Taking a Polygraph Test?

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Should I Take a Polygraph Examination? Any consideration of polygraph testing should start with the understanding that polygraph examinations are a serious matter. They are not a game or merely an experience to say you did. Therefore, you need to comprehend why you are taking the examination and how the outcome could impact you. In the United States, there are two main reasons someone might be asked to undergo a polygraph exam. Many organizations utilize the polygraph as part of an investigation regarding a specific event. (Note that we say "part of"; the polygraph serves as an investigative or forensic tool and should not be the sole method used in an investigation.) The majority of federal, state, and municipal law enforcement agencies in the United States employ polygraph testing to support criminal investigations. A suspect or person of interest who denies any involvement in the matter under investigation might be requested to take a polygraph examination to evaluate their denials. Similarly, a witness or informant may be asked to participate in a polygraph to verify the credibility of the information they provide. In some cases, even a victim of a crime may be asked to demonstrate their honesty to prevent the wrongful prosecution of an innocent individual. Besides law enforcement agencies, numerous businesses, such as insurance companies, auditing firms, and financial institutions, use the polygraph as a critical investigative tool. Given that attorneys frequently deal with contentious matters, they often turn to the polygraph to aid in their cases as well. The second prevalent use of the polygraph is in support of security and personnel screening programs. Various law enforcement agencies, including municipal police departments, state police, and federal organizations such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service, incorporate polygraph testing as part of their personnel screening protocols. The goal is to enhance the likelihood that selected individuals for these trusted positions possess high integrity. Many agencies in the United States Intelligence Community employ polygraph testing as a component of their security clearance process. Some may incorporate the polygraph in their initial selection methods, while others implement it as part of ongoing security maintenance, with some utilizing it for both purposes. Each type of examination—whether an investigation or a screening exam—carries distinct characteristics and impact on the examinee. Thus, if you contemplate taking a polygraph examination, it is crucial to understand the type of exam you will undergo and the potential fallout on your personal circumstances. In certain situations, a successful polygraph examination may yield a positive outcome, while in others, the negative consequences could be significant. An individual should be aware of how the polygraph exam may influence them prior to consenting to the process. This entails having a clear understanding of the issue(s) or subject matter involved in the exam. The person must evaluate their ability and willingness to be thorough and truthful regarding the exam topics. For instance, suppose a law enforcement agency requests you to submit to a polygraph examination due to your status as a suspect or person of interest in a specific crime. AG Cicero Polygraph Services advocates for citizens to collaborate with law enforcement agencies. Yet, be mindful that if you are implicated in the ongoing investigation and have concealed that from the investigators, your deceit will likely be uncovered. If you are innocent, strong reasons might exist to proceed with the examination, although it's prudent to clarify the exam topics in advance. Additionally, it’s wise to gain some assurances regarding the application of your polygraph results. Will a truthful outcome significantly reduce your suspect status? What benefits will you receive for the time and effort spent undergoing the examination? Such inquiries should also be posed to employers or insurance companies that may request you to take polygraph testing. If your attorney recommends that you take the polygraph examination, you typically do not need to worry about these issues, as it is generally the responsibility of legal counsel to protect your interests. Nevertheless, you should grasp the primary focus of the exam so you can discuss it with your attorney before proceeding. You may also be offered a polygraph examination as part of a job application or for federal security clearance, commonly referred to as screening exams. Screening exams differ in several aspects from specific issue exams. Firstly, screening exams cover multiple issues instead of a singular investigative matter. Secondly, the topics addressed in a screening exam tend to be broad, encompassing various potential activities such as major thefts, fraud, physical abuse, and illegal drug use. If you decide to proceed with the screening polygraph examination, keep the following advice in mind. First, be prepared for lengthy exams (lasting 3-4 hours). It’s imperative that you remain alert and engaged throughout the entire session. Therefore, ensure you have a good night’s sleep and arrive well-rested. It’s also important to eat a meal beforehand and manage personal affairs to avoid distractions during your examination. If you are on medication, continue with your usual regimen and follow your physician's advice, as maintaining good health is beneficial for polygraph testing. Expect some level of nervousness; this is typical for everyone. Contrary to popular belief, being nervous or anxious will not lead to failing the test. In fact, truthful examinees often report feeling less nervous as the examination progresses. The polygraph examiner will begin with a thorough explanation of the procedure, followed by a discussion of the examination topic(s). This discussion is vital. Make sure you fully comprehend what the examiner is asking. If you do not understand any part, be proactive in asking for further clarification. When responding to the examiner’s questions, be as accurate and comprehensive as possible. If you’re uncertain about something, communicate that clearly to the examiner. After this discussion, the actual testing phase will commence. The examiner will attach non-intrusive sensors to your body to measure physiological responses. Before testing starts, the examiner will review each test question with you. Pay close attention to ensure you fully understand the questions and can respond distinctly, either "Yes" or "No". You will also receive instructions for the examination: maintain a still, upright yet relaxed position, avoid becoming stiff or rigid, and don't attempt to influence your body's natural activity. Remember, complete cooperation with the examination process is essential for a favorable outcome. Ignoring the examiner’s instructions may prolong the examination and will likely be noted in the examiner’s report. Unfortunately, some truthful individuals mistakenly try to manipulate or influence the recordings based on misguided advice from certain websites or books proposing methods to achieve a favorable polygraph result. Consider this: if an individual seeks a position demanding honesty and integrity, what conclusions would a hiring department reach about a candidate attempting to cheat on one of its selection processes? Many deceptive examinees try to manipulate the polygraph examination, while honest candidates typically have nothing to lose. Unfortunately, deceptive methods often fail and may even heighten the chances of being identified as dishonest. Conversely, a truthful examinee using the same tactics risks being misidentified as a liar attempting to hide their truth. This not only jeopardizes the truthful examinee’s chances but may also hinder an employer's opportunity to hire a qualified candidate. For further information regarding the polygraph examination process, reach out to a member of the American Polygraph Association (APA) in your area.