issues being tested, such as unauthorized foreign contacts or the disclosure of classified information.
- Example: “Have you provided classified information to an unauthorized person?”
- Probable-Lie Comparison Questions: These are unrelated but similar in nature to the relevant questions. They are designed to elicit a response for comparison with relevant questions.
- Example: “Did you ever say anything about someone that wasn’t true?”
- Sacrifice Relevant Questions: This question introduces the relevant issue in a general sense and prepares the examinee for the specific relevant questions.
- Example: “Regarding the security questions, do you intend to answer each question truthfully?”
- Irrelevant Questions: These questions are designed to evoke a neutral response and are unrelated to the matter at hand. They are not scored but are used to establish a baseline and to help the examinee become acclimated to the test process.
- Example: “Are you now in Alabama?”
Pretest Phase of the CSP
The pretest phase of the CSP is critical to ensuring that the examinee understands the nature of the questions being asked and the purpose of the test. During this phase, the examiner reviews all questions with the examinee to minimize confusion or anxiety that could impact the test results. The pretest phase also helps to reduce the risk of false positives by clarifying the nature of each question and ensuring that the examinee is mentally prepared for the test.
Data Collection and Question Format
Once the pretest phase is complete, the CSP moves into the data collection phase, where physiological responses to the questions are recorded. The sequence typically begins with an irrelevant question to establish a baseline, followed by a series of relevant and comparison questions.
During the second chart of the CSP, relevant and comparison questions may be asked in a mixed order. This helps reduce any pattern recognition by the examinee and minimizes the risk of response manipulation. In subsequent charts, the questions may be mixed, reversed, or presented in the original order based on the examiner’s analysis of the examinee’s responses.
Analysis and Scoring of the CSP
After the test, the examiner evaluates the physiological data collected during the CSP. The key physiological responses measured include changes in:
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Respiratory rate
- Skin conductivity (which reflects sweating)
The examiner uses a numerical scoring system to evaluate the responses, comparing the physiological reactions to the relevant questions with those to the comparison questions. If the physiological response to the relevant questions is significantly greater than to the comparison questions, it may indicate deception.
The outcomes of a CSP test typically fall into one of the following categories:
- No Significant Response (NSR): Indicates that no physiological responses suggest deception.
- Significant Response (SR): Suggests that the examinee’s physiological responses indicate deception.
- No Opinion (NO): The test results are inconclusive, and no clear determination of truthfulness or deception can be made.
Conclusion
The Counterintelligence Scope Polygraph is an essential tool for maintaining national security by screening individuals for potential involvement in espionage, sabotage, or other acts that threaten the United States. Through a focused set of relevant and comparison questions, the CSP helps identify individuals who may pose a security risk. The careful structure and administration of the test, along with rigorous pretest preparation, ensure that the results are as accurate and reliable as possible. By focusing solely on counterintelligence concerns, the CSP contributes significantly to the safeguarding of classified information and the prevention of security breaches within the federal government.
The CSP remains a critical component of the federal government’s overall strategy to protect sensitive information and maintain the integrity of its operations. Its continued use ensures that personnel with access to classified information are thoroughly vetted, helping to prevent breaches of national security.
