The recordings of your respiration patterns are accomplished using two strain gauges, one across the chest and the other across the abdomen. The ability of your skin to conduct electricity is recorded by placing two electrodes on the fingers or using electrode pads on your palm. Cardio Vascular activity is recorded using a standard blood pressure cuff placed on either the forearm or upper arm.

The test is painless. There is no electricity, bright lights, bells or whistles. The only thing felt during the polygraph test is the blood pressure cuff. When your blood pressure is taken by a doctor, the cuff is inflated to approximately 200 mm hg. The polygraph examiner will inflate the cuff to approximately 70 mm hg. As the test progresses, the cuff may feel tight however the cuff is only inflated for three (3) to four (4) minutes. The fingers may tingle but the discomfort is transitory.

There are several types of polygraphs on the market today. Each instrument records the same basic psychophysiological data as described above. The actual recording may be made using ink and paper or by a computer. If you like to see some of the various models, both old and new, visit the Polygraph Museum on this web site.

There have been more than 100 published scientific studies of the accuracy of polygraph testing. The overall accuracy of a properly administered polygraph test is between 90% and 98%.

When you first meet with the examiner he will lead you to the polygraph room. The terms and conditions of the test will be explained and you will be asked to sign a statement indicating you understand and accept the terms and conditions for testing.

The examiner will then collect basic data about you and the purpose of the test. Questions about health and substance abuse may be asked. These questions help the examiner to determine if any health problems exist that could have an adverse impact on the testing process.

Once the preliminary questions have been asked and information obtained, you and the examiner will then discuss the matter under investigation. During this part of the test, you are given the opportunity to explain what you know about the matter under investigation. You and the examiner will discuss the allegations (specific issue testing) or your background (pre-employment testing).

After discussing the matter under investigation, you and the examiner will discuss questions to be asked during the data collection process. You will be informed of the exact wording of each and every question to be asked during the test. If you are not told what questions are going to be asked, you should not take the test. If you are asked questions that were not reviewed, you should stop the test and leave the polygraph room.

During the testing process, you may be asked personal questions that relate specifically to the matter under investigation. If you have concerns about the need to make a specific inquiry, ask the examiner, who will explain the purpose of the inquiry.

At the conclusion of the test, the examiner will review the psychophysiological data and numerically weigh the reactions. The opinion of truthfulness or deception is based solely on the numerical scores. Finally, the examiner may use a computer algorithm to analyze the data, and either support or question the numerical score. Final results are the responsibility of the examiner.

Taking medication prescribed by a physician or purchased “over the counter” will not usually interfere with the testing process. If you are taking medication, give the examiner a list of the medications taken. Do not discontinue taking medication without the approval of your doctor.

The use of illegal drugs is one of the most common chemical counter measurers used in polygraph testing. There are no legal or illegal drugs that will allow someone to “beat” the test. Users of illegal drugs are detectable by changes in normal physiological reactions. Most examiners assume the use of chemicals to beat the test as an indicator of deception or guilt. It is important to remember that some illegal drugs increase the size and duration of reactions. If you are going to tell the examiner the truth, you are better off avoiding prescription medication not prescribed to you or use of illegal drugs.

There are several sites on the Internet devoted to “beating” the polygraph. All of the sites we reviewed provided archaic information, and the application of the “techniques to beat the test” are easily detectable and generally ineffective. Clients using physical counter measurers may be reported as deceptive.

Polygraph testing is a voluntary procedure. You cannot be “forced” to take a polygraph test. However, if the test is ordered by a judge or other authority, adverse consequences may result if the test is not taken or if it is failed. For example, probation or parole may be revoked, bond denied, sentence increased, or other restrictions may be placed on your freedom.

Today, polygraph testing is used by every major law enforcement agency in the United States and most foreign countries. Prosecutors use polygraph testing to assess a case before filing and to verify the truthfulness of witnesses. Defense attorneys use testing to determine defense strategy.

In the Pacific Northwest, courts and probation/parole officers are making regular polygraph testing a condition of probation/parole. The use of polygraph testing in the corrections area has reduced the number of repeat offenders.

Post-Conviction Sex Offender Polygraph Testing is sweeping the nation. Probationers and Parolees are required to take periodic polygraph tests to ensure they are complying with the conditions of release. We are finding some convicted offenders living in day care centers, manning ice cream trucks, and taking jobs at photography studios. Some offenders are freely using alcohol, illegal drugs, and pornography even though conditions of release require otherwise. Some convicted sex offenders are re-offending children, and this behavior is being curtailed through the use of polygraph.

Prior to the polygraph test, you will be asked to sign an authorization to release the interview and test results. The person or persons to receive the test results will be disclosed to. As a general rule, test results are confidential. Exceptions to confidentiality occur when the examiner is a “mandatory reporter” involving child sexual or physical abuse and the test is not conducted for an attorney. Regulatory bodies have access to tests and test information but are prohibited from disclosing confidential information.