Polygraph Exams
POLYGRAPH TESTING PROCEDURE FOR PRE-EMPLOYMENT AND PRE-ACCEPTANCE
The polygraph examination consists of three phases:
- The Pre-Test Interview
- The Actual Test
- The Post-Test Interview
The Pre-Test Interview
The purpose of the pre-test interview is to discuss with the examinee the relevant issues of concern that are required for acceptance into the agency or academy. These issues include, but are not limited to, the following: illegal drug use, gambling, undetected crimes, falsification of application, criminal background (arrests/detention), traffic background, thefts from employers, and other agencies applied to in the past.
The Actual Test
Once the pre-test interview is completed, the examinee is attached to the polygraph instrument to complete the actual testing phase. This includes two tubes which are wrapped around the chest and abdomen which are designed to measure breathing, two finger plates which are designed to measure sweat gland activity, and a blood pressure cuff which is attached to the right upper arm and designed to measure changes in the cardio system. The examinee is administered a one minute practice test, which illustrates how the exam is to be conducted, and at least two, 3-4 minute standard tests, consisting of irrelevant, relevant, and comparison questions.
The Post-Test Interview
When the actual testing phase is completed, the post-test interview phase begins (if the examinee shows deception in any of the areas of the test). During this phase, additional information is obtained in an effort to correct any areas of concern that surfaced during the actual test. The examinee is advised of the results of the test, signs the release forms, completes an evaluation form, and is dismissed. A report is then completed for submission to the requesting agency.
The entire examination is videotaped and audio recorded and lasts approximately 90 minutes.