Chapter 3

The Polygraph Technique

Polygraph Examination is generally used as an investigative aid/technical aid in the investigative process.
It is used to verify if the statement of the victims/ complainant, establish the credibility of the witnesses,
evaluates the truthfulness of the suspects. It is also used for pre- employment screening and loyalty
check of personnel, security risk such as leakage of information and counter- intelligence, infraction of
criminal law, misconduct and used in medical measurements.

In law enforcement, polygraph examination is significant because it is considered as one among the
most effective way of establishing the truth. Through it, guilt can be established and is scientifically
accepted where the investigator can evaluate the evidence.

What is the ultimate objective of conducting Polygraph examination?

The ultimate objective of polygraph examination is to obtain the subject’s admission or confession to
the offense committed.

Admission- a statement of fact by the accused, which do not directly involve acknowledgment of guilt in
committing or having participated in the commission of an offense
Confession- a declaration made by a person voluntarily, stating or acknowledging that he has
committed or participated in the commission of a crime.

What are the Tripod Foundations of Polygraph Technique?

1. The Mechanical Basic Premise- The polygraph machine is mechanically capable of making graphical
records containing reliable information regarding physiological changes.

2. The physiological basic Premise- Among the physiological changes that may be recorded and
identified are those that automatically occur only following the stimulation of specific nervous system
component and from which stimulation of those specific nervous system components can be reliably
diagnosed.

Physiology- the study of how the human body works

3. The Psychological basic Premise- Under the polygraph leg premise, the specific nervous system
component whose stimulation can thus be diagnosed are so stimulated by the involuntary mental and
emotional processes of the individual who is consciously attempting concealment of deception
specifically if that individual has something at stake and the prevailing circumstances lead him to believe
that exposure to detection is quite possible though undesirable.

What are the physiological phenomena as basis of detecting deception as per the Tripod Foundations?

1. Blood pressure and heart beat frequency

- Increase of blood pressure and heartbeat frequency following relevant questions and the suppression
in breathing are the criteria for detecting deception.
Systolic or High pressure- They exist when the heart is contracted and the valves are open with the
blood rushing into the arteries.
Diastolic or Low pressure- This exists when the valves are closed and the heart relaxed.

Note: Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or 110/70

The heart is an automatic organ that continues to beat even when removed from the body if provided
with proper blood. The rate and force of the heart beat is regulated by two sets of nerves:
a. The Sympathetic Set- accelerates the beat
b. The Cranial Autonomic System- retards the beat

2. Breathing as a means of detecting deception

Breathing consists of two steps:

Inspiration- Caused by the contraction of the diaphragm and expansion of the chest cavity that results in
the air rushing into the lungs.

Expiration- Caused by relaxation of the diaphragm and contraction of the chest cavity resulting in the air
rushing out of the lungs.

Note: The following affects the breathing rates:

1. Muscular exercise (muscle movement/ jogging)

2. Anticipation of muscular exercise (thinking to perform heavy work)
3. Recalling mentally emotional experience
4. Mental activity
5. Anxious expectancy
6. Shock
7. Surprise

3. Electrodermal Response

This is the most current popular name for the human body phenomenon in which the body, mainly the
skin, changes resistance electrically upon the application of certain external stimuli. It consists of two
categories- Non response and the Abnormal response.

Examples of Abnormal Responses:

1. Machine fright response

2. Physical movement response
3. Outside interference response
4. Mental tie up response
5. Deception response

Is the polygraph technique accurate?

 - Current polygraph research indicates that when a specific single issue of polygraph exam
conducted by a qualified, trained, and experienced polygraph examiner is properly
administered, the accuracy rate is between 95% and 98%. This percentage is still higher than
other forms of evidence, including psychiatric opinions, suspect identification as provided by
victims and witnesses, and fingerprint identification.

Accurate- conforming exactly to truth or to a standard

What are the factors that affect the accuracy of polygraph results?

Generally, the following are factors affecting polygraph examination accuracy:

1. The instrument
2. The condition of the subject
3. The condition of the examination room
4. The qualification and skills of the examiner

Specifically, the 15% errors of lie detection test come from the following circumstances:

1. Nervousness or extreme emotional tension experienced by a subject who is telling the truth
regarding the offense in question but who is nevertheless affected by:

Apprehension- anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen

a. apprehension induced by the mere fact that suspicion or accusation has been directed against him
b. apprehension over possibility of an inaccurate lie detector test result
c. Over anxiety to cooperate in order to assure an accurate test result
d. Apprehension concerning possible physical hurt from the instrument
e. Anger resentment over having to take a lie detector test
f. over anxiety regarding serious personal problems unrelated to the offense under investigation
g. previous extensive interrogation, especially when accompanied by physical abuse
h. A guilt complex or fear of detection regarding some other offense which he had committed.

2. Physiological abnormalities such as:

a. excessive high or excessive low blood pressure

b. Diseases of the heart
c. Respiratory disorder

3. Mental abnormalities such as:

a. Feeblemindedness as in idiots, imbeciles, and morons.

b. Psychosis or insanities, as in maniac- depressives, paranoids, schizophrenia, paretic, etc..
c. Psychoneurosis and psychopath, as among the so-called “peculiar” or emotionally unstable persons.

4. Unresponsiveness in a lying or guilty subject because of:

a. no fear of detection
b. Apparent inability to consciously control response by means of certain mental sets of attitudes.
c. A condition of sub- shock” or “adrenal exhaustion” at the time of test.
d. Rationalization of the crime in advance of test to such an extent that lying about the offense arouses
little or no emotional disturbance.
d. Extensive interrogation prior to the test
e. Attempt to “beat the machine” by controlled breathing or by muscular flexing.
f. Unobserved application of muscular pressure which produces ambiguities and misleading indications
in the blood pressure tracing

What are the barriers to the limitations of the polygraph technique?

1. It is an invaluable investigative aid, but never a substitute for investigation

2. It is not a lie detector but only a scientific diagnostic instrument
3. It does not determine facts, it record responses to that which the subject knows to be true
4. it is only as accurate as the examiner is competent
5. The test will not be given until enough facts have been established to permit the examiner to prepare
a complete set of suitable questions
6. The test will not be given without the voluntary consent of the subject
7. No indication will be given to any person or placed in any report that a person will be considered
guilty because he refused to take the test.
8. A test will not be given until the accusations have been explained with the subject
9. no attempt to use a polygraph for mental or physical evaluation of any person
10. No examination will be conducted on unfit subject.

What are the barriers to the polygraph examination?

There are instances where it is impossible to make an analysis of polygraph tests because of the
following:
1. Pathological liar (a person who cannot determine right and wrong)
2. mental cases
3. Persons under the influence of intoxicating liquor
4. Narcotics related cases
5. Various heart and other organic troubles

What is the modern polygraph instrument?

- The instrument used in proper application of the polygraph technique is essentially a
pneumatically operated mechanical recorder of changes in respiration, blood pressure/ pulse
heat supplemented with a unit for recording abdominal respiration, muscular movements and
pressures or a plethysmograph for recording changes in blood oxygenation.
 Figure 1
Lafayette Computerized Polygraph

Modern polygraph services uses computerized polygraph instrument. For instance, a Lafayette
Computerized polygraph instrument is common both in desktop model for polygraph examinations
administered in the office and in a laptop model for travel as pictured below.

Figure 2- Monologue Models

The ambassador (Lafayette) Polygraph and the Stoelting Polygraph

How does the Polygraph Instrument work?

The polygraph simultaneously records various physiological phenomena by means of horizontal

Kymograph. The resulting Polygram indicates tracing of external respiration in the thoracic and
abdominal cavities by means of a Pneumograph tambour assembly, systolic and diastolic contraction of
the heart, as well as pulse fluctuations with the resistance of a sphygmomanometer and psycho-galvanic
skin response by means of the electrodes to the person’s fingers. Each phenomenon is recorded by a
hallow tube ink styles moving across horizontally and vertically ruled being driven by a synchronous
electric motor.
Kymograph- it is a motor that pulls or drives the chart paper under the recording pen simultaneously at
the rate of 6-12 inches per minute.
Polygram – Chart

The physiological changes within the examinee’s body are monitored by the following polygraph
attachments:

Respiratory rate: two rubber tubes filled with air, called pneumographs, placed around the examinee’s
chest and abdomen. When the chest or abdominal muscles expand, the air inside the tube is displaced.
The digital or computerized polygraph employs transducers to convert the energy of the displaced air
into electronic signals.

Blood pressure or heart rate: A blood pressure cuff is placed around the examinee’s upper arm. Tubing
runs from the cuff to the polygraph. Again, in digital or computerized polygraphs, these signals are
converted into electrical signals by transducers.

Galvanic Skin Resistance: This is also called electro-dermal activity and is basically a measure of sweat
on the subject’s fingertips. The fingertips are one of the most porous areas on the body and therefore
are a good place to look place for sweat. The theory is we sweat more when we are placed under stress.
Finger electrodes are attached to two of the examinee’s fingers. These electrodes measure the skin’s
ability to conduct electricity.
What are the major components of the polygraph machine?

1. Pneumograph Component- this component occupies the two upper pens of the instrument which
records the thoracic (thorax area of the body between neck and abdomen) and abdominal breathing
patterns of respiration. This is accomplished through the use of a pneumograph consisting of two hollow
corrugated tubes about seven inches in length. The inhalation or exhalation of the subject causes the
tubes to expand and contract, thereby reflecting the change through billows to the pen into the chart.

Pneumo Tubes
Galvanograph Component- This is the longest and the third pen of the instrument. The electrodes are
attached to the index finger and the ring finger on the left hand. The electrodes used for obtaining the
recording of the GSR or electro-dermal responses are fastened to the hand or finger by means of the
passage of an imperceptible amount of electrical current through the hand or finger bearing the
attached electrodes, a galvanometer unit provides recording of the variation of the flow of the electrical
current.
Finger Electrodes

Cardiograph component- this is the fourth and bottom pen of the instrument. This cardio unit is a
mechanically operated unit. It is a high pressure system. This system records changes in mean blood
pressure, rate and strength of pulse beat by means of a medical blood pressure cuff containing a rubber
bladder that is wrapped around the upper arm, in a manner that places the bladder against the brachial
artery. The bladder is connected to the rubber hose, past a pressure indicating gauge to a very sensitive
billows and it’s connected lever system that powers the pen.

Blood Pressure Cuff

The Kymograph component- this is the chart drive recording unit of the instrument. It has a
synchronized motor that drives the chart at the rate of 6-12 inches per minute and its speed constant is
vital because the vertical lines which are spaced either at one half of an inch interval represents five or
ten seconds interval on the chart. This provides the polygraphist with a means of determining pulse rate
and the questioning space.

What are the detachable parts of the polygraph instrument?

1. Finger electrodes
2. Blood pressure cuff
3. Pneumo tube 1 and 2

What are the necessary considerations for an effective polygraph testing?

1. The instrument- Polygraph examination uses the polygraph instrument as the device used for
recording the results; hence all its components and accessories must be operational and functional.

2. The Examiner- Basis to all that has been said with regard to the utilization and accuracy of the
polygraph technique is the matter of the examiner qualifications and skills. An examiner must be an
intelligent person, with reasonable good educational background – preferably college degree. He should
have an intense interest in the work itself, a good practical understanding of human nature, and suitable
personality traits which may be evident from his otherwise general ability to “get along” with people
and to be well liked by his friends and associates. No amount of training or experience will overcome
lack of these necessary qualifications.

3. The subject- generally, there are three types of subjects for polygraph testing:
1. Suspect
2. The victim or complainant
3. Witness

Specifically, the following can be subjected for polygraph testing:

1. Subject whose guilt is definite or reasonably certain
2. Emotional offender
3. Person who commit offense in the heat of passion
4. Person whose offenses are accidental in nature
5. Non- emotional offender
6. Those who commit crimes for financial gain
7. Subject whose guilt is doubtful or uncertain

A subject for the polygraph testing must be in good physical and mental condition before he/she may
be submitted for examination. On the other hand, there are group of subjects who cannot be
recommended to undergo polygraph testing:

1. Persons who have extreme nervousness

2. Persons who have physiological abnormalities such as high blood pressure/ hypertension, heart
disease, respiratory disorder, toothaches, severe headaches and practically any painful ailments
3. Persons with mental abnormalities.
4. Unresponsive persons, such as those who suffer mental fatigue or under the influence of drugs or
alcohol
5. Pregnant women
6. Persons below 18 yrs of age
4. The Examination Room- The examination room is importantly considered for effective polygraph
testing. The condition of the room must be as follows:
a. Polygraph test should be conducted in a quiet private room
b. A room with none of the usual police surroundings and with no distraction within the subject view
c. A room without any windows at all
d. The interrogation room should contain no ornaments, pictures, or other objects which would distract
the attention of the person being tested or interviewed
e. a room free from noise such as the ringing of a telephone or the conversation of persons outside the
examination room
f. The presence of other officers or other spectators in the room itself may produce disturbances and
distractions which will interfere with a satisfactory diagnosis of deception; hence this should also be
avoided

-Adequate ventilation is needed with comfortable temperature. If a glass window is needed for this
purpose, it should not be installed facing the subject and the lightings should not be excessive.
- There should be an “observation room” adjacent to the examination room, a one way mirror must be
installed on the wall between the room, so the subject may be viewed from the observation room by
the co- examiners.
- if practicable, the examination room should be equipped with a hidden microphone so that persons in
the observation room may hear the questioning.

5. Other considerations

In order to conduct a satisfactory polygraph test, the following must also be considered:

 The examiner should obtain from the investigators all the available facts and circumstances
forming the basis of accusation so that he will be in a position to know what questions should be
asked during the test.
 The subject should be informed of the nature of the test and purpose of it. It should be pointed
to him that the instrument is capable of determining whether or not a person is telling the truth.
He should be informed that it records certain bodily changes and it will not cause any harm
 The subject should understand the following statements: “If you are telling the truth you have
nothing to worry about, this instrument will indicate you are telling the truth, and I’ll report
the fact to the officers who requested me to make the test. The machine itself will show it; and
I’ll tell you so, and then I’ll ask you to let me hear the truth. That is fair enough, isn’t it? And
you don’t mind taking the test, do you?”

What is the usual duration of a polygraph testing?

Polygraph examination normally takes from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the purpose of the examination,
as well as the subject’s attitude and any other factors that causes lengthy examination. Examination
sometimes may be very short due to the confession of the subject during the process of the test or may
be prolonged when an examiner seeks to resolve inconsistent or inconclusive patterns of responses.