WEEK 4

FORENSIC 5- POLYGRAPHY
NOVEM IANNE RINA B SISON,
MSCRIM
 WEEK 4
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION: In this module we will be
discussing the Modern Polygraph Instrument
including its parts and functions.
For your activity, answer the review questions
provided for you to enhance your learning
about Polygraphy.
 ACTIVITY: LABEL AND DRAW
DRAW A POLYGRAPH INSTRUMENT AND LABEL
ITS PARTS.
 LESSON VIDEO
DISCUSSION:(https://youtu.be/IxgKSW
wknkQ)
 LET’S DISCUSS
LESSON 1
What is the Modern Polygraph Instrument?

The instrument used in the 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 plethymograph 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 a desktop model for polygraph
examinations administered in the office and in a
laptop model for travel as pictured in the next
slide.
Figure 1: Lafayette Computerized
Polygraph
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 a 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
 How does the Polygraph Instrument
work?
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 electronic motor.
 Figure 3: Attachment of the
Computerized Polygraph Instrument

Pneumographs 2
Blood Pressure
Cuff 1 3 Galvanometers
The physiological changes within the examinee’s body
are monitored by the ff. polygraph attachments:

Respiratory Rate: Two rubber tubes filled with

air, called pneumographs, are placed around the
examinee’s chest and abdomen. When the chest
or abdominal muscles expand, the air inside the
tubes is displaced. The digital or computerized
polygraph employs transducers to convert the
energy of the displaced air into electronic signals.
The physiological changes within the examinee’s body
are monitored by the ff. polygraph attachments:

Blood Pressure/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.
The physiological changes within the examinee’s body
are monitored by the ff. polygraph attachments:

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 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.
 Figure 4:
Proper
attachment of
the Polygraph
sensors or
transducers to
the body of
the subject
 What are the Major Components of the
Polygraph Instrument?

The Pneumograph Component – This

component occupies the two/upper pens of the
instrument which records the thoracic 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,
each attached to a unit by a rubber hose not
longer than six feet and not larger than one
quarter inch in diameter.
 What are the Major Components of the
Polygraph Instrument?

The Pneumograph Component – This

breathing or pneumo unit is a low pressure unit.
The inhalation/exhalation of the subject causes
the tubes to expand and contract, thereby
reflecting the change through billows to the pen
into the chart.
Figure 5: Pneumograph Component
 What are the Major Components of the
Polygraph Instrument?

The 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 of the left hand, or to the palmar
and dorsal surfaces of the left hand. The
electrodes used for obtaining the recording of the
GSR or electro-dermal responses,
 What are the Major Components of the
Polygraph Instrument?

The Galvanograph Component –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 in the flow of the
electrical current.
Figure 6: Galvanograph Component
 What are the Major Components of the
Polygraph Instrument?

The Cardiograph Component – This is the

fourth and the 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.
 What are the Major Components of the
Polygraph Instrument?

The Cardiograph Component – The bladder is

connected to the rubber hose, past a pressure
indicating gauge to a very sensitive billows and its
connected lever system that powers the pen. The
polygraphist inflates the bladder with a hand
pump to a constant air pressure that will provide
tracing amplitude of 0.75 to 1 inch with a dichotic
notch situated about the middle of the diastolic
limb of the tracing.
Figure 7: Cardiograph Component
 What are the Major Components of the
Polygraph Instrument?

The Kymograph Component – This is the chart-

driven recording unit of the instrument. It has a
synchronized motor that drives the charts at the
rate of six (6) to twelve (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, represent 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?

Figure 8: Finger Electrodes and Blood Pressure

Cuff
What are the Detachable Parts of the Polygraph
Instrument?

Figure 8: Pneumo Tube 1 and Pneumo Tube 2

 What are the Built-in Accessories of the
Polygraph Instrument?
1. KYMOGRAPH or chart driving mechanism – chart
roll arbor, Idler roller, Pen table Paper guides,
Sprocket roller, Cutter bar, Off and on power
switch, Synchronous motor.
2. Pen and Inking System – Capillary pen, Ink well
plates, Ink dropper, Cuct bill
3. Pneumograph section – Rubber jellows, Beaded
chain, Rubber flexible tubing, Pneumograph tube
connection, Pneumograph connecting tube,
Pneumograph distributing ink, Pneumograph Pipe
line, Vent valve and vent bottom, Tambour
assembly, Sphygmomanometer, Resonance
control
 What are the Built-in Accessories of the
Polygraph Instrument?
4. Cardio section – Pump bulb assembly, Blood
pressure pump connection, Blood pressure cuff
assembly, Connector block, Sphygmomanometer
pipe line
5. Galvanograph section – Finger electrode,
Electrode jellow, Galvanometer
 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. The examiner
should check the sensors/ Transducers
attached to the body of the subject:
• Pneumograph Tube – is fastened on the
subjects chest and abdomen through the
beaded chain
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

• Blood Pressure Cuff - The same type used by

physicians is fastened on the subject’s upper
right arm or bicep.
• Finger Electrodes – fastened to the left index
and ring fingers of the subject.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
And must be guided by the parts and functions of
the instrument as follows:
• Pen Lifter – raises or lowers pen to three (3)
positions.
• Chart Drive Module – Propels chart paper at
the rate of 6-12 inches per minute. Also known
as kymograph.
• Paper Tear Bar – provides cutting edge for
removal of charts.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
• Mechanical Pneumo Module – recording part
of Mechanical Pneumo Channel
• Galvanic Skin Reflex (GSR) Module – recording
part of GSR Channel.
• Mechanical Cardio Module – recording part of
Mechanical Cardio Channel.
• Chart Drive Roller Lever – lifts chart drive roller
for paper changes and chart removal.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
• Sphygmomanometer Dial – reads operating
pressure of Cardio Channel.
• Pneumo 1 – Pneumatic connection for upper
(thoracic) pneumograph.
• Pneumo 2 – pneumatic connection for lower
(abdominal) pneumograph.
• Cuff – connection for Cardio Channel subject
cuff tubing.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
• Pump – Connection for hand pump used to
inflate subject cuff.
• Centering Control – positions pen on chart.
Rotating clockwise raises the pen, while
counterclockwise rotation lowers it. Operates
similarly on all channels.
• Sensitivity Control – determines the tracing size
(amplitude). Rotating clockwise increases size
while counterclockwise rotation decreases size.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
• GSR Mode Switch – selects the operating mode
for GSR Channel Manual or Automatic
• GSR Input Connector – accepts plug from GSR
subject attachment cord.
• Cardio Lock Lever – immobilizes Mechanical
Cardio mechanism when not in use.
• Vent – performs venting function on pneumatic
systems
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
The examiner should also familiarize himself
with the control mechanisms of the Polygraph
Instrument:
• Resonance Control – it allows you to clear up or
make a better pattern when you have too much
pulse pressure of the subject.
• Hand Electrode – This is fastened to the hand
by a stretched band. Function is to make
electrical contact with the subject.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
• Panel Control – to allow the operator to control
or adjust the operation of the galvanograph.
There are other five important controls:
• Off and on power switch – on switch energizes
the galvanograph section.
• Subject’s resistance control – balances the
galvo section to the skin resistance of the
subject.
• Reactive control – adjusts the sensitivity of the
galvo section
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

• Self-centered normal switch – selects either

mode of operation.
• Self-centering mode – the circuit electronically
centers the pen itself after every excursion.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

Control of CARDIO-SPHYGMOGRAPH section

• Manual centering knob – used to place cardio
in its proper place on the chart.
• Vent valve – is used to left atmospheric
pressure into the system and used to release
pressure all or parts of the pressure.
• Resonance control – is used to decrease the
amplitude of the cardio tracing and used to
sharpen the diacrotic notch.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

Control of the PNEUMOGRAPH section

• Manual centering knob – used to position base
line of the pneumo tracing on the upper heavy
horizontal line.
• Vent – with the vent down, the system closed
and non-operative. With the vent up, the
system is open and ready to use.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

• Uses of the Vent:

a) To stop the pen between the tests and to
prevent possible tambour assembly.
b) To prevent pen from possible jam by moving
up or down in one place of the chart paper.
c) To stop pen during the tube adjustment.
d) To assists in gaining amplitude.
e) To let atmospheric enter into the system.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

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 reasonably good
educational background – preferably college
degree.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

2. THE EXAMINER – 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.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

3. THE SUBJECT - Generally, there are three types

of subjects for polygraph testing - a) suspect b)
the victim or complainant and c) witness.

Specifically, the following can be subjected for

polygraph testing:
• Subject whose guilt is definite or reasonably
certain
• Emotional offender
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
• Person who commit crimes in the heat of
passion
• Person whose offenses are accidental in nature
• Non-emotional offender
• Person who commit crimes for financial gain
• 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.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
On the other hand, there are group of subjects
who cannot be recommended to undergo
Polygraph testing such as the following:
• Persons who have extreme nervousness
• Persons who have physiological abnormalities
such as high blood pressure/hypertension,
heart disease, respiratory disorder, toothaches,
severe headaches and practically any painful
ailments.
• Persons with mental abnormalities.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
• Unresponsive persons, such as those who suffer
mental fatigue or under the influence of drugs
or alcohol
• Pregnant women
• Persons below 18 years of age
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
5. THE EXAMINATION ROOM - The examination
room is importantly considered for effective
polygraph testing. The condition of the room must
be as follows:
• Lie-detector test should be conducted in a quiet
private room.
• A room with none of the usual police
surroundings and with no distraction within the
subjects view.
• A room without any windows at all.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

• The interogation room should contain no

ornaments, pictures or other objects which
would distract the attention of the person being
tested or interviewed.
• A room free from noise such as the ringing of a
telephone or the conversation of persons
outside the examination room.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

• 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
decception; 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.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
There should be an “observation room” adjacent
to the examination room as in psychology
laboratories. A “one-way mirror” (a panel of glass
chemically treated so as to permit someone from
the observation room to see into the lighted
examination room without being seen) must be
installed on the wall in between the rooms, so the
subject may be viewed from the observation
room by the co-examiners for obervable behavior
symptoms relevant to the issue of truthfulness or
deception.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

If practicable, the examination room should be

equipped with a hidden microphone so that
persons in the observation room may hear the
questoning as well as witness what take place in
the examination room. Only those persons who
have relevant purpose and/or interest to the case
or in the Polygraph technique should be
permitted access to the observation room.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

Since the test must be conducted under

conditions of privacy, in order for the examiner to
safeguard himself against the possibility of
subsequent accusation misconduct, either
physical or sexual abuse toward a female subject a
secretary preferably female in the observation
room should be designated for this will afford
protection as to the female subjects.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

Moreover, there are additional advantages to

an observation room. A subject in police custody
can be watched by his guards to prevent escape
and the viewing may afford protection to the
examiner from physical harm and against damage
to the instrument by a subject in an attempt to
spoil an effective examination.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
5. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS - In order to conduct a
satisfactory lie-detector test, the following must also be
considered:
• It is advisable for the examiner to obtain from the
investigators interested in the case, all the available
facts and circumstances forming the basis of the
accusation or suspicion directed against the person
to be examined. This will include, of course, the
details of the case itself. Such information is essential
to the examiner so that he will be in a position to
know questions should be asked of the subject
during the test.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
• The subject should be informed of the nature of
the test and purpose of it. The instrument
should be pointed out to him as one which is
capable of determining whether or not a person
is telling the truth about a given matter. He
should be informed that it records certain
bodily changes and that the instrument will not
cause any physical pain except for a slightly
temporary discomfort occasioned by the blood
pressure cuff.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

• The subject should understand the following

statements: “If you are telling the truth you
have nothing to wory 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 are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

• Experience has indicated that such statement

tends to relieve the emotional tensions in a
person who is telling the truth, and at the same
time they offer no relief to the liar. Moreover,
asking the subject’s consent has proved worth
while in those cases where the criminal
confesions are obtained as a result of the test.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?
As an important reminder to the examiner, the
following must be considered:
• Do not wait until the last minute to ask a person
to take the test.
• Do not tell the subject everything that you
know about the offense or about him.
• Do not fail to investigate the case before you
ask a person to take the test.
• If for some reasons, it must be temporarily
taken, the investigator must continue
investigating the case.
 What are the Necessary Considerations for an
Effective Polygraph Testing?

• Do not depend on mass screening of possible

suspects to produce a real or the guilty one.
• Do not tell anyone that the lie detector will
decide whether one is innocent or guilty. The
court will make the decision.
• If the test indicates that the person did not tell
the truth or if the person confesses after the
test, do not think that the investigation is over.
 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.
 What is the usual duration of a Polygraph
testing?

The actual questioning aspect of the

examination, which may be repeated three or four
times and lasts no longer than a few minutes for
each questions. Limits maybe set in some cases,
because the blood pressure cuff can be inflated
for 10 to 12 minutes causing the subject undue
discomfort.
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