Have questions? Get in touch or look at the FAQ section.

• Are polygraph tests accurate?

  Yes. United States government research studies have found that single-issue (or one question) credibility assessments conducted by a qualified examiner are 98 percent accurate. This is the most accurate method for determining truth or deception.

• Who uses polygraphs? I thought only the police had access to these?

  Polygraph examinations are used in more than 50 countries such as the USA, South Africa, Spain, Egypt, Israel and Russia. Government organizations, law enforcement agencies, security companies, legal and HR firms, corporate retail and hospitality, as well as private citizens can access and use polygraph or lie detector tests to determine truthfulness or deceit.

• How many questions do you ask the person undergoing the test? Can I also find out if the examinee is also doing X, Y, Z?

  The expectation that the polygraph examiner may ask several questions on diverse topics is due to the prevalence of television programmes that purport to demonstrate ``Lie Detector Tests.``

  However this is just not feasible in terms of science. Only one problem is examined as part of a formal, legitimate credibility evaluation to guarantee correctness. Issues cannot be mixed up during the same polygraph interview and test, i.e., “were you there on the night of the murder” and “were you cheating on your wife at the time.”

  There are two similar examinations: the Single Issue exam and the Specific Issue exam. These have been proven to be the most accurate examinations available in the polygraph profession.

  The Single Issue examination focuses on questions that focus on the examinee’s memory of events, such as a specific incidence of theft from the office, e.g. obtaining a key without signing it out, opening a secure cupboard, taking an exact amount of money, etc.

• Can I use the test results as evidence in court?

  No. Only courts and a jury made up of one’s peers may determine guilt or innocence of a suspect. Polygraph examinations are more an investigative tool than a means to deliver a verdict on a suspect’s guilt or innocence. It allows investigators to determine whether a witness is reliable, a suspect is hiding something, etc. It is a time-saving tool for investigators to help them pursue true and accurate leads.

• Can someone beat the test?

  No - and we do not advise anyone to attempt this either. Do not rely on what others may have told you; and don’t believe deceptive websites that attempt to “teach” you how to beat a polygraph test.

  Examinees cannot cheat the test as we measure the autonomic nervous system responses - parts of the body that cannot be controlled by the conscious mind.

  If you are innocent or telling the truth, you have nothing to fear.

  If one does try to “game” the test, I will stop the test and the report will state that there was a purposeful attempt to manipulate the test and result outcomes. I have over twenty years of experience in conducting polygraph examinations - I’ve seen EVERY technique someone uses to rig or cheat a test.

  The tools and software at Polygraph Australia are calibrated to detect even the smallest effort at cheating. As an experienced examiner, I employ anti-countermeasure tools to cut down on “cheating.``

• I am telling the truth but I am nervous about taking a polygraph examination. How does the polygraph establish the difference between nervousness, lies and the truth?

  An innocent person experiencing anxiety is extremely common, I am perfectly aware of this. A professionally trained examiner is taught how to calibrate the instrument and introduce the process to the examinee. Before running anywhere from three to five charts related to the issue, an acquaintance test is conducted as the first chart. It’s our expectation that all people who undergo a polygraph examination will feel nervous or anxious whether they intend to answer questions truthfully or not.

  This is why we calibrate the instrument to ease people into the test. This way, an examiner will look for specific responses that exceed the examinee’s heightened nervousness or anxiety.

  An examinee will stay nervous throughout the entire testing process, not suddenly become nervous answering an individual question. If nerves and anxiety affect the result of a polygraph test, no one would ever pass one!

  This is the purpose of the calibration test. To demonstrate to the examinee that we can differentiate between a known truth and a known lie before the test commences.

• Who else may be present during the test?

  No one other than the examiner and examinee may be in the room during the procedure.

  Distractions can have a negative impact on the polygraph, which is meant to be a scientific technique. The APA has conducted research that shows distractions from a second person or witness in the room can have unfavourable effects. No spouse or partner is permitted to enter the room, participate in the exam (ask the questions), or simply observe from a distance.

• Can I conduct the test at my home or office?

  No. Using the best practices set out by the American Polygraph Association, we never conduct tests in the clients’ home or office environment. This means setting up the test at a neutral venue with no outside interference from employers, partners, children, loud noises, visual distractions, pets requiring attention, and etc.

  The venue should feel safe, secure, and conducive to an impartial test. A neutral venue plays a major role in ensuring the utmost accuracy of the test.

• Will I know the questions you will ask on the test?

  Yes. As part of the pre-test procedure, I will inform the subject of the exact wording of each question in the polygraph tests. There are no surprise or “trick” questions.

• How long does a polygraph test take?

  Typically between one and three-quarter hours (1hr 45min) and two hours. This time may vary, depending on the nature of the investigation. We do not “rush” tests in order to follow exact procedures and best practices.

• Why does a polygraph test take so long?

  This is due to the in-depth procedures required to produce accurate results. I explain the procedure to the examinee, how the equipment works, and answer any pre-test questions the examinee may have. I also record a detailed statement regarding the case under investigation, review the set questions, run an acquaintance test, and run three to five charts.

• Is the examination and test results confidential?

  Yes, although every polygraph examination is audio and video recorded for quality and security purposes. This footage is only accessible to the examiner. We do not release any audio or video of the pre-test, as well as polygraph charts to anyone. We can provide PDF copies of the report to the client upon request.

• Can drugs, medication or medical conditions like high blood pressure negatively affect the results?

  No. Impairment by way of intoxication, medication, or illness does not affect a subject’s ability to be properly examined. It cannot help anyone “beat” the test, or produce false positives/negatives above the usual statistical variations.

• How do I prepare for the test?

  You can prepare for a test by following these guidelines:

  1) Being free of any serious illness.
  2) Not partaking in alcohol or narcotics before the test.
  3) Not engaging in accusatory interviews before the test.
  4) Having a good night’s rest.
  5) Being sufficiently hydrated.
  6) Having something to eat prior to the test.

  You should also inform your examiner if you are exhibiting symptoms of, or have come into close contact with someone who has contracted COVID-19 prior to the test to reschedule until after you have confirmed a negative RAT or PCR test.

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH

GET CLOSURE AND PEACE OF MIND

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION TODAY!