Polygraph Exams - Commonly known as Lie Detector tests
NEW SERVICE
We are now offering a unique alternative to the traditional polygraph exam. We are now offering VOICE STRESS ANALYSIS. This is a unique type of service for several reasons.
1. The test can be performed with or without the subject's knowledge.
2. The test can be performed by phone or in person.
3. The test can be done by analyzing a a recording of the subject.
The test is performed by asking the subject a series of questions. The subject's voice is then analyzed to determine his stress when answering the questions.
What is a Polygraph?
The term "polygraph" literally means "many writings." The name refers to the manner in which selected physiological activities are simultaneously recorded. Polygraph examiners may use conventional instruments, sometimes referred to as analog instruments, or computerized polygraph instruments.
It is important to understand what a polygraph examination entails. A polygraph instrument will collect physiological data from at least three systems in the human body. Convoluted rubber tubes that are placed over the examinee's chest and abdominal area will record respiratory activity. Two small metal plates, attached to the fingers, will record sweat gland activity, and a blood pressure cuff, or similar device will record cardiovascular activity.
A typical polygraph examination will include a period referred to as a pre-test, a chart collection phase and a test data analysis phase. In the pre-test, the polygraph examiner will complete required paperwork and talk with the examinee about the test. During this period, the examiner will discuss the questions to be asked and familiarize the examinee with the testing procedure. During the chart collection phase, the examiner will administer and collect a number of polygraph charts. Following this, the examiner will analyze the charts and render an opinion as to the truthfulness of the person taking the test. The examiner, when appropriate, will offer the examinee an opportunity to explain physiological responses in relation to one or more questions asked during the test. It is important to note that a polygraph does not include the analysis of physiology associated with the voice. Instruments that claim to record voice stress are not polygraphs and have not been shown to have scientific support.
Who uses Polygraph
Examinations?
The three segments of society that use the polygraph include law
enforcement agencies, the legal community, and the private sector. They are
further described as follows:
Law Enforcement Agencies - Federal Law Enforcement Agencies, State Law Enforcement Agencies, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies such as Police and Sheriff's Departments.
Legal Community - U.S. Attorney Offices, District Attorney Offices, Public Defender Offices, Defense Attorneys, Parole & Probation Departments.Private Sector - Companies and Corporations under the restrictions and limitations of the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (EPPA).
Private citizens in matters not involving the legal or criminal justice system.
Attorneys in civil litigation.
Holden & Associates Investigations offers Polygraph exams in each of these areas. Our examiners are certified experts with over 30 years of Law Enforcement and Polygraph Examination experience.
Why do Critics Figures Vary?
One of the problems in discussing accuracy figures and the differences between the statistics quoted by proponents and opponents of the polygraph technique is the way that the figures are calculated. At the risk of over simplification, critics, who often don't understand polygraph testing, classify inconclusive test results as errors. In the real life setting an inconclusive result simply means that the examiner is unable to render a definite diagnosis. In such cases a second examination is usually conducted at a later date.
To illustrate how the inclusion of inconclusive test results can distort accuracy figures, consider the following example: If 10 polygraph examinations are administered and the examiner is correct in 7 decisions, wrong in 1 and has 2 inconclusive test results, we calculate the accuracy rate as 87.5% (8 definitive results, 7 of which were correct.) Critics of the polygraph technique would calculate the accuracy rate in this example as 70%, (10 examinations with 7 correct decisions.) Since those who use polygraph testing do not consider inconclusive test results as negative, and do not hold them against the examinee, to consider them as errors is clearly misleading and certainly skews the figures.
The cost of a polygraph exams vary in price. The prices range from $400.00 to $700 based on the complexity of the case and the documentation required.
Voice Stress Analysis exams also vary in price depending on the complexity of the case and documentation required. The prices for these exams range from $200.00 to $400.00.
Please contact our office to determine the nature and cost of your exam.