Choose a Qualified Examiner

When looking for a qualified polygraph examiner ask the following questions:

1. What school or institute did you attend for your polygraph training?

The best source for this information comes from the American Polygraph Association (APA). www.polygraph.org. Don’t be fooled by individuals who have taken “home study” programs and claim to be certified polygraph examiners or “studied with a former federal agent.” If the individual cannot provide you the name of the institute, they’re trying to spin the facts. Polygraph Institutes/schools provide training in psychology, physiology, interviewing techniques, instrumentation, countermeasures and live examinations. “Home study programs” do not provide this one on one training.

2. Are you a member of a professionally recognized polygraph association?

The only professionally recognized organizations are the National Polygraph Association (NPA), American Polygraph Association (APA), American Association of Police Polygraphist (AAPP) and state organizations such as the California Association of Polygraph Examiners (CAPE). Some individuals have developed a pseudo professional sounding organization, but lack standing and guidelines.

3. What is your experience?

Don’t fall for the spin factor. Some claim to have conducted thousands of examinations. Ask them what types of specific examinations they’ve conducted. An individual who has only conducted pre-employment polygraph examinations is not experienced to conduct infidelity, criminal or defense attorney examinations.

4. Can you send me proof of your qualifications?

If the examiner is unable or unwilling to provide this information, turn away. A reputable examiner will not hesitate to send you a copy of his/her polygraph graduation certificate, professional membership certificate, specialized training certificates and CV/resume.

5. What type of polygraph instrument/lie detector do you use?

Computerized polygraph instruments are now in full use. The old analog instruments are used only as backup instruments. Occasionally you’ll see an individual on the Dr. Phil Show or Oprah use the analog instrument. Yes they work, but it’s more for dramatics. The computerized instruments can provide clearer readings, detect intentional body movements made by an individual during an examination and contain a software program that assists the examiner in obtaining the final results.

6. Will I receive a written report?

Yes, unless you decline a report. The report should be provided to you within five business days.

7. What if I’m offered a Voice Stress Analyzer in place of a polygraph?

Run away from this individual. Validity studies show VSA is less than 50% accurate. See the APA or the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment (DACA) websites for information on VSA.

8. Can I watch the entire examination of my spouse?

Anyone who gives you a “yes” answer lacks experience. During infidelity or relationship types of examinations, the couple should know what areas they want tested. This information is communicated to the examiner who then works with the person taking the examination to formulate the final questions. To eliminate any hint of subjective results or acts of “bribery” by the person taking the examination, an independent witness should be present and/or the entire process will be recorded. The computerized polygraph instruments are capable of recording the entire polygraph process.

9.  Are your registered with the state and are you insured?

We are a California state registered company.  We are fully insured and meet all insurance requirements for our profession.

Don’t be fooled by individuals pretending to be polygraph examiners. You are the customer and you deserve to get the facts.