Presented By:

PRINCESS CASTRO RODRIGUEZ, MSCJ

Instructor
Lesson 4.1
 LEARNING OUTCOMES:
1.To grasp the various relevant concepts
under Polygraph Examination;
2.To internalize and elucidate the essential
functions and role of Polygraph Examination
to investigation and court trial; and
3.To recognize the variuos factors that may
affect or contribute to the results of
Polygraph Examination.
 Overview and Concept of Polygraph
Examination
üPolygraph examination is widely used as a technical or
investigative aid.
üIt refers to the entire questioning process, as well as the choice of
one chart from a series of questions, or the entire test's charts and
question sheets.
üIt is used to verify the statements of the victims/complainants,
establish the credibility of witnesses, and assess the suspect's
honesty.
üPolygrams, are permanent chart or graph that records all
emotional patterns based on a series of questions.
üT he per son who c ond uc ts the a c tua l p olyg r a p h test or
examination is known as a polygraphist or a polygraph examiner.
The Forensic Psychophysiologist is another name for them.
 üPolygraph tests are used to obtain admission and confession from
the subject under investigation.
üConfession is a statement of facts that directly admits the truth of
the charged guilt or of some essential part of the commission of
the criminal acts, whereas admission is a self-incriminating
statement of facts made by the accused that does not directly
involve an admission of guilt for the crime with which he is
charged.
ü T he Subject is anyone who is undergoing a polyg raph
examination or test, regardless of whether they are the victim,
witness, or suspect of the crime.
üPreliminary Preparation, Conduct of Pre-Test Interview with the
Persons to be Examined, Conduct of the Actual Instrumental Test,
and Post-Test Interrogation are the various stages or phases in the
conduct of a polygraph examination.
 Objectives of Polygraph Examination
1.Obtain additional investigation leads to the facts of the case
/offenses
2.Ascertain if the person is telling the truth
3.Locate the fruits or tools of the crime and whereabouts of
wanted persons
4.Identify other persons involved (Accomplices)
5.Obtain valuable information from reluctant witnesses
6.Eliminate Innocent suspects
 Principal Uses of Polygraph Examination
1.Aid in investigating criminal incidents and issues
2.Speeds up the process of investigation
3.Eliminate innocent suspects
4.Pre-employment screening

5.Honesty test (Loyalty Check)

 Importance of lie detection in any type of investigation
Polygraph examinations are not limited to one specific offense or crime
under investigation; they can be used in any type of investigation involving
interview and interrogation.
The following are some of the reasons why polygraph examination is so
important in the field of investigation:
a.With the use of polygraph instrument, it is possible to detect deception with
greater speed and accuracy.
b.The instrument, the test and procedure have decided psychological effect in
inducing confession from a guilty subject.
c.By means of the scientific techniques, the innocent persons are immediately
eliminated and spared from fear, embarrassment and inconvenience.
d.The use of availability of the polygraph examination techniques will minimize
the use of THIRD DEGREE practices particularly upon innocent subjects.
e.To get all the facts of the case regarding the offense under investigation.
 The Ideal Polygraph Examination Room

In the conduct of the Polygraph Examination, the Polygraph

Examinaer must consider the following set-up or ambiance that
could not affect or hinder in the success of the polyg raph
examination;
1. Proper location of a room that is free from vehicular and human
traffic and preferably on the ground floor.
2. It must be conveniently ventilated or air – conditioned.
3. T he r oom must be convenient in size with an adjoining
observation room equipped with “one – way mirror”, microphone,
tape recorder and amplifier.
4. The room must be soundproof and acoustic.
5. The room must have an outlet of 110 volts to 60 cycles.
 6. Color of the room must not be glaring to the eyes, blue or
plain white will do.
7. The room must not possess any telephone, decorated picture
frames, ornamentals, etc.
8. Must have system to indicate when room is occupied or not.
9. Must have one door only.
 Limitations of the polygraph
As much polygraph examination helps in the Investigation
process, it has also its limitations to be observed;
1. It is an investigative aid, but never a substitute for an
investigation.
2. It is not a lie detector, but it is a scientific diagnostic instrument.
3. It does not determine facts, but a diagnostic reaction.
4. It records responses, which the subject knows to be the truth.
5. The test will not be given until enough facts of the case have
been established to permit an examiner to prepare a complete set
of suitable questions.
6. A test will not be given without voluntary consent of the subject.
7. A test will not be given until the accusations have been
explained to the subject.
8. No indication will be given to any person or place in any report
that a person will be considered guilty because he refuse to take
the test.
9. No attempt to use polygraph for mental or physical evaluation
of any person.acts, but a diagnostic reaction.
10. No examination can be conducted to an unfit subject.
 Factors that could affect the success or the failure of the
Polygraph Examination
The following are some of the possible factors that could
influence whether or not a polygraph examination is successful:

1.Adequate examination facilities

2.Privacy must be assured
3.Establishment of proper rapport between examiner and subject
4.Reaching of the subject’s level of understanding (terminology,
communication)
5.Permitting the subject to tell his side of the story
6.The Subject of the examination
7.Chart Interpretation
8.The Examiner
QUESTIONS