LESSON PLAN

TITLE : Forensic Polygraphy

COURSE : Criminal Investigation Course

MODULE : 3 - (Investigative Procedures)

LESSON PLAN NUMBER : 7

TARGET AUDIENCE : Investigators and personnel

assigned in Investigation
Offices/Units. Preferably
with the ranks of PO1-PO3

DATE AND VENUE : As scheduled

TIME ALLOTTED : 2 hours

LEARNING AIDS REQUIRED : Overhead Projector, laptop,

handouts, white board &
marker/eraser

PARTICIPANTS EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: Tickler/notebook, ballpen, learning

and training materials, handouts

TRAINING REFERENCES USED : PNP Crime Laboratory Lecture Notes

and Internet Website

INTRODUCTION:
The modern investigators today h a s numerous technical investigative aids
available to assist them in their quest for the facts of a crime or incident. One of
these is the polygraph.
In order for the investigator to obtain the greatest value from the polygraph,
he should know its capabilities and limitations; the assistance he c a n render the
examiner; and the directives and regulations pertaining to its use. Remember
that a polygraph instrument c a n only be of value when utilized properly, and
is not a substitute for a thorough investigation or as a crutch for a poor one.
The focus of the study is on the capabilities, limitations and the standard
procedures of polygraph examination.

LEARNING GOAL:
This subject will enhance the basic knowledge of police investigators on the
importance and uses of polygraph examination in the investigation process.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
By the end of this subject, the learners will be able to:
 1. Understand the following terms:
a. Polygraph
b. Polygraphy
c. Polygraph Test
2. Erase the Common Polygraph Myths
3. Know the Four Major Components of Polygraph
4. Know the Uses of Polygraph Examination
5. Limitations of Polygraphy
6. Different forms of Lying
7. Know the Phases of Polygraph Examination
8. Know the Ideal Examination Room
9. Identify General Rules in Question Formulation
10. Prevent the Errors in Polygraph Test

SESSIONS:

1. DEFINITION OF TERMS:
a. Polygraph – is a composition of two words, “poly” which means “many”
and “graph” which means “writing chart”. It is defined as a scientific instrument
especially designed to record psycho-physiological changes that occur within the
body especially of lying when questioned. This is not an electrical device that detects
lies or truth, but is an instrument used to determine whether or not statements made
by the subject taking the test are deceptive.
b. Polygraphy – is a Scientific method of detecting truth or deception through
the use of the Polygraph machine. Polygraph testing is often used to confirm or
exonerate person's involvement in any suspected activity or wrongdoing. In the
absence of any other corroborative evidence, this is of great significance..
c. Polygraph Test – is a series of relevant, irrelevant, and control
questions
prepared by the examiner, for the matter under investigation, and asked of the
p e r s o n being examined.
- Consist of 4 relevant, 4 irrelevant and 2 controlled questions.

Proven Successful Usage of Polygraph

1) Eliminating suspects
2) Recognizing false complaints
3) Testing informants to determine the veracity of information provided
4) Providing a new "key" to an investigation when all other standard
investigative techniques have been exhausted
5) Narrowing the focus of inquiry
6) Gathering additional information and evidence
7) Assisting to focus the investigation on particular suspects

2. COMMON POLYGRAPH MYTHS

 a. Myth 1 – The polygraph is no good because it is not admissible in court,
right?
This is the most used excuse for not taking a polygraph examination. The
fact of the matter is that it is used in court in certain situations.
 Accuracy and Reliability
The principles of Polygraph testing have been developed over the past
100 years and have been subjected to hundreds of scientifically validated studies.

Accuracy 90%

Inconclusive 10%
(Conducted by the Psychology Department University of Utah Funded
by the U.S Treasury Department)
Latest Study (1998) 98% accurate

 Admissibility in Court
Many countries all over the world have utilized polygraph technique as
a method of lie detection. It has been proven that it is valuable aid in investigation. In
some countries, polygraph results are admitted as evidence in courts. In the U.S.,
almost all courts utilized polygraph and more than one half of these court accepts It
as evidence in criminal prosecution.
 Frye v. U.S Federal Appeals Court 1923
 Picciononna v. U.S. Federal Appeals Court 1989
 Daubert v. M. Dow U.S. Supreme Court 1993
 Scheffer v. U.S., U.S. Supreme Court 1998
Reasons why polygraph results is not admissible in court:
 It has not been standardized as to the instrumentation
 As to the test procedure
 As to the qualification of Polygraph Examiners.
b. Myth 2 – If you are nervous you will fail the polygraph test.

Being nervous is common. If a person is not nervous when they take a

polygraph test then that is unusual. Being nervous doesn’t cause a person to fail a
polygraph test, lying does.
Here’s how a polygraph examiner looks at each person’s nervousness:
1) A truthful person maybe nervous because he is afraid of the unknown.
2) An untruthful person may be nervous because he is afraid of what he
knows to be true.
In addition, you must remember that:
1) Nervousness, on the polygraph recordings, does not look like
deception to the polygraph examiner.
 2) Nervousness does not prevent the polygraph examiner from
distinguishing between truth and untruth.
c. Myth 3 – I had a friend take a polygraph test and he failed it even though
he was telling the truth. If you are telling the truth the chances of failing a polygraph
examination are very slim. The polygraph cannot “say” anything. It merely records on
a chart your bodily reactions to the questions being asked. It is up to the polygraph
examiner to “read” the information your body provides, and he does so with an
extremely high degree of accuracy.
d. Myth 4 – “I’ve heard that machine can be beat.”

This is a habitual expression made by the misled and misinformed

skeptics, or the one who “got by” with something important to him during a previous
test. People cannot beat a polygraph test. They beat the competency of the
examiner conducting the test. A polygraph machine is simply an instrument that
records changes in autonomic reactivity when confronting a given
stimulus(question). The examiner is capable to determine when an examinee
engages in behaviors that are designed to distort polygraph tracing and there is an
attempt to influence the outcome of examination. Truthful examinees are cooperative
and follow instructions whereas deceptive examinees will attempt to engage in
certain behavior to distort the normal tracings.

“BEAT” the Polygraph

Detects Indications Result
Nervousness Pulse Rate Talk, Release Tension
Drugs Pulse vs. Breathing Re-schedule
Mind Control Straight Tracing Repeat Questions
Muscle Control Movements, Jerks Remind Examinee
e. Myth 5 – “Does test hurt? Will I get an electric shock?

No, the test does NOT hurt. Also, there is no possibility of your getting an
electric shock. The only discomfort some people experience is the slight pressure on
the arm because of the standard blood pressure cuff
f. Myth 6 – “I have a high blood pressure. Won’t that look as though I’m
lying?”

While blood pressure is the principal polygraph recording, high blood-

pressure does not cause the characteristics pattern that results when a person is
untruthful. Characteristic pattern created by either high or low blood pressure differs
from deceptive tracings. A truthful pattern is readily apparent even though a person
has a blood pressure problem.
g. Myth 7 – Drugs and alcohol affect the results/accuracy of polygraph
examination.

Polygraph examiners utilize certain procedures during a polygraph test to

ensure that each person taking a test is responding naturally throughout the testing
procedure. If the subject is taking any medication, inform the Polygraph Examiner
prior to the test
h. Myth 8 – I thought the examination would only take about 10 minutes.
 A real polygraph examination will take anywhere between 1 ½ to 3 hours
under normal circumstances.
Question: Can Someone Under the of Age 18 Take a Polygraph Test?
Yes. A Polygraph test can be conducted on any person under 18 years
old, provided that he has full discretion of what is right or wrong. Parent's consent is
required prior to the test. No examination should be conducted on anyone under 12
years of age.

3. FOUR MAJOR COMPONENTS OF POLYGRAPH

Human beings are conditioned to believe that lying is morally and biblically
crime. They do not like to lie but do so consciously or unconsciously while they are
under pressure. Lying produces uneasiness and anxiety. These two conditions in
turn generate different physiological effects that are occasionally visible and most
often detectable in a lie detection device such as a polygraph. The physiological
effects of lying are being recorded and measured by the following polygraph
components:
a. Pneumograph tubes – are fastened around the subjects abdominal and
thoratic part of the body to monitor the subjects breathing. As the subject inhales and
exhales, the tube, an accordion like, expands and contracts causing changes of
pressure inside the tube. These changes are transmitted to the recording bellows
causing a forward and backward movement of the pivot shaft to which the recording
pen is connected.(There is a rise in breathing rate accompanied by a decrease in
the depth of each breath, also well-known as shallow breathing. The pneumograph
aspect of the polygraph measures these effects.)
b. Galvanograph – The Galvanic Skin Reflex (GSR) is measured by
attaching a set of electrodes to the surface of the hand, or to the fingers of the hand
which measures the difference in the electrical resistance of the skin as the question
sweats under pressure. Electrical conductivity increases with an rise in sweating due
to the electrolyte concentration found in perspiration. (There is a rise in sweating.
The galvanograph aspect measures this sign).
c. Cardiosphymograph – A blood pressure cuff, or the type used by
physicians, is fastened around one of the examinee's arms. When cuff is inflated,
it monitors changes in the mean blood pressure and heart rate. (There is a rise in
blood pressure and pulse rate. The cardiograph aspect measures these essential
signs.)

d. Kymograph – An instrument for recording variations in pressure, as of the

blood, or in tension, as of a muscle, by means of a pen or stylus that marks a
rotating drum. This component moves the chart p a p e r at a timed rate of speed, 6
inches a minute on present instruments, so that the blood-pulse pressure,
respiration, and GSR c a n be continuously recorded all at one time.
The theory of polygraph Examination: “When a mentally normal
person tells a lie, physiological changes occur within his body that could be
recorded by the instrument and evaluated by the examiner.”

4. USES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

 a. Criminal Investigation
1) It is an aid to the investigator.
2) It speeds up the process of investigation.
3) It eliminates innocent subject.
4) The investigator can concentrate one subject to determine truth or
deception.
- it is a valuable tool of criminal investigation. It provides fast means of
eliminating innocent suspects, give clue about the identity of criminal suspects, verify
statements of those who are involved and save a lot of time and effort during the
process of investigation.
Prohibited Practices:
1) The investigator should not subject the examinee to prolonged
interrogation immediately before polygraph examination.
2) The polygraph instrument must not be used as psychological props in
conducting interrogation.
3) A prospective examinee is never informed that his or her innocence or
guilt will be decided based on the results of the polygraph examination.
4) The investigators do not request a mass screening of possible suspect
to produce real suspect. (This mass screening violates the policy in investigation
techniques and produces have not been applied, leads exhausted, and normal
investigative functions)
5) The investigators do not make the final determination as to the
examinee’s fitness for polygraph examination.
b. Pre-employment – The fastest and most accurate means of verifying the
statements of job applicant from derogatory remarks by a previous employer who
bears personal grudge against him
c. Periodic Screening – This is best way for the company to determine
dishonest employees who are responsible for any loss.
d. Banking and Finance – ex. Cash shortage, ATM shortage
e. Insurance Investigation – ex. Insurance claims for dead members;
container vans was held-up etc..
f. Sexual Harassment/Domestic Issues – A lie detector test may be helpful in
cases of suspected violence in the family, molestation, sexual harassment, and
infidelity within a marriage.
g. Employee Theft /Fraud Industrial Espionage/Pilferage – Several private
investigation agencies make frequent use of polygraph test findings during the
course of private investigations in a wide range of subjects. Tests to question an
employee suspected of theft or embezzlement.
h. Sports and Competition – Occasionally, athletes are issued a polygraph
test to verify that they did not cheat in a contest. This is more frequently done with
winners, but is not limited to them. Competitions with high rewards for winners create
the most incentive to gain unfair advantages, such as performance enhancing drugs
or illegal equipment. Many competitors are told that they will be subject to a
polygraph test upon completion of the event, which deters some from participating if
those individuals know they will be caught.
5. LIMITATIONS OF POLYGRAPHY
a. The polygraph does not, and cannot, detect truth or deception. The polygraph is
limited in that only what the subject or witness believes to be true c a n be verified or
discredited, not the actual facts. This is not an electrical device that detects lies or
truth, but is an instrument used to determine whether or not statements made by the
subject taking the test are deceptive.
b. It is a test where the accuracy is dependent upon the examiner. It produces
a chart record of the physiological changes caused by a person's emotional
responses during the test. From the chart record, an examiner may form an
opinion that an examinee was not emotionally disturbed by the questions during
the test and was therefore, truthful. He may form an opinion than an examinee
was deceptive since physical responses w e r e present as a result of the emotional
disturbance caused by the questions. Interpretation of test charts depends upon
the training, experience, capabilities, and skill of the examiner.

The Role of the Investigator

a. He should make a thorough effort to interrogate a n y p e r s o n suspected
of lying before submitting a polygraph request. To a large measure, the success of
a n y polygraph test will depend upon the investigator. If the c a s e h a s not been
investigated properly, the polygraph may not contribute to its successful conclusion.
He m u s t orient his investigation upon evidence secured through skill and
technique, rather than upon an expected self-disclosure through the polygraph
test; however, he should never discount the polygraph.
b .He should inform the examiner of a n y unpublicized facts which could be
known only to the victim or the offender. This could include the exact amount of
money stolen, the caliber or make of the weapons used, or the means of entry.
These will enable the examiner to construct specific tests which may provide
accurate reactions and results.
c. The investigator m u s t obtain the authorization for the examination from
the authorizing representative. When this h a s been approved, he presents a copy
of the message of approval to the examiner for the polygraph c a s e file.
d. The investigator, with the examiner, should set the exact time, date, and
place of the test. He should brief the examinee on the night prior to the test,
e m p h a s i z i n g that he should get plenty of sleep and not drink a n y alcohol or
take a n y rugs. On the d a y of the test, he should accompany the examinee to
the place of the test and introduce him to the examiner. During the test, the
investigator should remain there. If the room is equipped with sound equipment
or a two-way mirror, he should watch and listen to the test. If required, he should
arrange for the examinee's meals. If the examinee is a female, a female witness
m u s t be present.
e. The investigator m u s t be able to brief the examiner on minute details.
General facts, theories, and suspicions are not enough; the examiner
must have detailed, verified facts. He should make available to the examiner the
personnel records of the person and all statements, documents, and evidence.
Some of the information the examiner m u s t have include the:
1) Specific articles or exact amounts of money stolen.
2) Exact time the offense occurred.
 3) Peculiar aspects of the offense or any strange or obscene act
committed at the scene.
4) Known facts about a suspect's actions or movements.
5) Facts indicating a connection between suspects, victims, and
witnesses, especially when they deny a n y connection.
6) Exact type of firearm, weapon, or tool used.
7) Results of laboratory tests.
8) Background information pertaining to the person.

6. FORMS OF LYING
a. Deception – Involves acting in such a way that leads another person to
believe something which you, yourself do not believe to be true.
b. Perjury – Is a legal term for the offense of lying under oath. It is normally
restricted to lies that are also false statement.
c. Bluffing – Is an act of deception that is not usually seen as immoral
because it takes place in the context of a game.
Typical Verbal Interview
Truthful Deception
Direct and spontaneous Evasive and frequent pauses
Open and clear Story changes or doesn’t make sense
Story doesn’t change Verbal and non-verbal is inconsistent
Verbal and non-verbal are consistent Denies factual information
Denies completely Argues legal issues
Few pauses outside baseline Overly polite
Denial becomes stronger if accused Memory too good or fails
Offer excuses not facts
Complains excessively
Slips of the tongue

Kinds of Liars
a. Professional Liar
Facial Expression Postural Reaction
Paling, blushing or profuse sweating on Inability to maintain an “eye to eye”
forehead, eyebrows, or chin. contact.
Dilation of the eyes, protrusions of eyeball, Dryness of mouth and loud clacking.
elevation of upper lid.
Twitching corner of the lips. Excessive activity of “Adam’s Apple”.
Excessive winking. Fidgeting of fingers, trapping or drumming
of chair or table.
Movement of vein at temple. Swinging of one leg to another.
Quivering nostrils. Exaggerated boldness and force laughter
Incoherence trembling and sweating

b. Pathological Liar
 the stories seem to be dramatic or unrealistic
 the lies seem to serve no purpose except to impress people
 the lies be easily shown up
c. Psychopathic Liar
  Charming and seems bright.
 No symptoms observed that he is mentally ill.
 No nervousness that commonly seen in a neurotic person.
 Threat of suicide when in trouble.
 Failure to follow a life plan.
Reasons to lie:
 Defense mechanism used to avoid trouble with the law, bosses, or
authority
 Sometimes you lie not to hurt someone’s feelings.
 They lie because they profit from it
 To avoid embarrassment
 For a good laugh
So may I Ask you to assess yourself to know what category you belong?

7. PHASES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

a. Initial interview with the investigator or the person requesting the
polygraph.
Requisition of Polygraph Examination
 Four (4) copies of Letter Request
 Brief Facts of the Case / Investigation Report
 Sworn Statement / Affidavit of Complainant
 Sworn Statement / Affidavit of Examinees/ Witness/es
 Sketch of crime scene, /witness/es, if available.
b. Pre-test interview with examinee
- This phase is normally the longest to complete and will take anywhere
between 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Purpose of the Pre-Test Interview
 To prepare the subject for polygraph examination.
 Informing the subject of his/her involvement with the case.
 To obtain subject consent for polygraph examination
 Taking of subject’s or examinee’s personal data.
 To determine the suitability of the subject or examinee.
 Evaluating the psychological preparation of the subject or examinee.
“The primary purpose of the Pre-Test Interview is to condition the subject”
Purpose of Taking the Consent of the Examinee
 The examiner have a legal basis that no human rights violation is
committed
 That the subject voluntarily submitted his/her self to undergo polygraph
examination
 It is an armed against harassment
Question: Is Polygraph examination an invasion of privacy?

If you agree to be examined it cannot be termed as an invasion of privacy,

otherwise no examination will be administered.
 c. Analysis/Interpretation of polygraph charts.
d. Post-test interview
Preparations of the Examinee
 Examinee should take full rest before the examination day.
 Normal food should be consumed by the examinee.
 Subject should be physically fit for test.
 Examinee should not be under the influence of any drug or intoxication
on examination day.
 No prolong interrogation prior to the test.
 No third degree practices, no physical abuse
The best steps for a person to prepare for a polygraph test are:
Step 1: Plan your polygraph examination at the beginning of the day when
you are still feeling fresh and alert. Do not schedule a polygraph examination at the
end of the day or when you are feeling tired.
Step 2: Get a good night sleep. Don’t stay up late watching television or
reading. (Be on time in the morning to give you plenty of time to prepare without
rushing.)
Step 3: Eat breakfast if your schedule is in the morning. Follow your
normal habit. If you are a coffee drinker, drink coffee. If you take any prescribed
medications or vitamins, take it.( Coffee, medications or vitamins will not affect the
results of polygraph test.)
Step 4: Plan for a polygraph examination that will take a about 2-3 hours.
(This includes pre-test interview which is the longest phase of polygraph examination
to ensure that you are comfortable during polygraph examination.)
Step 5: Know your legal rights. A polygraph examiner will not ask
questions about religious beliefs, opinions, ethnic or cultural matters, political beliefs
or affiliations, affiliations with activities related to parties and sexual activities.
COUNTERMEASURES
Those deliberate techniques which a deceptive subject uses in an attempt to
appear non-deceptive when his physiological responses are being monitored during
a polygraph examination.
Forms:
 PHYSICAL –ex. use of thumbtacks under the soles of feet.
 MENTAL – ex. hypnosis
 PHARMACEUTICALS – ex. Use of drugs
However, polygraphers have developed an effective "counter-
countermeasure" for this tactic -- they can simply instruct the examinee to remove
his shoes. Some polygraph chairs also come equipped with a pressure-sensitive
strain gauge that will provide a warning to the polygrapher if these polygraph
countermeasures are attempted.

8. IDEAL EXAMINATION ROOM

a. It must be spacious for two persons.
b. It must be well ventilated.
 c. It must be well lighted.
d. It must not be decorated.
e. It must be 90% soundproof

9. GENERAL RULES IN QUESTION FORMULATION

a. Questions must be simple and direct.
b. They must not involved legal terminology.
c. They must be answerable by “yes” or “no” only and should be as short as
possible.
d. The meaning must be clear and phrased in a language that the subject can
easily understand.
e. All questions must refer to one offense only.
f. Questions must never contain inference (opinion).
g. They must not contain inferences to one’s religion, race or belief.

10. ERRORS IN POLYGRAPH TEST

a. Misinterpretation of data on the charts
b. Lack of training and experience of the polygraph examiners
c. Countermeasures from the examinee
d. Equipment malfunction
e. Failure to properly prepare the examinee for the examination
f. Poorly worded test questions
g. Improper assessment of the examinee’s emotional and physical conditions
h. Improper use of testing techniques

CONCLUSION:
Detection of lies is not an easy task, that does not mean that detecting lies is
impossible.
There is no technique superior or inferior. All the techniques will be used for
detection of deception accordingly as per expert ability and suspect’s behavior.

SUMMARY:
Polygraph, Polygraphy and Polygraph Test
 Common Polygraph Myths
 4 Major Components of Polygraph
 Capabilities limitations of polygraph
 Phases of Polygraph Examination
 Know the Ideal Examination Room
 General Rules in Question Formulation
 Errors to prevent in Polygraph Test

Participants will proceed at the crime laboratory to observe the conduct of

polygraph examination. After which one of the participants will undergo the
polygraph examination.