FAQ’s For Polygraph – Lie Detector Tests in the RGV

Q. Who uses polygraph examinations?

Three sectors of society use polygraph examinations for various reasons and purposes.

Private Sector Individuals, Families, Therapists and Employers use polygraph examinations to verify statements and find out the truth on a variety of issues including infidelity, drug use, addictions, sex offenses, employee theft, criminal activities, abuse and all other matters.

Legal Community Law Firms and Attorneys use polygraph examinations in the pre-court phase and in civil litigation to determine truth in a client’s case, verify a client’s truthfulness relative to a plea negotiation, to assist in general client control and verification of witness statements. Law courts also mandate polygraph examinations on a regular basis for post convicted sex offenders.

In addition, U.S. Attorney Offices, District Attorney Offices, Public Defender Offices, Defense Attorneys and Parole & Probation Departments all use polygraph examinations.Law Enforcement, Federal Agencies, Military and Government, Local Police, U.S. Military Branches and Government Agencies such as the FBI, CIA, NSA and Department of Defense all use polygraph examinations for applicant screenings, criminal investigations and matters of national security.

Q. What is a typical polygraph examination like and is there a limit to the number of test questions?

Purpose Driven Polygraph Services conducts polygraph examinations according to nationally recognized standards and regulations.

A typical polygraph examination is divided into three segments.

The pre-test interview, the actual polygraph test and the post-test data analysis and review.

On average, there are approximately ten questions on a single polygraph chart.

These exact same ten questions on a polygraph chart are repeated on between two to three separate polygraph charts for the data analysis.

Out of the ten questions on the polygraph chart, a maximum of four of the test questions are the pertinent and specific test questions established by the client, with the remaining six questions asked being generic in nature and established by the examiner. (The limit of questions is due to nationally recognized and approved polygraph testing standards and formats).

The four pertinent test questions may be established ahead of time with our staff via e-mail consultation once an appointment slot has been reserved and confirmed.

During the pre-test interview, the polygraph examiner completes the required paperwork and provides an introduction and explanation to the entire digital computerized polygraph system instrumentation.

During this period, the examiner reviews all of the test questions in detail and familiarizes the examinee (the person taking the polygraph test) with the testing procedure and process.

During the actual polygraph test, the examiner first conducts and records what is referred to as an acquaintance chart to help familiarize the examinee with the testing procedure and process.

Following the acquaintance chart, the polygraph examiner conducts and records three separate polygraph charts with all of the same ten questions repeated on each chart.

By law, during the actual polygraph test, only the examiner and examinee are allowed in the testing room.

Following the actual polygraph test, during the post-test data analysis and review, the examiner analyzes the polygraph charts and all the physiological data that was recorded and renders a report with the examiner’s opinion regarding the truthfulness of the examinee.

Q.  Are all your polygraph examiners state licensed and qualified?

Yes, all our examiners have completed graduate level Forensic Psychophysiology programs and are state licensed polygraph examiners who receive many hours of continuing education on an annual basis.

In addition, all our examiners are full members in good standing of the American Association of Police Polygraphists, Texas Association of Polygraph Examiners, and Texas Asssociation of Law Enforcement Polygraph Investigators.

Q.  How much does a polygraph examination cost?

Please contact Purpose Driven Polygraph Services or call us at 956-266-3090 or 956-343-7123 for assistance and information regarding your specific needs.

Q.  How quickly can I schedule an examination?

Depending on availability, appointments for polygraph examinations can usually be accommodated with short notice.

Please call 956-266-3090 or 956-343-7123 to schedule an examination.

Q.  How quickly are results available?

Results are provided verbally following the examination.

In certain cases, official reports can be produced immediately following the examination and provided to the client and or examinee.

Q. Are the results and information confidential?

Purpose Driven Polygraph Services adheres to very strict confidentiality and privacy standards.

All information from an examination is kept strictly confidential and private.

Q. What is the minimum age for a polygraph examination?

15 years of age or older.

Contact Examiner for clarification.

Q.  Are polygraph results admissible in court?

Polygraph results are admissible in some federal circuit courts and some states.

More often, polygraph results are admissible when the parties have agreed to their admissibility under terms of a stipulation.

Q. What is EPPA?

On December 27, 1988, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) became law.

This federal law established guidelines for polygraph testing and imposed certain types of restrictions on most private companies and employers in regards to testing their employees.

This legislation only affects commercial businesses.

Local, State and Federal governmental agencies (such as police departments) are not affected by the law, nor are public agencies, such as a school system or correctional institution.

In addition, there are exemptions in EPPA for some commercial businesses as follows:

• Companies under contract with the federal government
• Companies which manufacturer, distribute or dispense controlled substances
• Armored Car or Alarm and Security Companies
• Nuclear or Electrical Power Plants
• Public Water Works
• Toxic Waste Disposal