Credibility Assessment Polygraph Exams

The polygraph is an impartial, delicate, and complex medical instrument that records the physiological changes of an examinee while subjected to stimuli. It monitors respiratory, electro-dermal, and cardio activity. When an individual lies, their sympathetic system goes into a fight or flight reflex causing physiological changes. These changes are recorded by the polygraph instrument onto a moving chart.

The consensus within the polygraph profession is that, at best, someone might deceive an untrained or unskilled examiner. Many studies have been done over the years that have documented the accuracy of polygraph to determine truth vs deception. Generally, the studies found the polygraph’s accuracy to be in the 87% to 92% range.

• At least 6 hours of sleep during the last 24 hours.
• No alcohol consumption within 8 hours of being tested.
• No street drugs within 24 hours of being tested.
• Drink plenty of water. Hydration is important.
• Please avoid wearing clothing that restricts access. (We place a blood pressure cuff to your upper arm)

Your polygraph test will usually take approximately two hours and sometimes longer, for most types of tests. If you are being tested for a law enforcement position, the examination process is more detailed and will often take longer. The examination consists of 3 phases: a pre-test interview, collection of charts, and analysis of your charts.

During the pre-test interview we will explain how the polygraph works, discuss the issue in question, then develop and review all questions to be asked. This stage is normally the longest to complete. We will construct questions from the information you provide regarding the test issue. All questions are reviewed with you before testing begins. All questions asked will meet the rules for the latest polygraph techniques to ensure testing accuracy follows the American Polygraph Association.

If you are being referred by a sex therapist as a component of probation or parole, we will construct your test questions based on the therapist’s requests. The agencies of law enforcement candidates generally offer a polygraph packet that is prepared in advance of the test. We can provide a test packet to candidates, if necessary, upon request.

Employers who refer an employee for testing must meet EPPA requirements prior to testing and should secure the mandatory ”48 Hour Notice” when being tested for an employer.

All questions are discussed with you thoroughly before the test commences and will be answered with a “yes” or “no” response only.

During the in-test phase you will be attached to the polygraph Instrument. The set of questions that were developed during your interview will be asked on several occasions, while on instrument. As you answer the questions, your physiological data will be continuously collected, measured and recorded in the form of a moving chart.

Following the exam, we will analyze the results before providing a decision as to your truthfulness or deception to the given issue. During the post-test phase, your chart data is analyzed by means of a scientifically based objective numerical quantification system. This will render one of the following results:

• No Deception Indicated: You are telling the truth.
• Deception Indicated: You are not telling the truth.
• Inconclusive: The evaluation of your charts rendered an inconclusive finding. (This only occurs with approximately 5% of all polygraph tests)

If the physiological data recorded on the polygraph charts indicate reactions to one or more of the questions asked during the examination, you will be provided the opportunity to explain these reactions. In some instances, a question may be reworded, or a second test is written and administered.

In most instances, we can provide results at the completion of your test. You are entitled to a report which details your personal information, photo, basis of test, pertinent questions asked, the method used to evaluate your data, and the result. The exception to this is for pre-employment exams. The agency requesting the exam will receive the results and it will be their responsibility to inform the applicant of the process.

All recordings and supporting data are retained by Paragon Polygraph, LLC for three years.  We only provide video to attorneys that you authorize. Your test will not be released, discussed with, or acknowledged to anyone without your prior written consent.

We determine suitability for testing by learning about what medications you take or if are unable to remain still for periods of time. If you have not had enough sleep, recently used drugs or alcohol, are experiencing pain, and if you are in advanced stages of pregnancy, this can affect your ability to be tested and we can reschedule the exam.

All examinees have some type of general nervous tension. It is normal to feel nervous when going into a new situation. While a person’s heart and respiration rate may increase due to being nervous, this is to be expected and will not alter test results.

During the pre-test phase, the examiner will explain all elements of the polygraph and review your test questions with you, prior to administering the examination. By this time, the truthful examinee will be a bit more relaxed; nervousness will not cause the innocent examinee to be shown deceptive.

In addition, unlike general nervous tension, an examinee’s reaction to deceptive responses is highly specific. An examiner mitigates a nervous response by reviewing the questions with the examinee and through a “practice test” or acquaintance prior to the exam.

Polygraph examinations are used to protect the public, to verify the truth, to identify the innocent, determine deception, and to help identify the guilty.

Polygraphs are most used for criminal and civil matters, government and law enforcement pre-employment screening, homeland security, commercial theft investigations, to monitor convicted sex offenders being supervised by probation and parole, and while under treatment.

Private parties also request polygraph examinations to help resolve personal matters. Individuals, Families, and Therapists use polygraph examinations to verify statements and find out the truth on a variety of issues including infidelity, drug use, addictions, sex offenses, abuse, and all other matters.

It is important that your polygraph examination be performed by a trained and certified examiner. Anyone conducting these tests in California must meet stringent training requirements. All tests are administered by David and Leticia Carlson who are APA certified examiners. Paragon Polygraph is a licensed and insured California based polygraph company. CAPE certification #190 in California.