Polygraph FAQ | Justice Polygraph Services Miami, FL

Question 1

What is a polygraph examination?

Accepted Answer

A polygraph examination is an interview combined with a recording of physical responses to determine if a person (the examinee) reacts while being asked a series of questions. The process is transparent and the equipment is modern. It is not what you may have seen in television and movies — there is no trickery.

Question 2

What consulting services does Justice Polygraph Services offer?

Accepted Answer

At Justice Polygraph Services, we offer a wide range of polygraph consulting services. We have experience working with clients across a wide range of cases where polygraph services are needed.

Question 3

What areas does Justice Polygraph Services specialize in?

Accepted Answer

We have experience working with clients in a wide range of cases where polygraph services are needed, including pre-employment screening, specific issue examinations, legal and criminal defense, relationship matters, investigative support, and sex offender monitoring.

Question 4

What is the terminology of a polygraph?

Accepted Answer

The term "polygraph" means "many writings." The name refers to the way in which physiological activities are recorded. Polygraph examiners may use conventional instruments, sometimes referred to as analog instruments, or computerized polygraph instruments.

Question 5

Who will be my polygraph examiner?

Accepted Answer

An experienced examiner who has worked for Local, State, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies and is certified in the State of Florida.

Question 6

Can a polygraph be done in a foreign language?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is best to have an examiner that speaks the foreign language; however, interpreters can be used if the examiner and interpreter are properly trained and well-prepared. We speak fluent Spanish and have extensive experience utilizing interpreters for other languages.

Question 7

Am I suitable to take a polygraph examination?

Accepted Answer

Justice Polygraph Services adheres to the model policy as outlined by the American Polygraph Association. Most people are suitable to undergo a lie detector test, but it does have its limitations.

Question 8

How does a polygraph exam work?

Accepted Answer

A typical polygraph examination includes four phases:

1. Pre-test phase — The examiner completes required paperwork, discusses the questions to be asked, and familiarizes the examinee with the testing procedure.
2. Chart collection phase — The examiner administers and collects several polygraph charts.
3. Test data analysis phase — The examiner analyzes the charts and renders an opinion as to the truthfulness of the person. The examinee may be offered an opportunity to explain physiological responses.
4. Final report — A written report is provided within two days of the exam.

Note: A polygraph does not include the analysis of physiology associated with the voice. Instruments that claim to record voice stress are not polygraphs.

Question 9

How long does a polygraph exam take?

Accepted Answer

It takes 2–4 hours. This includes an interview on biographical and health information, a discussion of the issues, questions, and process, a practice test, and the actual test. The charts are analyzed and the results are reported to the examinee before they leave the exam site. Follow-up reporting can be done via email and/or a written report.

Question 10

How many types of exams are there?

Accepted Answer

There are mainly two types of exams. A Specific Issue Exam is conducted when there is a known allegation or a known incident. A Pre-Employment Exam is conducted for an examinee applying for a governmental agency.

For post-conviction sex offender testing, there are additional exam types:
• Diagnostic Exam
• Prescreening Exam
• Instant Offense Exam
• Instant Offense Investigative Exam
• Sexual History Exam
• Maintenance Exam
• Sex Offense Monitoring Exam

Question 11

How accurate is a polygraph exam?

Accepted Answer

Current polygraph research indicates that when a specific, single-issue polygraph exam is properly administered by a qualified and trained examiner, the accuracy rate is between 92% and 97%.

Question 12

What types of polygraph questions are asked?

Accepted Answer

Typical polygraph exams have just over a dozen questions, three or four of which are relevant to the topic at hand. For example, "Did you shoot Jim Smith?" is an example of a relevant question. Three relevant questions are ideal; four is the absolute maximum. The remaining questions guide your reactions.

Question 13

What is the Scope of Test Questions and Dissemination of Test Results?

Accepted Answer

Personal and intrusive questions have no place in a properly conducted polygraph examination. No examiner should inquire into any of the following areas during pre-employment or periodic employment examinations:

• Religious beliefs or affiliations
• Beliefs or opinions regarding racial matters
• Political beliefs or affiliations
• Beliefs, affiliations, or lawful activities regarding unions or labor organizations
• Sexual preferences or activities

In a specific issue polygraph examination, the relevant questions focus on the particular act under investigation. All questions are reviewed and discussed with the examinee during a pre-test interview — there are no surprise or trick questions.

Question 14

Can polygraph results be used in court proceedings?

Accepted Answer

The short answer is yes. Various entities may use exam results in court proceedings in different ways. Polygraph admissibility varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction — some states ban it completely, others allow results by stipulation, and some allow polygraph evidence over objection. Some law enforcement agencies accept the results of private polygraphs, while others prefer to perform their own tests.

Question 15

What are the age requirements for polygraph testing?

Accepted Answer

The age requirement for polygraph testing is 12 or older. Functional maturity level is considered more important than actual age. It is recommended by the American Polygraph Association that the Mean Age Equivalence (MAE) or Standard Age Score (SAS) is equivalent to a youth age 12 or older. Anyone under the age of 18 must have written parental or guardian consent before they can be tested.

The examiner will treat you with respect and will not antagonize or accuse anyone. Most people calm down significantly once the pre-test discussion begins.

Question 16

What if I'm pregnant, have a serious heart condition, or other physical issues?

Accepted Answer

If pregnant, obtain an approval letter from a physician before scheduling. If you have a serious heart condition or other serious physical issue, consider also getting a physician's approval letter.

Due to medical considerations, it is the policy of Justice Polygraph Services to deny polygraph requests if the examinee is pregnant. Factors that may affect the examination include back pain, nausea, mood swings, discomfort when sitting, chronic stomach issues, sensitivities to touch, sudden urinary urges, and movement from the unborn child.

Question 17

What do I do if I'm taking medication?

Accepted Answer

Please do not stop taking any existing medications, and do not start taking any new medications, within 24 hours of the examination. This applies to prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

Unless this is a pre-employment exam, please bring a list of any medications you are taking, including the name, dosage amount, and frequency of usage.

The use of recreational drugs (marijuana, etc.) or alcohol on the day of the examination may be cause to suspend the examination. Do not use illegal or recreational drugs for at least 24 hours before being tested.

Question 18

How should I best prepare for my polygraph examination?

Accepted Answer

Follow these guidelines for the best results:

• Get a full night's sleep — a minimum of 6 hours the night before is highly recommended.
• Do not skip a meal before your examination.
• Wear comfortable clothing without thick sleeves (to allow a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm).
• Allow sufficient travel time to arrive without hurry or stress.
• Continue taking any routinely prescribed medication; refrain from over-the-counter medication 6 hours before the appointment.
• Do not drink alcohol or take illegal drugs before the exam.
• Avoid discussing the primary issue on the day of the test.
• Arrive on time. Public parking is available.
• Turn off your cell phone upon entering the exam office.
• Present a valid ID if a written report is requested.
• Sit very still during the actual polygraph examination — each chart takes only 2–3 minutes to collect.
• Do not attempt to "beat" the polygraph. Countermeasures are easily detected and will only produce inconclusive results.

The entire procedure, from the moment the client/examinee enters the polygraph room, is recorded in both audio and video.

Question 19

Are there errors in polygraph examinations?

Accepted Answer

While the polygraph technique is highly accurate, it is not infallible and errors do occur. A false positive occurs when a truthful examinee is reported as being deceptive; a false negative when a deceptive examinee is reported as truthful.

To minimize errors, examiners utilize a variety of procedures including:
• An assessment of the examinee's emotional state
• Medical information about the examinee's physical condition
• Specialized tests to identify the overly responsive examinee and calm the overly nervous
• Control questions to evaluate the examinee's response capabilities
• Factual analysis of case information
• A pre-test interview and detailed review of questions
• Quality control reviews

If an examinee believes an error has been made, they may request a second examination or retain an independent examiner for a second opinion.

Question 20

What is EPPA?

Accepted Answer

On December 27, 1988, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) became law. This federal law established guidelines for polygraph testing and restricted most private employers. EPPA is a federal US law and is therefore not applicable to European or other countries.

In Europe and Latin America there is no law prohibiting the utilization of polygraphs for pre-employment. The candidate must nevertheless give consent by signing the polygraph agreement form.

Question 21

Who is affected by EPPA?

Accepted Answer

This legislation only affects commercial businesses. Local, State, and Federal governmental agencies (such as police departments) are not affected by the law, nor are public agencies such as school systems or correctional institutions.

Exemptions in EPPA exist for:
• Businesses under contract with the Federal Government involving specified activities (e.g., counterintelligence work)
• Businesses providing armored car personnel or security personnel in facilities with significant impact on health or safety (e.g., nuclear or electric power plants, public water works, toxic waste disposal)
• Companies that manufacture, distribute, or dispense controlled substances

No private employer outside of these exemptions may require a prospective or current employee to take a polygraph examination as a condition of employment in the US.

Question 22

Why do government agencies use polygraphs?

Accepted Answer

Agencies may polygraph candidates to:
• Verify the information the candidate already provided
• Find out information they are not disclosing
• Determine if they are honest and trustworthy

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