POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS

A polygraph, is a device used to simultaneously record various physiological parameters that can be used to detect fraud or deception. The name "polygraph" comes from the Greek words: "poly" means "many" and "grafos" means "writings" or "records", which literally translates as "many records". This term was introduced in the 1920s in the USA.

Although imprecise, the term "lie detector" is also often used as a general description of a polygraph. However, this is an inaccurate term because the polygraph can’t detect lies directly. Instead, it analyzes various physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, perspiration and respiration to identify patterns that may suggest fraud or deception

Polygraph is a device with a wide range of applications in fields such as forensic science, investigative intelligence, psychology and forensic medicine. Its main purpose is to help establish the truth and detect deception. Although it isn’t flawless and may be subject to criticism, the polygraph still remains a useful device that can provide valuable information and guidance in investigations and tests.

The polygraph is used to record captive human reflexes. It works by monitoring the body's reaction by observing changes in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This system is responsible for transmitting external stimuli to the body, which in turn reacts in a way that is adequate to the situation.

The reaction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) related to fear is called the "fight-flight" reaction, which is supplemented with a third element - "freeze" - i.e. stop the current behavior. These reactions are intended to increase the organism's chances of survival.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for responding to danger, which is individually perceived by each person. When the system is activated, it causes sudden changes in the body to prepare the person to encounter a threat.

When a threat or stress occurs, the human body undergoes various changes that we have no influence on and can’t consciously control. Examples of such reactions include tachypnea, increased or decreased heart rate, and increased skin sweating. When a person is asked about past events during a polygraph examination, it also triggers reactions in their body.

When someone tells a lie, there is cognitive dissonance, chich is a difference between what actually happened and what the person says. This dissonance causes strong stress, fear and concern about possible negative consequences of one's actions. The polygraph is able to detect these body reactions and register them on the chart.

During a polygraph examination, a person is connected to a device that monitors various physiological parameters, such as heart rate, breathing, skin perspiration, or blood pressure. Based on this data, the specialist analyzes the charts and looks for deviations from the norm. If there are irregularities, they may indicate that the person isn’t being honest.

Before conducting a polygraph examination, the examiner should discuss all the questions that will be asked a tested person while connected to the device. Tested persons should have detailed knowledge of the questions they will be asked during the tests. If the tested person decides to cheat during the test, his or her brain will perceive these questions as a threat and automatically activate its alarm system.

Polygraph examinations is a voluntary process that requires the consent of the person being tested. The test result is provided in written or electronic form, after a thorough analysis. A polygraph test can provide additional information that may be useful in various legal or professional contexts. As a specialist in this field, I provide a reliable and professional approach to each test, guaranteeing comprehensive results to my clients.

A properly conducted exam should consist of the following stages:

1. Discussing the polygraph examination procedure
2. Signing the consent to the examination
3. Gathering basic information about the tested person by the examiner
4. Discussion of the subject of the test and test questions
5. Conducting the tests.
6. Conversation after the tests.
7. Chart analysis.

Test location

To ensure the appropriate conditions for conducting these tests, it’s necessary to find a place that provides peace and minimizes the influence of external factors. The temperature in the room where the test takes place also matters. It should be comfortable for the tested person to avoid unnecessary discomfort that could affect the test result. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the room temperature is appropriate before starting the test.

An important aspect of conducting polygraph tests is the fact that there should be no one in the room except the tested person and the examiner. This is necessary to ensure privacy and avoid any disruptions during the examination. The tested person may feel uncomfortable in the presence of other people, which may significantly affect the test results. The tested person should also reserve an appropriate amount of time to conduct the test. It’s recommended to allow at least 3 hours, however, some examinations may take longer. It’s important to be aware that the duration of the examination may vary depending on many factors, such as the complexity of the case or the number of questions that need to be asked.

Practical information about the polygraph test

To ensure the effectiveness and accuracy of polygraph test, there are several key factors that must be considered. First of all, it’s important to arrive for the examinations at a time suitable for the person being examined. This is necessary to ensure that you are physically and mentally fit before starting the test. This is necessary to ensure appropriate physical and mental condition before starting the test. The person to be examined should be rested and have had a light meal. You shouldn’t consume alcohol or other drugs that may affect the test results for 24 hours before the test.
Another important aspect is appropriate clothing. It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing that will also ensure adequate precision in the location of the sensors. Some sensors are worn on clothes, so, for example, thick sweaters aren’t desirable, because they may make their location difficult - in this case, there are two sensors measuring breathing amplitudes and breathing frequency

If the person feels unwell or sick on the day of the polygraph examination, the meeting should be postponed. This is necessary to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the test results.
The polygraph test and its results are confidential and are not discussed or distributed to anyone without the prior written consent of the subject. This is important from the point of view of maintaining privacy and protecting personal data. All information obtained during the examination is protected by law and cannot be used inappropriately.

Thanks to its science-based methodology, polygraphers can achieve impressive accuracy rates of up to 95% or even higher. Of course, to obtain such results, it is necessary to follow the appropriate standards recommended by American Polygraph Association (APA), which both conducts scientific research using polygraph tests and sponsors other scientific research.

The effectiveness of polygraph tests depends on many factors, but compliance with appropriate standards is crucial. American Polygraph Association ( APA ) developed these standards to ensure the highest quality research. Thanks to them, the polygraph can provide extremely valuable information that can help detect insincerity.

Polygraph examinations play an important role in various fields, including the work of secret services. This is evidenced by the judgment of the District Court in Białystok of January 5, 2016, which in its justification emphasized that several dozen people in Poland have appropriate training and work as polygraph examiners . These people are employed by all secret services, which proves that polygraph tests are an integral part of their daily work.
Special services must minimize risks and errors and eliminate the possibility of mistakes when carrying out their tasks. That is why they use polygraph tests, which allow for the verification of information sources, service officers and candidates for service. This practice confirms that the methods used in polygraph tests are proven and recognized as reliable and valuable.

The conclusion that can be drawn from the above information is clear - polygraph tests are of great value, both for secret services and for other fields. Their effectiveness and reliability have been confirmed by practice, which makes them an invaluable tool in the process of verifying information, employees and the previously mentioned candidates for various forms of service.
It’s therefore worth appreciating and using the possibilities offered by polygraph tests, because they contribute to minimize risk, errors and eliminate the possibility of mistakes.

Whether or not you can cheat a polygraph depends on the skill and preparation of the examiner. Polygraph examiners associated with the Polish Society of Polygraph Examination (PTBP) must have appropriate preparation and education. They must complete courses confirmed by certificates and undergo periodic training to maintain the status of a member of the Polish Society for Printing Research ( PTBP ) and remain in the profession.

It’s important that the polygraph examiner has the ability to interpret polygraph readings. Some people may have natural physiological responses to stress that may affect the test result. The examiner must be able to distinguish these natural reactions from reactions resulting from lies.

Of course, there are various methods of trying to cheat a polygraph, such as controlling physiological reactions, using breathing techniques or using chemicals. However, good polygraph examiners are trained to recognize such attempts and have extensive knowledge of deception techniques.

In summary, you can’t fool a polygraph, but a polygraph can cheat an examiner if he or she doesn’t have the appropriate preparation and education.

Polygraph tests are a tool that aims to facilitate the determination of the truth. They affect the credibility of a person's testimony. Their results must be assessed in the context of other evidence gathered.

When using polygraphic tests, it’s important to ensure a professional approach and high quality of these tests. The examination must be carried out by an experienced specialist who has appropriate qualifications and uses proven equipment.

The conclusions from polygraph tests may constitute an important element in the legal process, but the final decision rests with the court. The authority responsible for conducting the proceedings must take into account all the collected evidence and assess its credibility.

Polygraph law in Poland

Polygraph examinations, also known as polygraph examinations , are one of the tools used in legal proceedings. Based on Article 192a § 2 of the Code of Criminal Procedure and Art. 199a of the Code of Criminal Procedure, it’s possible to apply these tests at any stage of the proceedings, regardless of the procedural status of a given person - whether it is an accused, a suspect or a witness.

In practice, the authority conducting the proceedings may decide that it is necessary to conduct an expert opinion in the field of polygraph tests, pursuant to Art. 278 of the Code of Civil Procedureand Art. 84 of the Codeof Adminstrative Procedure. This type of expertise may also be presented by one of the parties in civil proceedings.