How to choose a polygraph examiner
ARTICLE
Choosing a polygraph examiner / lie detector examiner isn’t as simple as relying on a Google search and then making a choice. In fact, we’ve encountered numerous clients who have accepted polygraph tests conducted by so called “experts” only to have the results of those tests overturned later. To help you ensure that you’re getting what you pay for, here are some guidelines for choosing a suitable examiner. Ask yourself the following questions:
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- Is he/she registered with the American Polygraph Association? This cannot be substituted by a South African Polygraph Association, although additional memberships to such organisations are considered an advantage.
- Does the have an appropriate investigative background?
- Is he/she using the latest technology which is properly calibrated?
- Is the using the appropriate time scale to conduct the examination? (A proper polygraph exam cannot be conducted in less time than dictated to by international standards, approximately 90 minutes per test.)
- Is the charging a market related rate? (R950-R1300 is the current industry standard)
- Is he/she pre-screening subjects and evaluating evidence before conducting polygraph testing in any given environment, to ensure that the minimum number of persons are tested?
- Is the submitting his test results for quality-review?
- Is he/she audio/visually recording the entire process for record purposes?
- Is the examiner able to offer sound experience-based advice on what to do with test results and/or how to proceed with your investigation, in follow-up to such an intervention?
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We’re confident that if your examiner meets the above ten points, you’re dealing with a professional. If not, we strongly advise that you continue your search for an experienced specialist, in order to avoid any negative repercussions and results that may not be usable at all.