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You can find many misunderstandings about polygraph tests. Let's examine some background about the polygraph exam and testing processes.
POLYGRAPH BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The term "polygraph" essentially means "many writings." This alludes to the fact that, through the course of an exam, some specific physiological reactions to a series of questions are recorded by the examiner. These answers correspond to the psychology of the examinee. Activities that are recorded are: respiration, electrical (sweat gland) activity, cardiovascular, and finger blood volume. All of these measurements vary as the examinee is put "under stress" as he or she responds to the questions. Cross correlation of these data statistically verify whether the subject is lying or being honest.
Lie detector exams are used by many areas of modern society. Corporations, counselors, and employers use lie detectors to authenticate statements made by the examinee regarding various kinds of issues such as: criminal activities, illegal drug use, addictions, sexual crimes, employee theft, and even infidelity. In fact, more and more individuals are using polygraphs to discover if their significant other is (or has been) faithful . especially in potential divorce situations.
Attorneys use polygraph exams to confirm the veracity of their clients along with possible witnesses in all types of courtroom scenarios. Lies and falsities can be discovered and confronted and often will lead to plea bargains or dismissal of civil law suits. Some courts also mandate that criminal parolees and offenders undergo periodic polygraph exams as part of their probation - this is done to verify that the criminal offender is now operating on the "straight and narrow" and has left his illegal tendencies and activities behind.
The local police, the military branches of the United States, and other government institutions (such as the FBI, CIA, NSA, Dept, of Defense) all use polygraph results to screen employment seekers and undertake criminal investigations. With terrorism at an all-time high, polygraph tests are used to dig into issues of national security involving foreigners and potential suspect behavior.
A standard polygraph test comprises: 1) the pre-test, 2) the chart collection phase referred to as the in-test, and 3) the data analysis phase.
In the pre-test, the polygraph examiner presents an introduction to the polygraph equipment and does the required documentation. The examiner also examines the reason the examinee is undergoing the polygraph, the questions that will be covered, and familiarizes the examinee with the testing process. In the course of the in-test phase, the polygraph examiner, using the polygraph device (aka polygraph machine), records the varied physiological charts as the examinee undergoes a combination of questions. Afterward, the examiner analyzes the physiological data and renders a report regarding the veracity of the examinee. This report is an opinion rendered upon the data received and the knowledge and experience of the examiner.
ARE POLYGRAPH RESULTS ADMISSABLE IN COURT?
Arizona, Florida, Nevada, and California allow polygraph results in court if all parties agree upfront that such results will be admissible. On the other hand, New York, Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia completely exclude polygraph results even if all parties want to admit the results in court.
In Massachusetts, lie-detector results are unable to be entered into evidence but they can be utilized by the police to obtain a search warrant. Florida requires sex offenders to endure periodic polygraph examinations, but the test results are used solely for rehabilitation and treatment programs and cannot be admitted in the courtroom as evidence against the offender.
The minimum age for a polygraph test is 13 years or older.
Learn more about polygraph tests here: Arizona Polygraph Exam
