Polygraph as an Investigative Tool

1

• Polygraph as an Investigative Tool

2
Polygraph

• Instrument used to detect and record
  physiological phenomena
• Respiration
• Heart Rate
• Blood pressure
• Electrodermal response
• Plethysmograph
• Movement sensor(s)

3
PolygraphExamination

• Series of Yes/No Questions
• Examinee responds while connected to sensors that
  transmit data to the instrument
• A deceptive response to a question causes a
  reaction that alters the physiological phenomena
• Fear of detection
• or
• Psychological arousal

4

• Training
• Canadian Police College B.P. 8900, Ottawa,
  Ontario, K1G 3J2
• Course Co-ordinators
• Sgt. Barry Ettinger (RCMP)
• Sgt. Neil Barker (Winnipeg Police Retired)
• Certified Police Polygraphists
• Research Psychologists

5

• Training
• 12 Weeks (Divided in)
• 8 Weeks of theory
• Pre test procedure
• Semantics Question Formulation
• CPC Polygraph Techniques
• Uniform Chart Marking Numerical Scoring
• Psychology
• Physiology
• Pharmacology

6

• Training
• 4 Weeks of Practical
• Live examinations based on single blind mock
  scenarios
• Internship
• Between 5 and 10 supervised tests
• 25 supervised tests
• Certification!

7

• Certified Training Recognised by
• American Polygraph Association
• Canadian Association of Police Polygraphists
• American Association of
• Police Polygraphists

8
Training Provided for
So Far!
9
Polygraph Examination

• The Polygraph Examination
• Pre test
• In test
• Post test
• Audio Video Taped

10
Polygraph Examination

• Pre test
• Charter rights
• Voluntary nature of test
• Subjects knowledge of the test
• Explanation of the test format
• Subjects medical and psychological history
• Subjects version
• Behavioral observation questions
• Review of test questions

11
Polygraph

• Pre-Test (Presentation to subject)
• Non threatening manner
• Used as a means to verify the truth
• Not held out as an inducement
• Voluntary
• Three (3) hours in duration

12
Polygraph Examination

• In test
• Subject attached to the instrument and asked
  previously reviewed questions
• Demonstration test

13
(No Transcript)
14
(No Transcript)
15
(No Transcript)
16
Polygraph Examination

• Post test
• Examiner provides subject of test result
• Test results are truthful, deceptive or
  inconclusive
• Given Subjects Receptiveness
• Discussion
• Confrontation on the matter

17
Polygraph

• Factors influencing the polygraph examination
• Physiological condition
• Psychological condition
• Foreign language
• Examiners preparation time

18
Polygraph

• Investigator responsibility
• Requisite information
• Statements
• Reports
• Forensic evidence
• Subject background
• Subject Medical Condition
• Physical
• Psychological

19
PolygraphResults
Mainly for the truthful

• 70 to 75 truthful
• 20 to 25 deceptive
• 5 to 8 inconclusive

20
PolygraphResults
Mainly for the truthful

• Sexual Assault Cases
• 90 to 95 truthful

21
Polygraph Unit

• Criminal cases tested
• Homicide
• Sexual Assault
• Arson
• Kidnapping
• Armed Robbery

• Narcotics
• Explosives
• Terrorism
• Theft
• Special Witnesses

22
Polygraph

• Validity and Reliability of Specific Issue
  Polygraph Tests
• Validity Does it measure what it claims to
  measure ?
• Reliability Does it produce consistent outcomes ?

23
Polygraph

• Court admissibility
• Everything but
• The Results
• The Opinion of the Expert on those
• results

24
Sûreté du QuébecPolygraph Unit

• Created in 1976
• The First Polygraphist John Galianos
• Trained at Keiler Polygraph Institute, Chicago
• 30 years later
• Only 17 trained polygraphists
• Trained at the Canadian Police College, Ottawa
• Polygraph School

25
Sûreté du QuébecPolygraph Unit

• 300 requests / year
• 40 Police Agencies
• 15,000 Police Officers

26
Vancouver Police Department Polygraph Unit
Special Investigation Section

• Created in 1968
• The First Polygraphist
• Trained in California
• 30 years later
• 20 Polygraphists
• Trained at the Canadian Police College, Ottawa,
  Polygraph School

27
Vancouver Police Department Polygraph Unit
Special Investigation Section

• 150 requests / year (criminal)
• 200 requests / year (pre- employement)
• 5 Police Agencies
• 1600 Police Officers

28
Sûreté du QuébecPolygraph Unit

• Types of Tests
• Modified Zone Comparison Test
• Direct Involvement
• Indirect Involvement
• Peak of Tension Test

29
Vancouver Police Department Polygraph Unit
Special Investigation Section

• Types of Tests
• Modified Zone Comparison Test
• Direct Involvement
• Indirect Involvement
• Peak of Tension Test
• Pre-Employement Screening Test

30
Sgt. Alain TurbidePolygraphist

• Quebec Provincial Police
• Behavioral Analysis Service
• 1701 Parthenais
• Montreal, Québec, Canada
• H2K 3S7
• Tel [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• E-Mail alain.turbide_at_surete.qc.ca

31
Sgt. Laurence Rankin Polygraphist

• Vancouver Police Department
• Polygraph Unit Special Investigation Section
• 312 Main Street
• Vancouver, British Columbia, V6A 2T2
• Tel [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• E-Mail laurence.rankin_at_vpd.ca

32

• Dont Forget its a TOOL, not a fishing contest
  !!!