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.

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.
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 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).
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 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.

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 Legal or Forensic Medicine, Forensic Chemistry, Police or Investigative
photography, Forensic Ballistics (Firearm Identification), Questioned Documents
Examination, Dactyloscopy, Police or Investigative Communication, Polygraphy
/Deceptography

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.

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, 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

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)

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.

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 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 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.

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
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.
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.

THE POLYGRAPH INSTRUMENT

The instrument used in the proper application of the polygraph technique is essentially a
pneumatically operated mechanical recorder of changes in respiration, blood pressure/pulse
heat supplemented with a unit for recording galvanic skin reflexes, or an additional unit for
recording abdominal respiration; muscular movements and pressures; or a plethymograph for
recording changes in blood oxygenation. Attachments for the human body comprises of a
rubber convoluted tube for the chest area, a blood pressure arm-cuff on one bicep, and, in
some models, an electrode on two fingers or on the palmer side of one hand. These
attachments act as the detectors of the physiological changes and transmit the same to the
instrument where it is connected into mechanical impulses and transformed into tracings of
the respiration, blood pressure and skin resistance or the likes.

How Does the Polygraph Instrument Work?

The polygraph simultaneously records various physiological phenomena by means a

horizontal kymograph. The resulting polygram indicates tracing of external respiration in the
thoraxic and abdominal cavities by means of a pneumograph tambour assembly, systolic and
diastolic contraction of the heart, as well as pulse fluctuations with the resistance of a
phygmonometer and psycho-galvanic skin response by means o instrument connected
electronics sensors fixed to the person. Each phenomenon is recorded by a hallow-tube ink
styles moving across horizontally and vertically ruled being driven by a synchronous
electronic motor.

What are the Major Components of the Polygraph?

A. Pneumograph – this occupy the two/upper pens of the instrument which records the
thoraric and abdominal breathing patterns of respiration. This is accomplished
through the use of a pneumograph consisting of two hollow corrugated tubes about
seven inches in length, each attached to a unit by a rubber hose not longer than six
feet and not larger than one quarter inch in diameter. This breathing or pneumo unit is
a low pressure unit. The inhalation/exhalation of the subject causes the tubes to
expand and contract, thereby reflecting the change through billows to the pen into the
chart.
B. Galvanometer – this is the longest and the third pen of the instrument. The electrodes
are attached to the index finger and the ring finger of the left hand, or to the palmar
and dorsal surfaces of the left hand. The electrodes used for obtaining the recording of
the GSR or electro-dermal responses, are fastened to the hand or finger by means of
the passage of an imperceptible amount of electrical current through the hand or
finger bearing the attached electrodes, a galvanometer unit provides recording of the
variation in the flow of the electrical current.
C. Cardiosphymograph – this is the fourth and the bottom pen of the instrument. This
cardio unit is a mechanically operated unit. It is a high pressure system. This system
records changes in mean blood pressure, rate and strength of pulse beat by means of a
medical blood pressure cuff containing a rubber bladder that is wrapped around the
upper arm, in a manner that places the bladder against the brachial artery. The bladder
is connected to the rubber hose, past a pressure indicating gauge to a very sensitive
billows and its connected lever system that powers the pen. The polygraphist inflates
the bladder with a hand pump to a constant air pressure that will provide tracing
amplitude of 0.75 to 1 inch with a dichotic notch situated about the middle of the
diastolic limb of the tracing.
D. Kymograph – This is the chart recording unit of the instrument. It has a synchronized
motor that drives the charts at the rate of six inches per minute and its speed constant
is vital because the vertical lines, which are spaced either at one-half or one inch
interval, represents five or ten seconds interval on the chart. This provides the
polygraphist with a means of determining pulse rater and question spacing.
What are the Detachable Parts and Accessories?

1. KYMOGRAPH or chart driving mechanism:

a) Chart roll arbor - Idler roller - Pen table - Paper guides - Sprocket roller -
Cutter bar - Off and on power switch - Synchronous motor

2. Pen and Inking System:

a) Capillary pen
b) Ink well plates
c) Ink dropper
d) Cuct bill

3. Pneumograph section:
a) Rubber jellows
b) Beaded chain
c) Rubber flexible tubing
d) Pneumograph tube connection
e) Pneumograph connecting tube
f) Pneumograph distributing ink
g) Pneumograph pipe line
h) Vent valve and vent bottom
i) Tambour assembly
j) Sphygmomanometer
k) Resonance control

4. Cardio section:
a) Pump bulb assembly
b) Blood pressure pump connection
c) Blood pressure cuff assembly
d) Connector block
e) Sphygmomanometer pipe line

5. Galvanograph section:
a) Hand electrode
b) Electrode jellow
c) Galvanometer

Electrodes and Controls

1. RESONANCE CONTROL – It allows you to clear up or make a better pattern when

you have too much pulse pressure of the subject.
2. HAND ELECTRODE – This is fastened to the hand by a stretched band. Function is
to make electrical contact with the subject.
3. PANEL CONTROL – to allow the operator to control or adjust the operation of the
galvanograph.

There are other five important controls:

1. Off and on power switch – on switch is to energize the galvanograph section.

 2. Subject’s resistance control – is to balance the galvo section to the skin resistance of
the subject.
3. Reactivity control – to adjust sensitivity of the galvo section.
4. Self-centered normal switch – is to select either mode of operation.
5. Self-centering mode – is when the circuit electronically centers the pen itself after
every excursion.

CONTROL OF THE CARDIO-SPHYGMOGRAPH SECTION

1. Manual centering knob – used to place cardio in its proper place on the chart.
2. Vent Valve – is used to left atmospheric pressure into the system and used to release
pressure all or parts of the pressure.
3. Resonance control – is used to decrease the amplitude of the cardio tracing and used
to sharpen the diacrotic notch.

HOW TO OBTAIN BLOOD PRESURE PATTERN OR TRACING (CARDIO)

Pen balance is critical. Pen is to be held on paper by friction of the. Inflate pressure until you
reach subject’s mean pressure. The mean pressure is the midway between the systolic and the
diastolic is the lowest pressure. In order to get the arithmetic mean pressure, add the diastolic
and systolic and the sum divided it by two. To get the geometric mean pressure, plus
diastolic, watch your sphyg-dial when inflating the pressure, for maximum deflection.

CONTROLS OF THE PNEUMOGRAPH SECTION

1. Manual centering knob – used to position base line of the pneumo tracing on the
upper heavy horizontal line.
2. Vent – with the vent down, the system is closed and unoperative. With the vent up,
the system is open and ready for use.
3. Uses of the vent:
a) To stop the pen between the tests and to prevent possible tambour assembly.
b) To prevent pen from possible jam by moving up or down in one place of the chart
paper.
c) To stop pen during the tube adjustment.
d) To assists in gaining amplitude.
e) To let atmospheric into the system.

HOW TO OBTAIN PROPER TRACINGS OF THE PNEUMO

First observe subject for point of maximum chest motion. Placed tube at point where
maximum motion is observed. The tube must be smug. A tube that is too loose will result in a
distorted pattern. A tube is too tight will be uncomfortable and distort the pattern. With
female subjects the tube is almost, always placed above the breast. Some females are
abdominal breathers and tubes will have to be lowered.

CAUSES OF REACTION ON EXURSION OF THE PEN

1. Sudden noise
2. Interruption
3. Extraneous thoughts
 4. Sudden movements

HOW TO OBTAIN PROPER TRACING IN MODEL 63 KEELER MACHINE:

(GALVO)

Turn power switch from off and on position. Then the galvo pen fails to the bottom of the
chart, and then galvo section is then ready for operation from 15 to 18 seconds after you have
turned the switch to an on position.

APPLICATION OF THE ELECTRODES TO THE SUBJECT

Position of hands or tip of fingers for convenience, adjust the sensitivity - Sensitivity test -
Have subject take a deep breath, Touch subject ear or neck, Quick motion within subject’s
line of vision.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OF THE CARDIO TRACING

1. The ascending limb – pulse wave causes an expansion of the arterial wall and an
increase surface pressure against the cuff bladder thus forcing air from the bladder
through the tubing into the tambour. The increasing air volume in the tambour
increases pressure against the bellows and forces the bellows forward.

This forward movement provides power to move the penfork in the attached pen in a lateral
clockwise or upward direction pen in a lateral clockwise or upward direction of the chart
surface.

2. Descending limb – when a pulsed wave passes beyond cuff bladder attendant drop in
a surface pressure against bladder reverses this processes permitting the below to
return to or toward its original position. This return of the bellows to its original
position is transmitted to the penforks and attached pen as a lateral counter clockwise
or downward stoke on chart surface.

3. Diacrotic notch – is cause by the minor secondary pulse wave passing under and
beyond the blood pressure cuff. In the wake of subsiding primary wave which
momentarily halts or slow down the decrease in the surface pressure against the
bladder in turn causing a hesitation in the bellow movement back to or towards its
original position.

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OF THE PNEUMOGRAPH TRACING

1. Ascending limb – with the expansion of the chest during the inhalating, the air
capacity in the pneumograph tube is increased creating a vacuum within the system,
which reduces the internal surface pressure against the bellow. Thus moving the
bellows backward causing a lateral clockwise or upward stroke of the pen.

2. Descending limb – cause by the exhalation thus reversing this process causing an
increase in internal surface pressure against the bellows, thus moving the bellow to or
toward its original position and producing a lateral counter-clockwise or a downward
movement of the pen.
TECHNICAL PRODUCTION OF THE GALVO TRACING

1. The ascending limb – it is caused by the decrease of the subject’s resistance which
throws the established circuit out of balance and modifies the electric current flow
through the magnetic field surrounding the pivot-movement of the recording pen.

2. Descending limb:
a) Physical cause – is caused by a reverse in the subject resistance toward the original
position thus bringing the circuit back to or toward balance again producing a lateral
clockwise or downward movement of the pen.

b) Mechanical cause – the fine coil springs attached to the pivot mountain pen cradle
serve as counter balance for pen movement either above or below the established base
line and assists in returning the pen cradle to or towards the original position.

COMPUTING RATE

Graph paper is lined and spaced in seconds. It is moving under pens at a uniform rate of six
inches per minute. Rate is kept uniform through medium of synchronized motor. From one
heavy vertical line constitute a five second period. It is also one half inch. Cont the beats
inside any five seconds scale multiply by twelve. This gave you number of heartbeats at any
point in the test. For greater accuracy you count the beats in two five seconds area multiply
by six.

THE EXAMINER

Basis to all that has been said with regards to the utilization and accuracy of the
polygraph technique is the matter of the examiner qualifications and skills.

An Examiner must be an intelligent person, with reasonably good educational

background – preferably college degree. He should have an intense interest in the work itself,
a good practical understanding of human nature, and suitable personality traits which may be
evident from his otherwise general ability to “get along” with people and to be well liked by
his friends and associates. No amount of training or experience will overcome lack of these
necessary qualifications.

THE SUBJECT

Types or kinds of Subjects for Polygraph Test are:

1. Subject whose guilt is definite or reasonably certain.
2. Emotional offender
3. Person who commit crimes in the heat of passion
4. Person whose offenses are for accidental in nature
5. Non-Emotional offender
6. Person who commit crimes for financial gain
7. Subject whose guilt is doubtful or uncertain

Three (3) General Types of Subjects

1. Victim or Complainant
2. Witness
 3. Suspects

Take Note: All Subjects must be in good physical and mental condition before he/she may be
submitted for polygraph examination. The following may not be submitted for Polygraph
Test:

1. Person who has extreme nervousness

2. Person who has physiological abnormalities such as high blood
pressure/hypertension, heart disease, respiratory disorder, toothaches,
severe headaches and practically any painful ailments.
3. Person with mental abnormalities
4. Unresponsive persons, such as person who suffer mental fatigue or
under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
5. Pregnant woman
6. Person below 18 years of age.

THE POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

THE EXAMINATION ROOM

1. Lie-detector test should be conducted in a quiet private room.

2. Select a room with none of the usual police surroundings and with no distraction
within the subjects view.
3. Select a room without any windows at all.
4. The interrogation room should contain no ornaments, pictures or other objects which
would distract the attention of the person being tested or interviewed.
5. This suggestion refers to the presence within the subject’s reach of small loose objects
such as papers, clips or pencils that he may be inclined to peck up and further distract
during the course of the interrogation.

(EFFECT) – Tension relieving activities of this sort detract from the effectiveness of this
interrogation, especially during the critical phase when a guilty subject may be trying
desperately to suppress an urge to confess.

6. Estrange noise such as the ringing of a telephone or the conversation of persons

outside the examination room, of the presence of the arresting officers or other
spectators in the room itself, may produce disturbances and distractions which will
interfere with a satisfactory diagnosis of deception.

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS

When conducting the polygraph examination:

1. In order to conduct a satisfactory lie-detector test, kit is advisable for the examiner to
obtain from the investigators interested in the case, all the available facts and
 circumstances forming the basis of the accusation or suspicion directed against the
person to be examined.
2. This will include, of course, the details of the case itself. Such information is essential
to the examiner so that he will be in a position to know questions should be asked of
the subject during the test.
3. The subject who is about to be tested should be informed of the nature of the test and
purpose of it. The instrument should be pointed out to him as one which is capable of
determining whether or not a person is telling the truth about a given matter. He
should be informed that it records certain bodily changes and that the instrument will
not cause any physical pain except for a slight temporary discomfort occasioned by
the blood pressure cuff.
4. The writer made it a practice, at this point in the proceeding to tell to the subject
somewhat as follows: “If you are telling the truth you have nothing to worry about,
this instrument will indicate you are telling the truth, and I’ll report the fact to the
officers who requested me to make the test. The machine itself will show it; and I’ll
tell you so, and then I’ll ask you to let me hear the truth. That is fair enough, isn’t it?
And you don’t mind taking the test, do you?”
5. Experience has indicated that such statement tends to relieve the emotional tensions in
a person who is telling the truth, and at the same time they offer no relief to the liar.
Moreover, the asking of as regarding the subject’s consent has proved worthwhile in
those cases where the criminal confessions are obtained as a result of the test.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

1. Do not wait until the last minute to ask a person to take the test.
2. Do not tell the subject everything that you know about the offense or about
him.
3. Do not fail to investigate the case before you ask a person to take the test.
4. If for some reasons, it must be temporarily taken, the investigator must
continue investigating the case.
5. Do not depend on mass screening of possible suspects to produce a real or the
guilty one.
6. Do not tell anyone that the lie detector will decide whether one is innocent or
guilty. The court will make the decision.
7. If the test indicates that the person did not tell the truth or if the person
confesses after the test, do not think that the investigation is over.

FOUR (4) PHASES OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

1. PHASE I (PRELIMINARY PREPARATIONS) - Initial Interview with

the investigator handling the case or person requesting it. The group involve in
this stage are the Victim / Complaint, Suspects, Witnesses. This stage includes
obtaining and evaluation of facts, determining the areas the subjects needs to
be asked and the investigator must furnish the examiner of the following:
a. Sworn statement of the suspect / witnesses/ victim/ complainant, Incident or
spot report, B.I. of the suspect, witnesses, and victim / complainants, rough
sketch or pictures of the crime scene and other facts such as Specific article
and exact amount of money stolen.
b. Peculiar aspect of the offense or any strange set.
 c. Exact time the offense was committed.
d. Known facts about the suspect’s action or movement.
e. Facts indicating any connection between the suspects, victim and witnesses.
f. Exact type of weapon, tool or firearms used.
g. Result of laboratory test.
h. Unpublished facts of the offense known only by the victim, suspects and the
investigator.

2. PHASE II - PRE-TEST INTERVIEW with the subject - The primary

purpose of the pre-test interview of to prepare or condition the subject for the
test.
a. The appraisal of subject’s constitutional right.
b. Obtain subject’s consent to undergo polygraph test by signing a statement of
consent.
c. The taking of personal data of the subject.
d. Determining his/her suitability as a subject.
e. Evaluating the psychological preparation of the subject.
f. Informing the subject of his involvement with the case.

The following rights of the subject must be informed clearly to him/her:

a. The right to remain silent
b. Anything he/she say may be used in favor or against him/her
c. The right to have a lawyer of his/her own choice
d. Right to refuse

As earlier noted, subjects will not be scheduled for examination when they:
a. are obviously fatigued or in ill health.
b. are physically injured or in pain.
c. their judgment is obviously influenced by or impaired by drugs or alcohol.
d. have just suffered emotional trauma.

The examiner’s interview with the subject prior to the test is of considerable importance, both
for the purpose of conditioning the subject for the examination and also in order to provoke
and observe the helpful indications of guilt and innocence which are often forthcoming at this
time.

The following is the detailed outline of the pre-test interview which has been found to be
effective. (We are assuming in the case illustrated that the subject has already been advised of
the fact that he is to be given a lie-detector test.)

a. As the examiner enters the waiting room to request the subject to accompany
him into the examination room, the greeting which the examiner extends
should be cordial, but firm.
b. Upon entering the examination room the subject should be requested to sit
down in a chair alongside the instrument, and immediately thereafter the
examiner should proceed to the taking of the consent of the subject.
c. Then fill up the necessary data asked in the interrogation log.
d. Afterwards inquire from the subject whether he has been on a lie detector test
before. No further comment should be made by the examiner but he should
listen carefully to whatever the subject himself may say.
 e. If the subject has not told of the purpose of his appearance in the testing
laboratories, the examiner should explain that a lie detector test is desired of
him as part of the investigation regarding the case. Much time should be spent
in the preliminary interview as the circumstances reasonably warrants.

3. PHASE III (THE EXAMINATION/INSTRUMENTAL TEST) – The

conduct of Instrumentation and Actual Test.

After the pre-test interview, the examiner should proceed to place the attachment on the
subject. The first to be attached is Pneumograph, then the Cardiosphymograph and the
Galvanograph. Review all the questions with the subject before the actual examination is
made. The examiner should discourage any comments or statement by the subjects. Test
instrument must be given to the subject.

a. Upon completion of the necessary preliminary preparation the instruments is

attached to the subject.
b. The blood pressure pulse cuff is wrapped around snugly around the subject’s
upper arm and the pneumograph tube adjusted around the chest.
c. If female subjects or around the body, if male subjects or around the torso of male
subjects.
d. The cuff is then inflated to a point approximate midway between the systolic and
diastolic blood pressure. That is midway between the pressure produced by the
output action of the heart and that maintained at the time of the hearts intake
action.
e. The synchronous motor carrying the paper upon which blood pressure pulse
respirations recording are made is then set in motion, the motor being so timid that
the paper moves along at the rate of a out six inches per minute, then ten to fifteen
seconds after the instrument has been set in motion, the inked filled pens of the
instruments are permitted to make their blood pressure pulse respiration tracings
before the question are asked of the subject.
f. During the test period the subject is informed that he will be asked several
questions which should be answered by either yes or no answers, and that they are
so brief and to the point.
g. Approximately five to ten seconds after this instruction first question is asked and
then the other questions follows after or at the interval of fifteen or twenty
seconds.

Take Note: The questions may be written in advance of the test or in the course of the test
during the intervals between the asking of each question. The phraseology of the test question
is an extremely important aspect of the examination. The questions, and every word used in
the questions must be unambiguous, unequivocal, and thoroughly understandable by the
subject. The questions must be states as simply as possible, and with a complete avoidance
of such double inquires as “Did you shoot him and then run into the house”? All questions
must have only a single, unambiguous meaning. Avoid lengthy questions and avoid legal
terms such as rape, murder, embezzlement, etc.
Limiting Scope of Questions - The relevant test questions used in any examination should
be confined to a single case investigation. The Polygraph technique is not effective
for stimulation testing regarding two or more unrelated occurrences. With all the
gadgets attached to the body of the subject, the instrument will start running by
 applying pressure on a button. The subject then will be asked to answer the following
standard test questions:
a. Irrelevant questions (unleaded/immaterial questions) – these are questions
which have no bearing to the case under investigation.
b. Relevant questions (leaded/material questions) – these are questions
pertaining to the issue under investigation. It is equally important to limit the
number of relevant questions to avoid discomfort to the subject. Relevant
questions must be very specific to obtain an accurate result.
c. Control questions – These are questions unrelated to the matter under
investigation but are of similar nature although less serious as compared to
those relevant questions under investigation. The use of control question is
considered by many polygraphists to be the most reliable and effective
questioning technique. These are usually asked if there is doubt in the
interpretation of the subject’s response to relevant and irrelevant questions.

4. PHASE IV – Post–test Interview/ Interrogation - This includes all

consideration that bears on the examination. This is done just after the
instrument is turned off. If the Polygraph test result indicates deception, the
examiner will then proceed to conduct short interrogation. The purpose of
which is to obtain confession. However, if the Polygraph indicates that the
subject is innocent; the examiner will just release the subject cordially and
thanks him/ her for his/her cooperation.

The purposes of further questioning after the test are:

a. to clarify the findings;

b. to learn if there are any other reasons for the subject’s responding to a relevant
question, other than the knowledge of the crime; and
c. to obtain additional information and an admission for law enforcement purposes,
if the results suggest deception.

THE TEST CONSTRUCTION AND PROCEDURES

The polygraph test consists of asking the subject/ person though the transducer of the
instrument, a list of prepared questions in a planned sequence; comprising of not more than
twelve. At least 3 test charts are taken, each lasting not more than four (4) minutes with a
rest interval of five (5) to ten (10) minutes between charts.

There are two general types of questions to be constructed and maybe supplemented by other
types of questions:

1. General Question Test – most commonly applied.

2. Peak-of-Tension Test – usually used as supplementary test.

There are five set of tests that maybe applied:

Test I – General Question Test - Purposes: To get the standard tracing of the
subject and to establish a true telling pattern for the initial part of the record.
Test II – Number Test (Psychological Test) - To check the possible deliberate distortion
when the chosen number is asked and to obtain a chart wherein the subject is not under stress.
Test III – Spot Responder - To determine the responsiveness of the subject to crucial
question on spot responses.
Test IV – Mix Question - To compare the degree of reaction between control and relevant
question.
Test V – Silence Answer Test (SAT) - It is a confirmatory test with the silence answer test.

The General Question Test (GQT)

This consists of a series of Relevant & Irrelevant Questions asked in a planned order.
Questions are so arranged as to make possible a comparison of responses to relevant
questions with a subject’s norm made during the answering of irrelevant questions. There are
other types of questions asked in the GQT:

a. Weak Relevant Question – it concern some secondary element of the crime or

problem and deals with mostly in guilty knowledge and partial involvement.

b. Strong Relevant Question – it is defined as verbal stimulus of primary important

projected in the form of a question which overcome a psychological excitement level
and causes pneumograph, cardiosphygmograph, and galvanograph tracings changes
from the subject’s physiological norms.

c. Evidence Connecting Question – it is designed to stimulate the guilty subject and

focus his attention on the probability of incriminating proof that would tend to
establish his guilt.

d. Knowledge Question – this question is designed or begun to probe whether the

subject possess information regarding the identity of the offender, the location of
evidences or items of secondary element of the case.

There are rules to be followed in the formulation of questions such as the following:

1. Questions must be simple and direct.

2. They must not involved legal terminology such as rape, murder, etc.
3. They must be answerable by yes or no and should short as possible.
4. Must be short as possible.
5. Their meaning must be clear and unmistakable phrase in a language that the subject
can easily understand.
6. They must not be in the form of accusation.
7. Question must never contain an inference which presupposes knowledge on the part
of the subject.
8. All questions must refer to one offense only.
9. All questions must refer to only one element of an offense.
10. They must not contain interferences to ones religion races or belief.

General Question Test (GQT) Sample

1. Have you ever been called by the name Allan? (Irrelevant)

2. Is today Monday? (Irrelevant)
 3. Do you have anything to do with the robbery at SM/ Shoemart last night?
(Weak Relevant)
4. Are you over 20 years of age? (Irrelevant)
5. Were you one of those who robbed the SM/ Shoemart last night? (Strong
Relevant)
6. Have you been involved in a robbery case this year? (Control Question-
Relevant)
7. Do you drink water? (Irrelevant)
8. Was the pair of gloves found at SM yours? (Evidence Connecting-Relevant)
9. Do you know of anyone involved in the robbery at SM/ Shoemart last night?
(Knowledge Question-Relevant)
10. Have you ever been involved in any robbery in your entire life? (Secondary
Control - Relevant)
11. Have you deliberately lied to any question I have asked you? (Relevant-Check
Question (optional))

OTHER QUESTIONS

1. Check Question – last question asked in the lie test. It is direct

question that relates to the fact that the subject has told the truth to all
questions asked in the lie test.

2. Fishing Expedition Test Question – Used to vagrants or loiters for routine

interrogation. No idea about what offense has been committed. Examples: a. Have
you ever been arrested before? b. Are you wanted anywhere now by the police? c.
Have you stolen anything since you have been in tour?

SUPPLEMENTARY TESTS

Aside from the standard tests described above, the following special tests may be performed
and incorporated as part of the procedure or may be used as supplementary tests depending
upon the result of the standard test in order to draw a better conclusion.

A. PEAK-OF-TENSION TEST (PTT)

The subject may be given this test if he is not yet informed of the details of the offense for
which he is being interrogated by the investigation, or by other persons or from other sources
like the print media. This valid test is only made possibly when there is no widespread
publicity about a crime where intimate details as to the methods of commission or certain
facts of the case is known from the victim and investigator.

The questions formulated are similar in nature and construction, only one of which is true and
the perpetrator who would naturally be in possession of such unpublicized knowledge will
usually exhibit a rise in the tracing up to that particular question followed by a decline
thereafter, caused by the relief of knowing that a dreaded question dangerous to his well-
being, is past.

Examples of Peak-of-Tension Test:

 a. Do you know whether the stolen watch from Allan is a Seiko? (This is
an introductory phrase plus padding question)
b. Is it an Omega? (Padding)
c. Is it a Rolex? (Padding)
d. Is it Timex? (Relevant question)
e. Is it Alba quartz? (Padding)
f. Is it a Citizen? (Padding)

B. GUILT COMPLEX TEST (GCT)

This test is applied when the response to relevant and control questions are similar in
degree and in consistency and in a way that the examiner cannot determine whether the
subject is telling the truth or not. The subject is asked questions aside from the irrelevant,
relevant and control questions, a new series of relevant questions dealing with a real incident
and that which the subject could not have committed.

If the subject does not respond to the added relevant questions, it indicates that the subject
was being deceptive as to the primary issue under investigation. However, no conclusion can
be drawn if the response to added guilt complex is similar to the real issue questions.

C. SILENT ANSWER TEST (SAT)

This test is conducted in the same manner as when relevant and control questions are
asked but the subject is instructed to answer the questions silently, to himself, without making
any verbal response causes distortion in the tracing such as sniff or clearing the throat.

KINDS OF SPECIFIC TESTING

Known Solution Peak of Tension - This is administered when a fact relating to the event is
known only to the perpetrator of the offense and the victim, police and client. This material
fact, whether it be particular sum of money, a particular make of weapon, etc. is inserted into
test comprising a list of similar items, the examinee is tested to determine his guilty
knowledge.

Proving Peak of Tension - This is administered to obtain information that might prove
valuable to an investigation. It is designed to determine the location, disposition, modus
operandi and amounts on the list of possibilities.

Pre-employment Test - This test seeks to verify information contained in a job application
and develop relevant information deliberately committed by the subject.

Periodic Testing - This is conducted for the purpose of determining the honesty of
employees assigned to sensitive position. It also acts as a constant deterrent to employee’s
dishonesty.

Six (6) steps of chain reaction that produce visual response

Step 1. – The stimuli

Step 2. – The absorption of the stimuli by the body senses which consist of hearing, seeing,
smelling, feeling, testing and extra-sensory faculties. (Body senses)
Step 3. – The complicated process that takes place in human being manifested itself in what
is called emotion.
Step 4. – The action of the automatic nervous system
Step 5. – The actual physiological changes that takes place with in the body as a result of the
autonomic nervous system and the well of the subject.
Step 6. – The final occurrence in the reaction chain (Electro dermal Response)

DECEPTION DETECTION TRACED ON BODY RESPONSE

Voluntary Response - Include those over which the subject has definite control and include
breathing rate and amplitude. Eye movements, facial expressions, muscular movements-
contraction and relaxation, oral or implied answers, and the expressions of stipulated
emotions.

Semi-Voluntary Response - Include metabolism changes emotional expressions reaction

time in replies and eye-movements. The average subject has some control over these.

Involuntary Response - Include electro dermal response, perspiration rates, adrenaline flow
rates, blood pressure and pulse rate chemical changes of the body fluids, psychological
reactions, brain electrical currents, saliva flow rates, body temperature changes, genuine
emotion, face color changes, tremor and polarization of body currents. The average subject
has no control over these phenomena.

What are the Physiological Phenomena as basis of Detecting Deception?

A. Blood Pressure and Heart Beat Frequency

Increase of blood pressure and heartbeat frequency following relevant questions and the
suppression in breathing are the criteria for detecting deception.

Ink curves as shown on the heartbeat recorded on a moving graph paper of a polygraph
represent the beat frequency (pulse) and the two pressures (blood pressures) - a. Systolic or
high pressure - They exist when the heart is contracted and the values are open with the
blood rushing into the arteries, b. Diastolic or Low pressure - This exists when the values
are closed and the heart relaxed.

Take note: Normal blood pressure is 120/80

The Heart is an automatic organ that continues to bat even when removed from the body of
provided with proper blood. The rate and force of the heart beat as regulated by two sets of
nerves – a. the sympathetic set - which accelerate the beat and b. the cranial Autonomic
system - which retard the beat.

It is also known that adrenaline - a certain hormone increases the heartbeat frequency.

B. Breathing as a means of detecting deception. Breathing consists of two steps:

Inspiration - caused by the contraction of the diaphragm and expansion of the chest cavity
those results in the air rushing into the lungs.

Expiration – caused by a relaxation of the diaphragm and contraction of the chest cavity
resulting in the air rushing out of the lungs.

Take Note: The following affects the breathing rates:

1. muscular exercise (muscle movement/jogging)
2. anticipation of muscular exercise (thinking to perform heavy
work)
3. recalling mentally emotional experience
4. mental activity
5. anxious expectancy
6. shock
7. surprise

C. Electrodermal Response

This is the most current popular name for the human body phenomenon in which the body,
mainly the skin, changes resistance electrically upon the application of certain external
stimuli. It consists of two categories - Normal Response and the Abnormal Response.

Examples of Abnormal Responses

1. Machine Fright Response - Interference abnormal response that

originates in Step 2 (fright to the machine) of the reaction chain or
situational fright. It appears on the first question or so and no longer
appears throughout the test.
2. Physical Movement Response - Interfering response caused by
voluntary physical movement by the subject during the lie test and is
found between steps 4 and 5 of the reaction chain. The result of such
physical movement causes physiological (muscle) changes to take
place within the body that shows up electrodermal response.
3. Outside Interference Response - Interfering response originating in
step 1 of the reaction chain in the form of unwanted auditory or
stimuli. The slamming of the door or the ringing of telephone, a
cough or sneeze by spectators in the room or any unusual noise to
which the subject is not accustomed at the location, will usually
produce outside interference response.
4. Mental Tie-up Response - Interfering response which originates
between step 2 (machine fright) and step 3 (emotion) in the reaction
chain. Other name is guilt complex.
5. Deception Response - Abnormalities as a result of telling a lie (more
on psychological and such also is accompanied by physical changes).

CHART MARKING

To facilitate evaluation and interpretation of test charts, markings are made with the
use of signs and symbols to enable the examiner to determine the following:
 1. exact time the test commenced and terminated
2. initial and final blood pressure and galvanograph readings
3. particular point where each question asked started and ended. Corresponding
identification of the question, and the type and time of answer given by the subject
4. duration and amplitude of reaction patterns
5. any instruction given or repetition of question made
6. any movement, cough tracing by the suspect or outside distractions that occurred
7. mechanical adjustment or re-adjustment made
8. extraneous factors affecting test chart such as paper jams
9. time interval between questions; and
10. chart number, name of subject, time, date, and place taken

SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (commonly used in Chart Marking)

X / 60 / 1.5 A - first markings of the examiner on the chart

XX / 60 / 1.5 A - examiner’s mark after the test
X - start of the test
XX - end of the test
60 - millimeter of mercury shown in sphygmamometer dial
1.5 - ohms of skin electrical resistance
A or M - refers to automatic or manual galvo amplifier used
| | - point where each question begins and end (also called stimulus mark)
+ - Yes answer to question
- - No answer to question
A - adjustment
T - subject talked instead of answering with single Yes or No
R - subject request for repetition of question
C - coughing
N - noise
S - sigh by the subject
PJ - paper jam
SN - subject sniffed
BI - breathing instruction
OS - tracing changed caused by outside stimulus
M - movement
IM - movement instruction
L - laugh
B - used to signify belch
C+ - increase in galvo sensitivity
C- - decrease in galvo sensitivity
Y - yawn
IS - ink stop
CT - clearing of throat

CHART INTERPRETATION

A. The accuracy of instrumental detection of deception is dependent upon the

examiner’s ability to diagnose truth or deception by reading and interpreting a subject’s
charts. The polygraph chart is the composite record of the pneumograph, cardiograph and
galvanograph tracing from one series of questions. The chart is ruled vertically to represent
time element at an interval of either in second, five seconds of ten seconds division and
horizontally in fractions of ¼ inch for amplitude measurements. There are three heavy
spaced horizontal lines that serve as the guideline for the 3 tracings. The motor that pills the
chart under the recording pens has a constant speed of either 6 or 12 inches per-minute. A
single test may consist of three or more charts taken from one series of questions.

B. The pnuemograph tracing normally, found at the top of the chart, is a record of a
subject’s respiratory action during the questioning process and is classified as normal or
abnormal. The pneumograph pattern consists of inhalation and exhalation strikes with a
normal amplitude of form ½ to ¾ inches. The normal cyclic rate is from 13 to 18 breaths per
minute and may vary in reasons of exceptional physical build condition or respiratory defect.
The classification of abnormal is generally applied to those patterns that deviate from the
norm established by the individual.

Descriptive types of breathing are:

Normal; Rapid; Slow; Shallow; Deep; Serrated inhalation / or both;
Deviations caused by coughing and mechanics of answering
Pneumograph changes from the individual norm which may be indicative of deception
are:
Change in rhythm or regularity; Change in amplitude or volume; Change in the inhalation /
exhalation ratio; Notched or serrated inhalation / exhalation strokes; Change of base line;
Loss of base line; Hyperverventilation; Suppression; Respiratory block

C. The galvanograph tracing, normally located at the center position. If the chart, when
properly balanced takes from of as lightly wavering line across the middle portion of the
chart with a minor response to spoken stimuli. Galvanic tracings which may be indicative of
deception are:
1. Vertical rise at point of deception
2. Double saddle response
3. Long duration and / or degree of response following point of deception
4. Plugging salvo tracing

D. The cardiosphygmograph tracing normally found at the bottom of the chart, is the
three physiological phenomena, a systolic stroke, a diastolic strokes and a dichotic notch.
Normal pulse rate of the average individual is 72 to 80 beats per minute and may vary due to
the emotional tone of the subject. Amplitude or volume is also subject to variation and
dictated by the physiological structure of the person and the cuff pressure. Tracing taking the
form of specific responses indicative of deception are:
1. Increase or decrease in blood pressure
2. Increase or decrease in pulse rate
3. Increase or decrease in amplitude
4. Change in position or disappearance of dichotic notch
5. Extra systoles (premature contradiction of an auricle or ventricle while
fundamental rhythm of the heart is maintained)

E. In the interpretation and analysis of charts taken in a Peak of Tension Test, the
following area considered in the evaluation of the level tracings:
1. An increase or decrease to point of deception then a level tracing.
2. An increase to point of deception and the an increase
3. A decrease to point of deception and then an increase
 4. Level tracing to point of deception and then a decrease or increase
5. Erratic to point of deception and then an erratic tracing
6. Smooth to point of deception and then an erratic tracing
7. Any changes that may occur at point of deception

F. Other factors; that specific response to be considered as possible deception in chart

evaluation
1. Distribution of reactions
2. Degree of reactions
3. Trend of gross curve
4. Rate of change of the curve
5. Latent period of reaction
6. Duration of reaction

G. For an effective chart interpretation, the following rules must be followed:

1. There must be a specific response
2. To be specific, it must form a deviation from norm
3. It must appear in at least two (2) test charts
4. The best indication of deception is the simultaneous specific responses in the
three (3) tracings of the chart.

LEGAL STATUS OF POLYGRAPH

When does the Polygraph Result is Admissible in Court?

1. When the examination is conducted upon a court order.

2. When business suffers economic loss and the employee of that business who refuses
the exam is implicated.
3. When the polygraph is made a condition or precedent to employment in continuous
employment.
4. When the nature of the subject’s relation to the public so demand. (Public Trust is
paramount).

What Law or Jurisprudence give the Basis of Admissibility?

The first appellate court decision upon the admissibility the results of a deception test
was rendered in 1923 by a federal court in Fry V. United States, in which the accused (on
trial for murder) offered as evidence the results of a Marston “systolic” blood pressure” test.
The trial court refused to permit Dr. Marston to testify concerning his results, and upon
appeal this ruling was affirmed. The reason which impelled the court to arrive at the
conclusion of inadmissibility are very clearly stated in the following except from its reported
opinion.

Ten years after the Fry case decision the Wiscons Supreme Court was called upon to
consider the admissibility of the results of a Polygraph examination. In this case, State V.
Bohner, defense counsel offered to prove that the results of a Polygraph examination
established the truthfulness of the defendant’s alibi to a robbery charge, which offer the trial
court refused. Upon appeal the Wiscons in Supreme Court sustained the trial court’s ruling
and held that although the Polygraph technique may have some utility at present, or may
ultimately be of great value in the administration of justice a too hasty acceptance of it during
this stage of its development may be assumed to have.”

Two cases regarding the admissibility of the results of tests conducted with a galvanic
skin reflex recorder were decided by the New York court in 1938. One of the cases, People
V. Kenny, was a trial court decision; the other, People V. forte, a decision of New York’s
highest court, the Court of Appeals. In the Kenny case the defendant (on trial of robbery)
offered in evidence the testimony of the late Father Summers of Fordham University
regarding the results of a test conducted with a galvanometer. Over the objection of the
prosecuting attorney, the trial court admitted the evidence and permitted the jury to consider
the witness opinion as to the defendant’s innocence or guilt. The court in the Kenny case
apparently was impressed with Father Summer’s assertion to the effect that this “pathometer”
was “effectively 100 percent efficient.” Moreover, the effect of the Kenny case must viewed
in the light of the latter and more authoritative decision of the New York Court of Appeals in
the Forte case.

In the case the defendant (on trial for murder) requested the court’s permission to be
tested on the same instrument and by the same examiner (Summers) as in the Kenny case.
This request was denied on the ground that despite the view taken by the court in the Kenny
case, the validity of such a test judicial acceptance. Upon appeal the trial court’s ruling was
affirmed by the New York Court of Appeals.

COLLATERAL ASPECT OF POLYGRAPH

1. Pre-employment Screening – it provide a safe method in verifying statements of a

job applicant, prevent false evaluation and false judgment as reported by previous
employer who carry a personal grudge against him Done when the subject is applying
for a job.

2. Periodic Screening – conducted to organic employees only, act as constant deterrent

to employee’s dishonesty and create a bond of mutual strength among employees.
We call it as personnel check.

3. Intelligence Testing – provide a scientific method of testing the intelligence of a

person.

ADVANTAGES OF PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING FOR THE EMPLOYEE

1. Prevent false evaluation and unfair judgment due to personality conflicts reported by a
previous supervisor or employer.
2. It does away with lengthy waiting while employment application is being check,
telephone, telegram or letter.
3. Eliminate the potential hazard of a person knowing to work along side with other who
might endanger their live or job security.
4. Provides a safe method for a person to be cleared of unwarranted suspicion and unjust
accusation and malicious gossip.
5. It will create a bond of mutual strength between employees.
6. It create a desire for incentives

ADVANTAGES OF THE PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENING FOR EMPLOYER

 1. Provides an accurate method, whereby the employment background of an applicant
and relevant issues collateral thereto can be immediately checked and verify at a
negligible cost.
2. Detect the chronic alcoholic job jumper and accident prone person.
3. Reveals some of the unusual aspect concerning the psychologically mal-adjusted
agitator amateur and professional theft in private industry.
4. Reduces costly personnel turnover by helping management put the right person on the
job and ascertaining an applicant attitude toward job permanent.
5. Acts as constant deterrent to employee dishonesty and permit basically honest
employee to work in greater harmony with basically honest employee.

USE OF THE WORD ASSOCIATION TEST

Lists of stimulus and non-stimulus word are read to the subject who is instructed to answer as
quickly as possible. The answers to the question may be “yes” or “no”. Unlike the lie
detector, the time interval between the words uttered by the examiner and the answer to the
question is recorded

When the subject is asked questions with reference to his name, address, civil status,
nationality, etc. which has no relation to the subject-matter of the investigation, the tendency
is to answer quickly. But when the questions bear some words which have to do with the
criminal act the subject allegedly committed, like knife, gun or hammer which was used in
the killing, the tendency is to delay the answer.

The test is not concerned with the answer, be it a “yes” or “no”. The important factor is the
time of response in relation to stimulus or non-stimulus words.

Like the use of the lie detector, the subject cannot be compelled to be subjected to the test
without consent.

USE OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS EVALUATOR (PSE)

When a person speaks, there are audible voice frequencies, and superimposed on these are the
inaudible frequency modulations which are products of minute oscillation of the muscle of
the voice mechanism. Such oscillations of the muscles or micro tremor occur at the rare of 8
to 14 cycles per second and controlled by the central nervous system.

When a person I under stress as when he is lying, the micro tremor in the voice utterance is
moderately or completely suppressed. The degree of suppression varies inversely to the
degree of psycho logic stress on the speaker.

The psychological stress evaluator (PSE) detects, measures, and graphically displays the
voice modulations that we cannot hear.

When a person is relaxed and responding honestly to the question, those inaudible
frequencies are registered clearly on the instrument. But when a person is under stress, as
when he is lying, these frequencies tend to disappear.

Basic Procedure
 a. The examiner meets the requesting party to determine the specific
purpose of the exanimation and to begin formulation of relevant
questions.
b. A pre-test interview is conducted with the subject to help him or her
feel at ease with the examiner, to provide an opportunity to specify
matters, to eliminate outside issues, and to review questions that
will be asked.
c. An oral test of about 12 to 15 “yes” or “no” questions is given which
is recorded on a tape recorder. The questions are a mixture of
relevant an irrelevant questions.
d. Immediately following the test or are a late time, the tape is
processed through the Psychological Stress Evaluator for analysis of
answer.
e. If stress is indicated, the subject is given authority to provide
additional clarification. A retest is given to verify correction and
clarification.

Advantages of Psychological Stress Evaluator over the Lie Detector Machine

a. It does not require the attachment of sensors to the person being tested.
b. The testing situation need not be carefully controlled to eliminate outside
distraction
c. Normal body movement is not restricted.

USE OF DRUGS THAT “INHIBIT THE INHIBITOR”

Administration of Truth Serum

The term “truth serum” is a misnomer. The procedure does not make someone tell the truth
and the thing administered is not a serum but is actually a drug.

In the test, byosine hydro bromide is given hypodermically in repeated doses until a state of
delirium is induced. When the proper point is reached, the questions truthfully. He forgets
his acts or may even implicate others.

Narcoanalysis or Narcosynthesis

This method of deception detection is practically the same as that of

administration of truth serum. The only difference is the drug used. Psychiatric sodium
amytal o sodium pentothal is administered to the subject. When the effects appear,
questioning starts. It is claimed that the drug causes depression of the inhibitory mechanism
of the brain and the subject talks freely.
 The administration of the drug and subsequent interrogation must be done by a
psychiatrist with a long experience on the line. Like the administration of truth serum, the
result of the test is not admissible in court.

Intoxication with alcohol

The apparent stimulation effect of alcohol is really the result of the control mechanism of the
brain, so alcohol, like truth serum, and narcoanalytic drugs “inhibit the inhibitor”.

The ability of alcohol to reveal the real person behind the mad which all of us are said to
wear (“mask of sanity”) is reflected in the age-old maxim, “In vino veritas” (“In wine there is
truth”). (Pathology of Homicide by Lester Adel son, Charles Thomas, 1974, p. 895)/

Hypnosis

It is the alternation of consciousness and concentration in which the subject manifests a

heightened of suggestibility while awareness is maintained. Not all persons are susceptible to
hypnotic induction. The hypnotic state is characterized by:

a. That it is a comfortable state or complete relaxation in which the subject will

readily and willingly to cooperate in every way with the hypnotizer.
b. That it is not actually a sleep.
c. That the subject will do whatever he is told to do.
d. That the hypnotizer will not order him to do anything injurious.
e. After the test, the subject will wake up with feeling of comfort and
refreshment.

The result of this method is not acceptable in court due to the following reasons:

a. It lacks the general scientific acceptance of the reliability of hypnosis per in

ascertaining the truth from falsity.
b. The fear that the truer of fact will give uncritical and absolute reliability to a
scientific device without consideration of its flaw in ascertaining veracity.
c. The possibility that the hypnotized subject will deliberately fabricate.
d. The prospect that the state of heightened suggestibility in which the
hypnotized subject is suspended will produce distortion of the fact rather than
the truth.
e. The state of the mind and professionalism of the examiner are too subjective
to permit admissibility of the expert testimony.

OBSERVATION

A good criminal investigator must be keen observer and a good psychologist. A subject
under stress on account of the stimulation of sympathetic nervous system may exhibit
changes which may be used as a potential clue of deception. And since just one or a
combination of the following signs and symptoms is not conclusive or a reliable proof of
guilt of the subject, their presence infers further investigation to ascertain the truth of the
impression.

Signs or Clues of Deception

 1. Swearing to God.
2. Failure of subject to look straight into examiner eyes.
3. Rapid movements of adams apple among males. Hysteria among females or woman.
4. Shedding tears of both sexes.
5. Arrogance or indifference to interrogation.
6. Bitting upper and lower lips after a hot stimulus is profounded.
7. Changes on the color of the face.
8. Complete and total denial of the case under investigation. Questioning accuracy on
the polygraph machine.
9. Sarcastic laugh of the subject.
10. Force laugh of the subject.
11. Restlessness of the subject.
12. Show of the unnecessary movements of legs and head.
13. Changing seats from chair to chair.
14. Frequent excuses to go to the comfort room.
15. Asking the examiner for a drink or a smoke.
16. Over perspiration despite of an air-conditioned room.
17. Answering questioning by beating around the hush when questioning and answered
yes or no.
18. Asking the examiner to repeat the question although propounded clearly.
19. Asking counter remark who me.
20. Making reference to prominent people and mutual friends.
21. Shifting blame to someone else.
22. Pointing the guilt to other.
23. Refusal to submit to polygraph examination. Consenting to polygraph examination
but refuse to sign the consent (written).

Physiological and Psychological Signs and Symptoms of Guilt

1. Sweating
2. Color Change
3. Dryness of the mouth
4. Excessive activity of the Adam’s apple
5. Fidgeting
6. “Peculiar feeling inside”
7. Swearing in the truthfulness and assertion
8. “Spotless past record”
9. Inability to look at the investigator “straight in the eye”
10. “Not that I remember” expression