Lie Detector Test Ireland

Derived from the Greek language, the word "polygraph" means "many writings". It refers to the manner in which selected physiological activities are continuously and simultaneously recorded. The polygraph instrument is often referred to as a "lie detector".

A polygraph is a diagnostic instrument used by a formally trained polygraph examiner for the purpose of collecting, measuring, and recording selected physiological data obtained from an examinee as he or she answers a series of questions relating to a specific issue — whether criminal, civil, or private — during a polygraph examination. This data will then be analyzed and evaluated for psychophysiological credibility assessment.

The polygraph technique is extremely accurate as there have been studies by doctors and scientists for over 50 years. Most importantly the polygraph is accurate when done by a qualified, credible and experienced examiner. The Lie Detector Test or Polygraph examinations have gained general acceptance in the scientific fields of psychology and psychophysiology in those areas devoted to credibility assessment. Research conducted by the relevant scientific community, government organisations, and independent universities clearly indicate that a polygraph examination — when properly administered by a formally trained and competent polygraph examiner — has a very high level of accuracy (on average 90 to 95%) in verifying the truth and detecting deception.

According to Dr David C. Raskin, the world-renowned expert and leading scientist in the field of polygraphy, the scientific data concerning the validity of the polygraph can be summarised as follows:

"High quality scientific research from the laboratory and the field converge on the conclusion that a properly conducted CQT (Comparison Question Test) is a highly accurate discriminator of truth tellers and deceivers. The research results converge on an accuracy estimate that exceeds 90 percent."

According to the American Polygraph Association (APA), 80 research projects, which included both laboratory and field studies, have been conducted and published since 1980 on the validity and reliability of polygraph testing. These projects involved approximately 6,300 polygraph examinations. Of the 23 field studies conducted, the accuracy of polygraph testing was estimated to be 95 percent.

Like any other diagnostic instrument that is used to measure human physiology for the purpose of evaluation and forming professional opinions thereupon, the polygraph instrument is not infallible. The relevant scientific community agrees, however, that polygraph examinations have a very high probative value in distinguishing truthful individuals from deceptive ones, and that no other alternative testing technique for truth verification and lie detection performs better.

Under no circumstances will we assist in any case requesting help in a matter of a criminal / illegal / unethical nature. We have had calls where a client will request for a result to be changed / faked to help them pass due to their current situation they are in. We will not entertain such requests. None of our examiners ever have or will take a bribe or favour a client to 'swing' a result. We have to remain ethical, professional and honest and our reputation is at stake. We will not book any tests where we do not have enough case facts before the time and if we are not comfortable with the facts provided we will not conduct the test. No refunds will be given on such bookings. If any danger is posed to the examinee or the case matter we think could be of an illegal nature (theft, sex, drugs) we will report this to the police. Polygraph tests cannot be used to help in the conducting of a crime. Please do not contact us to assist in such matters.

It is quite normal for an innocent person to feel nervous and the polygraph examiner is fully aware of this. The examiner is trained how to calibrate and make the examinee acquainted with the process and instrument. An acquaintance test is done as the 1st chart prior to running anything from 3 - 5 charts around the issue.

A typical example for people to understand is if you are walking down a street at night and you are nervous. Your heart is beating, possibly developing sweat, your breathing is faster. While walking a dog jumps out and barks at you. Immediately you develop one of the 3 F's. Flight / Fight or Freeze. You will react the same in either of those F's. But your heart beats faster, you create more sweat, your breathing reacts suddenly. The examiner records the charts and asks a series of different types of questions and through science and experience as well as with the aid of scoring software will determine if there is lies or truth in the answers.

A polygraph examination takes anything from 1h45 to 2hrs+, however, some may take more or less time, depending on the nature of the issue under investigation. We do not rush the tests and follow strict protocols. We cannot divert from the set international standards.

Its important to understand that the polygraph is not a miracle magic wand. It cannot be used to ask wrongly phrased questions and multiple bulk questions at once. Hollywood and TV shows often portray the way in which tests are conducted and the style and number of questions asked, in an incorrect way. We use the most accurate techniques available and recommended by the APA. There are techniques asking 2 to 4 relevant questions for single issue matters. For screening and pre employment we can run up to 6 questions. There are a number of other questions asked at the time all helping in the scoring and baseline. But the total number of relevant questions for your matter is limited. The examiner will explain this to you in detail.

All polygraph examinations are audio and video recorded for quality and security purposes. This footage is only accessible to the examiner. We do not release any audio or video, as well as polygraph charts to anyone. The report will only be sent in a PDF format on email to the client requesting / paying for the test. The report can also be posted if requested.

Yes. You will be informed of the exact wording of each question that will be asked of you during the course of the polygraph examination. There are no "trick" questions.

The worldwide umbrella body the APA - American Polygraph Association has a model policy updated on 4 Sep 2021 which states that there is NO minimum age to do a test. Previously they had suggested over the age of 12. This is the policy wording:

Examinee suitability . Persons who are suitable to undergo polygraph testing should minimally

meet the following requirements:

4.1. Capacity to consent to the polygraph examination, as demonstrated by awareness and

understanding of the context or reason for the examination referral.

4.2. Possess a basic understanding of right from wrong, and the difference between truth and

lies, as demonstrated by an ability to verbalize potential reasons for being honest or

dishonest, and the potential rewards or consequences for dishonesty or truthfulness; and

4.3. Maintain consistent orientation to date, time, and location, for example: being able to

provide basic identifying information, (i.e., name, address, date, date of birth, etc.) to

complete an authorisation form.

No and do not attempt this either. Do not rely on what other people may tell you they have heard or seen on TV or read somewhere. There are sites on the internet that try take your money to cheat the test. It is generally considered that a guilty person would want to try cheat. In fact you can't cheat the actual test as we measure reactions from the autonomic nervous system you can't control. Examinees try cheat the examiner. Which is not possible based on our experience. If you are honest you have nothing to worry about. If the examiner picks up that you are attempting to cheat or distort the test, the process will be stopped immediately and the report will indicate that there was a deliberate attempt to manipulate the test and result outcomes. Our examiners are highly trained on ALL measures used to try trick or cheat a test. The software and instruments used are designed to pick up even the faintest attempt at any cheating. Whether this be by breathing, movements, mental tricks or muscle contractions. If you know you are being deceptive, the polygraph will detect that deception. We use anti countermeasure instruments in the test used in motion detection.

Contrary to some claims and what is read on the internet, drugs or medications will not allow anyone to cheat or beat the test. They also will not affect the test to make you fail or even to pass. An example is that if 3 people walk down a street. One has high blood pressure, one has the flu and one has worked a night shift and is tired. A person jumps out with a knife to try and rob them. The reaction is the same for all 3. All of them will have an increase in heart rate, blood pressure will get higher, sweat will develope and breathing changes. The one does not react differently to the other because of the condition they have. There is an automonic reaction that takes place and this is displayed on the charts which is scored by the examiner

Yes. There are no studies by the APA that prove testing a pregnant woman has any negative impact on the result. As we are measuring breathing, sweating and heart rate. Usually in the late stages of pregnancy it would be uncomfortable to sit for a long time and also have instruments such as breathing sensors and a blood pressure cuff attached. We always advise that if you are unsure then to consult a doctor before the time. You also need to make your own mind up to do the test and sign a consent form. If at any stage a pregnant woman is not feeling well or wants to stop the process then this is done.