PROGRAM OUTCOMES

BS CRIMINOLOGY

The graduates of BS Criminology must possess the following competencies:

1. Broad cultural background and thorough knowledge and understanding of

constitutional guarantees.

2. Knowledge, discipline, attitudes and values essential to the practice of Criminology in

the fields of criminalistics, law enforcement administration, criminal sociology, criminal law and
procedure, correctional administration, ethics and community relations and defensive fields.

3. Adequate proficiency and technical knowledge of elements of crimes as provided

under existing laws, including the impassable penalties and principles of criminal evidence.

4. Scientific knowledge and skill to investigate, analyze and preserve physical evidence
relating to the commission of crime as well as identify and present the same in court.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course deals with detecting deception in the use of instruments.

COURSE OUTCOME

At the end of the course, the student should be able to impart necessary skills of
determining and pinpointing acts that constitute a crime or offense; secondly the proper
appreciation of facts which constitute the elements of an offense or crime; thirdly, to make this
facts as evidence; and lastly to know how to distinguish the elements of each crime punishable
by the Revised Penal Code and Special laws

COURSE REQUIREMENT

The student will have a familiariazation of different kinds of Lie Detection regarding its
rules, provisions and its uses incourt trial. They are required to have a modules in lie detection.

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 POLYGRAPHY (LIE DETECTION)

BASIC CONCEPTS
What is Polygraphy?
It is the scientific method of detecting deception with the use of a polygraph
instrument. This is the new name of LIE DETECTION.

What is a Polygraph?
It is a scientific diagnostic instrument used to record physiological changes in the
blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration and skin resistance of an examinee under controlled
condition.

What is Lie Detector?

It is the popular but misleading name of the Polygraph. In Greek, Polygraph
means “many writings” and the instrument was so named because it make various ink
recordings of a person’s body functions.

What is the other name of the Polygraph?

It is also called “Truth Verifier” since statistics show that is the vast majority of
the instances the instrument verifies an innocent person’s truthfulness.

What are the Concepts of Polygraph Examination?

1. Used to test an individual for the purpose of detecting deception or verify the truth of
statement
2. Records identifiable physiological reactions of the subject, such as; blood pressure, pulse
rate, respiration and skin resistance.
3. The effectiveness of the polygraph in recording symptoms of deceptions is based on the
theory that a conscious mental effort on the part of a normal person to deceive causes
involuntary physiological changes that are in effect a body’s reaction to an imminent
danger to its well being.

What are the objectives of a Polygraph Examination?

1. Obtain additional investigation leads to the facts of the case/offenses.

2. Ascertain if a person is telling the truth
3. Locate the fruits or tools of the crime or whereabouts of wanted persons.
4. Identify other persons involved.
5. Obtain valuable information form reluctant witnesses
6. Eliminate the innocent suspects.

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What are the Principal uses of the polygraph?

1. Aid in investigation
2. Speeds up processing of investigation
3. Eliminates innocent suspects
4. Pre-employment screening
5. Honesty test (Periodic test)

What is the significance of understanding Lie Detection?

In every criminal investigation, the truth must be established to ensure proper prosecution
of offenders. Criminal investigators must exert all effort to determine lying not only on the part
of the suspect but as well as to everyone involved in the criminal act – witnesses, victims, etc.

In establishing the truth, criminal investigators apply various methods such as:
observation; mechanical lie detection; use of drugs that inhibits the “inhibitor”; hypnosis; and
interrogation.

What is Lie?

Any untruthful statement; Falsehood; Anything that deceives or creates false

impression; to make untrue statements knowingly, especially with intent to deceive; To give an
erroneous or misleading impression; Lie is also synonymous to Deceit; deception; fabrication;
falsehood; and untruth.

What is the meaning of Detection?

The act of detecting, discovery, perceiving, finding, or uncovering something obscure

What are the Kinds of Lie?

1. White Lie or Benign Lie

The kind of lies used to protect or maintain the harmony of friendship or any
relationship.
2. Pathological Lie
This is a lie made by persons who cannot distinguish right from wrong.
3. Red Lie
This involves political interests and motives because this is a part of communist
propaganda strategy. This is prevalent in communist countries or communist infested
nation. Lies of means of propaganda-brain-washing and blackmail via
espionage and treason.

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 4. Black Lie
A lie accompanies pretensions and hypocrisies, intriguing to cause dishonor or
discredit ones good image.
5. Malicious or Judicial Lie
This is very pure and unjustifiable kind of lie that is intended purely to mislead or
obstruct justice.

What are the Types of Liars?

1. Panic Liars - one who lies in order to avoid the consequences of a confession, He/She is
afraid of embarrassment to love ones and it is a serious blow to his / her ego, He/She
believes that confession will just male the matter worst.
2. Occupational Liars - Is someone laid for spare years, this person is a practical liar and
lies when it has a higher “pay off” than telling the truth.
3. Tournament Liars - Loves to lie and is excited by the challenge of not being detected,
this person views an interview as another contest and wants to win, this person realizes
that he or she will probably be convicted bur will not give anyone the satisfaction of
hearing him or her confesses, he wants that people will believe that the law is punishing
an innocent person.
4. Psychopathic Liars - the most difficult type, this person has no conscience. He shows
no regret for dishonestly and no manifestation of guilt,
5. Ethnological Liars - is one who is taught not to be a squealer, *squealer – to cry or to
shrill voice, used by underworld gang in order for their member not to reveal any secret
of their organization.
6. Pathological Liars - A person who cannot distinguish right from wrong (his mind is
sick.), Is an insane person.
7. Black Liars - A person who always pretends, (What he thinks of himself, what kind of
person he is, and what he is.)

CONCEPT OF DETECTING LIES

What is the theory of lie detection?

It must be recognized that there is no such thing as an instrument that

will detect lies. The popular name, Lie Detector, given to a collection of certain medical
instruments, is somewhat misleading. No collection of inanimate objects including the very
finest and complicated modern computers, can detect lies on the part of any human being.

The students can understandably ask, “Well, what does this do called “lie detector” do?”
The answer to that question is that the lie detector records certain physiological activities of the
body. These activities are constantly in operation as long as the person is alive. The student
should be aware that the most common lie detectors record a breathing pattern of inspiration and
expiration, a continuous pattern of relative blood pressure and pulse rate, and a pattern of electro

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dermal activity.

It is well known that the body adapts itself as efficiently as possible to its environment. If
the environment changes, the body will rapidly adjust itself to these changes. This is done by a
complicated system of internal checks and balance primarily involving the autonomic nervous
system. This ability to adjust is necessary if the organism if the organism or body is to survive in
a constantly changing world. Those organisms that cannot adjust rapidly die out.

Historically, early human beings have their own way of determining lying or guilt on the
part of the accused and accuser. Their common method is thru the application of “ORDEAL.”

What is Ordeal?

A severe test of character or endurance; a trying course of experience, A medieval form

of judicial trial in which the accused was subjected to physical tests, as carrying or walking over
burning objects or immersing the hand in scalding water, the result being considered a divine
judgment of guilt or innocence.

It is also a term of varying meaning closely related in the Medieval Latin “Dei Indicum”
meaning “Miraculous decision.” Ordeal is also an ancient method of trial in which the accused
was exposed to physical danger which was supposed to be harmless if he was innocent.

What are the Early Methods of Detecting Lies?

1. Red hot iron ordeal
Practiced on the hill tribe of Rajhmal in the North Bengal; Accused placed his tongue
to a red hot iron nine times (9) unless burned sooner; If burned, he is put to death. Not only
that (licking the iron), he is also made to carry the metal into his hands. It is doubtful whether
the ordeal is meant to determined the physiological changes occurring in description for if
this so, many false observations must have been made.

2. Ordeal by balance
Practiced in the Institute of Vishnu, India; Scale of balanced is used; In one end of the
scale, the accused is placed in the other end, a counter balance; The person will step out of
the scale listened to a judge deliver an extortion is the balance and her back in. If he were
found to be lighter than before then he should be acquitted.

3. Boiling water ordeal

Used in Africa; the method was that the subject will plunged their right arms into the
boiling pot to the elbow and step into the other side of the fire. All are told to undergo the
test without a murmur. And when all are finished, they are told to return at the same tine the
next afternoon. The one who by that time had lost some or showed blisters would prove the
thief (Point out who is the one who steal among his tribe mates).

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4. Ordeal by rice chewing
Practiced by Indians; It is formed with a kind of rice called sathee, prepared with
various incantations; The person on trial eats, with his face to the and then spits upon an
eyeful leaf; If the saliva is mixed with blood or the corner of his mouth swell or he trembles,
he is declared then a liar.

5. Ordeal of the red water

Used in a wide region of Eastern Africa; The ordeal of the “sassy bark” or red water
is used; The accused is made to fast for twelve hours; The swallow a small amount of rice;
Then he will be imbibed in dark colored water. This water is actually an emetic and if the
suspects ejects all the rice, he is considered innocent of the chare, Otherwise, the accused is
guilty.
6. Combination of Drinks and Food Ordeal
The accused first fasted for 12 hours and the given small amount of rice to ear
followed by large amount of black colored water. If the concoction was vomited, the accused
was pronounced innocent; Otherwise, guilty. And practiced by “West African Regions”.

7. Trial by Combat
A fight between the accuser and the accused, whoever lost the battle will be the
adjudged guilty. Originated from India and one of the examples of this: a rich man or accuser
could hire somebody or bigger one to fight the accused. After the fight the loser is adjudged
guilty of crime.

8. Trial by Torture
The accused was put into a severe physical test.

9. Drinking Ordeal
The accused was given a decoction to drink by a priest – if innocent; no harm
befalls him, but if guilty, will die. Practiced in Nigeria and India.

10. Trial of the Eucharist

This trial is reserved for the clergy, and administered with pomp and ceremony. If the
accused was guilty, the Angel Gabriel will descend from heaven and prevent the accused
from swallowing the food given to him. Practiced in the European countries.
11. Ordeal by heat and fire
The accused was compelled to walk bare footed through a fire; if he remains unhurt
then he is innocent. Practiced in East Germany, Early Scandinavian Countries and early
England.

12. Ordeal of Boiling Oil or Water

The accused was forced to dip his hands into the boiling water or oil and ask to pick
up stone in it. If he remains unhurt then he is innocent. Practiced in Asian Countries.

13. Ordeal of Red hot Needle

Red hot needle was drawn through the lips of the accused, if innocent; no blood will

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 be seen flowing out. Practiced in Wanaka, East Africa.

14. Ordeal of the Tiger

Accuser and accused were placed together in the same and a tiger set loose upon
them. If both were spared, further elimination followed. Practical in Siam.

15. Ordeal by Combat

Accuser and accused report to a duel where the winner was adjudged innocent. Those
not proficient in weapons and those who could not afford to do so could hire champions in
the field to do the fighting for them. This type of ordeal is vividly dramatized in the movie
“Ivanhoe” based on the novel of the same title (became the only legal ordeal). Practiced in
England, time of “King Henry III”.

16. Test of the Cross ordeal

The accuser and accused each were made to stand with arms crossed on their breasts.
The one who endured the longest was deemed to have told the truth, the other, is the liar.
Practiced in Europe.

17. Donkey’s Tail Ordeal

Psychological theory, the donkey placed in one room alone and observed it, and if the
donkey cried is a judged of guilty of crimes, because deep in side and conscience he is guilty.

What are the Common Countries that Practiced Ordeal?

1. Burma - The accuser and accused were given each identical candle and both were
lightened at the same time.
2. Borneo - The accuser and accused were presented by shell fish placed on a plate. An
irritating fluid was then poured on the shell fish and the litigant whose shell fish moved
first was adjudged the winner.
3. Greece - A suspended axe was spun at the center of a group of suspects. When the axe
stopped, whoever was in line with the blade as supposed to be guilty as pointed out by the
divine providence.
4. Nigeria - The priest greased a clock’s feather and pierced the tongue of the accused. If
the feather passed through the tongue easily, the accused was deemed innocent. If not, the
accused is guilty. Another Method (same country) Pour corrosive liquid into the eyes of
the accused who was supposed to remain unharmed if innocent. Pour boiling oil over the
hand of the accused with he usual requisites for guilt or innocence (if remain unharmed,
he is innocent).
5. Europe and Early United States (17th Century) - Trial by water was commonly used
on those accused of witchcraft. The accused was bound (hand and foot) and then cast into
the body of water. If the accused sank, he was hauled to the surface half-drowned and
deemed innocent. If the floated, he was deemed guilty and burned to death.

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Detecting Lies through Observation Methods
1. Through Facial Expression
2. Blushing, paling or profuse sweating of forehead.
3. Dilation of the eyes, protrusion of eyeballs and elevation of upper eyelids.
4. Squinting of the eyes (showing envy, distrust, etc.).
5. Twitching of the lips.
6. Excessive winking of the eyes.
7. Failure to look the inquirer “straight into the eyes”.
8. Excessive activity of the Adam’s apple and the vein at the temple due to dryness of throat
and mouth.
9. Quivering of nose or nostrils.
10. A peculiar monotone of the voice.
11. A forced laugh.
12. Rolling of eyeballs from one direction to another
13. Through Postural Reaction
14. Fidgeting, tapping or drumming of fingers on the chairs or the other surfaces.
15. Swinging of legs or one leg over the other.
16. Unnecessary movements of hands and feet (like scratching, nail biting, thumb or finger
sucking).
17. Pulsation of the artery in the neck.
18. Incoherence, trembling and sweating of the whole body.

Detection through Regular Police Methods

Police methods sought to answer the legal investigative process to the following: The
“five Wives and One Husband” (5 W’s and 1H) which stand for: WHAT, WHEN, WHERE,
WHO, and HOW. The “Three Eyes” (3 I’s) which stands for: Information gathering – through
record Check, Surveillance and Intelligence Check, Investigation – through Interrogation or
Interview for Admission or Confession, Instrumention or Criminalistics (Police Sciences) with
the use of the different Investigative Forensic Sciences such as Medico (Firearm Identification),
Questioned Documents Examination, Dactyloscopy, Police or Investigative Communication,
Polygraphy /Deceptography

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 Assignment 1

Instruction : Answer the following questions.

Deadline for submission is on July 28, 2020 at 2pm. (Encoded)

1. In your own experience, how can you detect if a person is lying? (100 words)
2. Explain how do you use the “Five Wives and One Husband” and the “Three Eyes”.

HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF POLYGRAPHY

In the middle of the 19th century, Dr. Hans Gross, an Austrian known as the “Father of
Criminalistics”, defined search for truth as the basis and goal of all criminal investigations. He
asserted that “a large part of the criminalist’s work is nothing more than a battle against lies. He
has to discover the truth and must fight the opposite. He meets the opposite at every step.

The searches for truth and attempts at uncovering falsehood have been a universal and
almost constant endeavor dating back at ancient times. In their attempt to discover deception,
primitive societies developed complex procedures founded on magic and mysticism. The doors
to the truth, divine creatures sent messages through fire, boiling water and torture. In some
instances, faith in this powerful mysticism miraculously allowed the innocent to go unscathed
while the guilty bore the mark of guilt.

Some of these rituals were based on sound physiological principles. Oriental people for
example distinguished truth form lying by having the entire accused chew dry rice and then spit
it out. While this was a simple task for the honest, those who were deceiving have difficulty in
accomplishing this task and were then judged to be guilty and punished accordingly. This
practice recognized that fear slows the digestive process, including salivation. Thus, the
deceptive were unable to spit out the dry rice, while the innocent, having faith in the power of
their deity to clear them of the unjust accusation, felt little fear in contrast to the guilty who know
they would be discovered.

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 Throughout the centuries, man continued to experiment with more scientific methods in
determining truth and deception with the following scientists having contributed much in the
development of the polygraph instrument:

A. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CARDIOGRAPH COMPONENT

ANGELO MOSSO – 1895

1. Studied fear and its influence on the hearth and his observations subsequently
formed the basis for the technique.
2. Developed the SPHYGMAMOMANOMETER and the SCIENTIFIC CRADLE,
which he used in studying fear on the heart.

CESAR LOMBROSO – 1895

1. Employed the first scientific instrument to detect deception. This instrument
known as HYDORSPHYGMOGRAPH, measured changes in pulse and blood
pressure when suspects were questioned about their involvement in or knowledge
of a specific response.
2. Procedure on the use of the “HYDROSPHYGMOGRAPH” in detecting
deception: Subject’s hand placed in a water filed tank sealed with membranes of
rubber; Subject will be shown pictures connected with the crime or mention will
be made to relevant facts of the crime; Pulsation of blood in fist was recorded on
smoked drum.
WILLIAM MARSTON – 1915
1. He dealt with the sphygmomanometer which was used to obtain periodic
discontinuous blood pressure readings during the course of an examination;
2. He also experienced with and helped to develop the pneumograph, which records
breathing patterns, and the galvanometer, which registers changes in skin
resistance.

JOHN LARSON – 1921

1. Developed the polygraph, an instrument capable of continuously records blood
pressure, pulse, and respiration.
2. The polygraph instrument which he developed was polygraphic apparatus in a
portable form. Had published more than anyone in this field.

THE LARSON POLYGRAPH

This is the first assemblage of apparatus and some of his co-workers in the Berkeley
Police Department. A strip of paper on which the tracings are recorded is mounted on two drums,

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which are turned by a spring mechanism known as a kymograph. The paper is smoked to reduce
the friction of the styluses or recording levers which are actuated by Marey Tambours. A
manometer is placed on the right shoulder of the subject, the function of whish is to indicate the
pressure in the bag, the pressure bag, encased in a leather cuff, is strapped pneumograph is
strapped around the chest to record respiration. This type of pneumograph or respiration
applicator is sill being used in some of the modern instruments. In a later model developed by
Larson, a Jaquet polygraph replaced the kymograph and smoked paper, and the pens moved
horizontally instead of vertically as in the original apparatus. In a further modification, metal
tambour stacks were substituted for the Erlanger capsule and rubber covered tambours.

LEONARD KEELER –1926

1. Continued research and development of the polygraph. In 1949, he invented the
Keeler Polygraph with components that simultaneously recorded changes in blood
pressure, pulse and respiration, as well as the newly developed galvanic skin
reflex.
2. He devised the chart roll paper, a better method of questioning, and incorporated
the kymograh.
3. He also devised a metal bellows.

THE KEELER POLYGRAPH

In 1925, Keeler developed a compact portal instrument using a modification of the

Erlanger pressure reducer that permitted the blood pressure changes to be recorded over a greater
range. He later made further improvement by substituting metal bellows or diaphragm capsules
in place of the Erlanger type pressure reducer. The instrument is housed in a steel case with
wrinkle finish and chromium trim. The cover is attached to case by means of slip hinges and can
be removed when the instrument is to be used. Opening of the cover permits hinged doors at
each end of the case to open outward for access to the chart at one end and the accessories at the
other. All connections to the instrument are made directly under the right end of the panel, which
include the hose connection for the cuff inflation bulb, the tube from the blood pressure cuff, a
connector for the hand electrodes of the electro dermal recording unit, an extension cord, and a
tube from the pneumograph. Space is provided directly below the attachments for storage of the
accessories, and they may be stored without disconnecting the accessories form the instrument.

B. DEVELOPMENT OF THE PNEUMOGRAPH COMPONENT

VITTORIO BENUSSI – 1914

1. Successfully detected deception with a pneumograph, an instrument that
graphically measures an examinee’s inhalation and exhalation.
2. He demonstrated that changes in breathing patterns accompany deception.

HAROLD BURTT – 1918

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 1. Determined that respiratory changes were indicative of deception.
2. Found out that changes in systolic blood pressure were of greater value in
determining deception than changes in respiration.

C. DEVELOPMENT OF THE GALVANOGRAPH COMPONENT

GEORG STICKER – 1897

1. First to suggest the use of the galvanograph for detecting deception based on the
work of several predecessors.
2. Theorized that the galvanic skin phenomena was influenced by exciting mental
impressions and that the will have no effect upon it.

OTTO VERAGUTH – 1907

1. First to use the term “PSYCHOGALVANIC REFLEX”.
2. Believed that the electrical phenomenon was due to the activity of the sweat
glands.

D. OTHER PERSONALITIES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLYGRAPH AS

KNOWN TODAY

HUGO MUNSTERBURG (1908)

1. Proposed that lie test based on lie detector should be admissible as evidence in
court.
2. The detection is based on using blood pressure variations for deception detection.
3. He advocates the used of lie detection in court.
4. But it was not known if the same was followed.

CHARLES SAMSON FERE – (1888)

1. French Scientist who discovered that electro dermal response is caused by an
increase in the action of the heart and vital energy converted with human
emotions.
2. He asserted that human body has the ability to generate store, discharged high
voltage of static electricity.

JACQUES D’ARSONVAL – (1851-1940)

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 1. French Scientist who declared that electricity is generated by the body and named
External Friction as source of generation.
2. He assorted those sweat glands which the body at times store the electricity and at
other times discharged them.
3. His works helped in the development of the galvanometer.

PAUL WILHELM AND DONALD BURNS (1951)

1. Michigan City, Indiana, USA, (Independent Lie Detector Specialists) who
invented the Electronic Psychometric using Electrodermal Response as a basis for
lie detection.
2. Both have proven that results of lie detection test (during) using their instrumental
95% accurate.
CHESTER W. DARROW (1932)
1. Made a third modification to the Larson Cardio-Pneumo Psychograph, by
adding a galvanometer. The new instrument included a psycho-galvanometric
record, electrodes on the palm and back of the hand, as well as a continuous blood
pressure record, and a pneumographic record.
JOHN E. REID – (1945)
1. Devised an instrument for recording muscular activity.
2. The recording made simultaneously with blood pressure pulse respiration
tracings, renders much more accurate any diagnosis based upon these later
phenomena.
SIR JAMES MACKENZLE (1906)
1. Generally overlooked in that history of the lie detector technique is the fact
that so called polygraph was in existence at least as early as 1906.
2. Its invention, however as not for lie detection purposes, rather for the use in
medical examination.
3. Nevertheless, it did contain the essential features of present day instrument
and first construction was based upon the same principle.
4. Its inventor was Sir James Mackenzle, the famous English Heart Specialist
which articles entitled “The Ink Polygraph” which appeared in 1908 number of
the English Journal.
CLEVE BACKSTER – (1947)
1. Develop the control question technique which introduces a lie in the
polygraph chart to establish a yard sticks so that one would know what the
reaction really means.
2. If this person responds to this control lie to a greater extent than does to the
actual questions under investigation we assume and establish the subject is telling
the truth at that point.
3. If the reverse is true we state that he is not telling the truth at that point.

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 THE LEE PSYCHOGRAPH - This instrument was designed by Captain Clarence D.
Lee and known as the Berkeley Psychograph. It consists essentially of four units:
a) Chart drive or recording unit
b) Pneumograph or respiration unit
c) Cardiograph or pulse-blood pressure unit
d) Stimulus signal unit

PSYCHOLOGY OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

Psychology of the Lying Person

The polygraph technique uses the principle that the bodily functions of a person are
influenced by his mental state. The physiological changes accompanying deception are capable
of being recorded, measured and interpreted with reasonable certainty.

Telling a lie is usually an emotional experience. A conscious act of lying causes the mind
of the examinee, which produces an emotion of fear or anxiety, manifested by fluctuations in
pulse rate, blood pressure, breathing and perspiration. The physiologic fluctuations that come
with the emotion are in nature automatic, self-regulating and beyond conscious control because
they affect the functioning of the internal structures that prepare the body for emergency.

The underlying psychology here includes:

1. The lying person fears detection, causing physiological changes to take place in his body.
2. Fear of detection must be experienced by the subject; otherwise no physiological changes will
occur.
3. A person “tunes in” that which indicates trouble or danger by having his sense organs and
attention for a particular stimulus, and he “tunes out “that which is of a lesser threat to his self-
preservation or general well-being.
4. In a series of questions containing relevant and control questions, the lying subjects will “tune
in” on the most intense relevant questions and “tune out “ the control question and may not be
materially affected by other weak relevant questions.
5. The truthful subject will direct his attention to the control question wherein he consciously
knows he is deceptive and “tune out” the relevant ones.

Theory of Polygraph Examination

A conscious mental effort of a mentally normal person lie causes physiological changes
within his body. The physiological changes could be recorded by the Polygraph Instrument and

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diagnosed of evaluated by the polygraph examiner.

The physiological effector mechanism in polygraph examination is the Autonomic

Nervous System. The autonomic nervous is the one responsible for regulating mechanism that
corrects the slightest deviation from a particular standard within very fine limits. Sleeps,
oxygenation of the blood temperature, levels of potassium, sodium, calcium magnesium and all
the essential chemical substances that maintain the activity of all cell membranes are finely
adjusted. This is found at the center of the brain and its central controls is in the “hypothalamus”
– a group of nerve cells of the brain that reflexes – those that we cannot control consciously such
as our heart beat, pulse rate, increase and decrease in blood pressure and the expansion and
constriction of arteries are governed by the autonomic nervous system. When one of our senses
detects a threat to our well-being, it sends a signal to the autonomic nervous system, which
activates its sympathetic division regardless whether threat is physical or psychological.

In polygraph testing, the receptor is the ear of the subject, which receives the threatening
question or stimulus from the polygraphist. The stimulus is transmitted from the ears via sensory
neurons into the brain where the hypothalamus analyzes, evaluates and resolves that particular
question. It makes a decision for the subject as to whether it is threatening situation. If
affirmative, the hypothalamus immediately activates the sympathetic subdivision of the
autonomic nervous system. When the sympathetic system is activated, it immediately prepares
the body for the fight or flight by the situation by causing the adrenal glands to secret hormones
known as epinephrine and norepinephrine, so that the blood will be distributed to those areas of
the body where it is most needed to meet the emergency, such as the brain and the larger muscle
group. The chemical norepinephrine causes the arterioles in certain parts of the body to constrict.
Thereby preventing blood from entering those areas where it is not immediately needed. Other
obvious effect took place when the sympathetic system is activated, the heart pumps blood
harder and faster, increasing blood pressure, pulse rate, and strength, thus furnishing more
oxygenated blood to those areas of the body where it is vitally needed to meet the emergency,
such as the brain when increased mental activity is demanded. The second division of the
autonomic nervous system is the parasympathetic nervous system. It is functionally antagonistic
to the sympathetic nervous system. Its role is to maintain the homeostasis of the body necessary
for normal functioning. Therefore, it follows to re-establish the chemical balance of the body.

What are the Tripod Foundations of Polygraph Technique?

1. The Mechanical Leg Basic Premise
The polygraph machine is mechanically capable of making graphical records
containing reliable information regarding physiological changes
2. The Physiological Leg Basic Premise
Among the physiological changes that may be recorded and identified are those
that automatically occur only following the stimulation of specific nervous system
component and from which stimulation of those specific nervous system components can

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 be reliably diagnosed.
3. Psychological Leg Basic Premise
Under the polygraph leg premise, the specific nervous system component whose
stimulation can thus be diagnosed are so stimulated by the involuntary mental and
emotional processes of the individual who is consciously attempting concealment of
deception specially if that individual has something at stake and the prevailing
circumstances lead him to believe that exposure to detection is quite possible though
undesirable.

GOALS, USES AND PURPOSES OF POLYGRAPH TECHNIQUE

What is the ultimate objective of conducting Polygraph examination?

The ultimate objective of Polygraph Examination is to obtain the Subject’s

“ADMISSION or CONFESSION” of the offense committed.

General Purposes of using Polygraph

Polygraph Examination is generally used an investigative aid/technical aid in the

investigative process. It is used to verify if the statement of the victims/complainant, establish the
credibility of the witnesses, evaluates the truthfulness of the suspects. It is also used for pre-
employment screening and loyalty check of personnel.

Generally, it deals with

1. Security risk – Leakage of Information Intelligence and Counter-
Intelligence.
2. Criminal Law Infraction – Murder, Robbery, Theft, Rape etc.
3. Personnel Screening
4. Misconduct
5. Medical Measurements

Importance of Polygraph to a Law Enforcer

1. Most effective way of establishing the truth.
2. Guilt is separated from truth (guilty separated from innocent)
3. If scientifically determined (lie) the investigator can evaluate the evidence.
4. Saves time, efforts and money
5. Measures the efficiency and effectiveness of the law enforcer.

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What is the Accuracy of the Polygraph Exam Result?

This has been the unending question among many of us. However, practitioners have
agreed that the accuracy of the polygraph results ranges from 85% to 100% depending upon the
factors that affect it.

Factors that Affects the Accuracy of the Polygraph Results

Generally, the following are factors affecting polygraph examination accuracy:

1. The instrument.
2. The condition of the Subject.
3. The condition of the examination room.
4. The qualification and skills of the examiner.

Specifically, the 25% errors of lie detection test come from the following circumstances:
1. Nervousness or extreme emotional tension experienced by a subject who
is telling the truth regarding the offense in question but who is nevertheless affected by:
a. Apprehension induced by the mere fact that suspicion or accusation has been
directed against him.
b. Apprehension over the possibility of an inaccurate lie detector test result.
c. Over-anxiety to cooperate in order to assure an accurate test result.
d. Apprehension concerning possible physical hurt from the instrument.
e. Anger resentment over having to take a lie detector test.
f. Over-anxiety regarding serious personal problems unrelated to the offense under
investigation.
g. Previous extensive interrogation, especially when accompanied by physical abuse.
h. A guilt complex or fear of detection regarding some other offense which he had
committed.
2. Physiological abnormalities such as:
a. Excessively high or excessive low blood pressure.
b. Diseases of the heart.
c. Respiratory disorder.
3. Mental Abnormalities such as;
a. Feeblemindedness as in idiots, imbeciles and morons.
b. Psychosis or insanities, as in maniac-depressives, paranoids, schizophrenia,
paretics, etc.
c. Pschoneurosis and psychopathia, as among the so-called “peculiar” or
emotionally unstable persons – those who are neither psychotic or normal.
4. Unresponsiveness in a lying or guilty subject because of:
a. No fear of detection.
b. Apparent inability to consciously control response by means of certain mental sets
of attitudes.
c. A condition of “sub-shock” or “adrenal exhaustion” at the time of test.
d. Raionalization of the crime in advance of the test to such an extent that lying

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 about the offense arouses little or no emotional disturbance.
e. Extensive interrogation prior to the test.
5. Attempt to “beat the machine” by controlled breathing or by muscular
flexing.
6. Unobserved application of muscular pressure which produces
ambiguities and misleading indications in the blood pressure tracing.

What are the limitations of the Polygraph?

1. It is an invaluable investigative aid, but never a substitute for investigation.
2. It is not a lie detector; it is a scientific diagnostic instrument.
3. It does not determine facts, it record responses to that which the subject knows to be true.
4. It is only as accurate as the examiner is competent.
5. The test will not be given until enough facts have been established to permit the examiner
to prepare a complete set of suitable questions.
6. The test will not be given without the voluntary consent of the subject.
7. No indication will be given to any person or placed in any report that a person will be
considered guilty because he refused to take the test.
8. A test will not be given until the accusations have been explained with the subject.
9. No attempt to use Polygraph for mental or physical evaluation of any person.
10. No examination will be conducted on unfit subject.

What are the Barriers to the Polygraph Examination?

There are instances where it is impossible to make an analysis of polygraph tests because of the
following:
1. Pathological liar (a person who cannot determine right and wrong).
2. Mental cases.
3. Persons under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
4. Narcotics related cases.
5. Various heart and other organic troubles.

Problem encountered by Law Enforcement Officer during investigation and interrogation

1. Determination whether subject is telling the truth regarding the crime index
investigation.
2. Obtaining admission or confession from a suspect after his guilt has been
established.
3. In cases of witnesses, informer and informant who are in possession of helpful
information who are willing but fearful or reluctant to disclose it to interrogator.

Qualities of a Good Examiner (Backster)

1. To make himself understand and not resented by subject, by his very exposure to him.
2. Ability to establish or create a rapport with the subject.

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 3. Much investigative experience as possible.
4. Interrogation Experience.
5. Must be deeply involved in his work (even beyond the call of duty).

What kind of man should be conducting the Polygraph Test? (Fred Inbau)
1. Good educational background
2. Intelligent and some degree of maturity
3. Possessed with sense of values
4. Adequate period of training under someone who is experienced and skilled in the
technique.

PRELIM EXAMINATION
Instruction
Answer the following questions. (Encoded)
Deadline of Submission is on

1. Give an example or a scenario when the “Five Wives and One Husband” are all present.

2. What would you observe when you were talking to a lying person? And Why?

3. There are (5) five kinds of Lie. Give an example each.

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4. What will you do if your bestfriend lied to you? Will you tell him/her that you know the truth
or act as if you don’t know anything? And why?

5. In your own perspective, is lying a good deed or not? And why? (100 words)

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