Common sense would have us think that of all the professionals, polygraph (lie detector) examiners would value truth more than most people. And most of them do.
Some polygraph examiners are outright frauds and confidence men. Thousands of people are falling prey to these so-called examiners every year and are paying out hard-earned money to get nothing in return but smoke and mirrors.
Polygraphy, also known as lie detection, is a legitimate science that has been around for over 80 years and continues to evolve and improve. Modern techniques have gotten the accuracy rate well above the 90% range. That is, if the test is done correctly. When a test is done incorrectly, it’s better not to have the test done at all. But how can you tell the difference?
First you need to know how a legitimate polygraph examiner is trained. After attending and graduating from a polygraph training school accredited by the American Polygraph Association (APA), the examiner undergoes an internship (typically one year) before becoming certified by the training facility. If the examiner is working in one of the states that requires a polygraph license, he or she must obtain that license. The examiner must then return to school each year for continuing education, and this training must also be approved by the APA. Most U.S. examiners will belong to either the American Polygraph Association or the American Association of Police Polygraphists in order to facilitate this continuing education and to keep abreast of the rapid changes being made within the industry.
Then you have the frauds. These “examiners” typically teach themselves how to conduct exams by reading books and manuals, then hang out their shingles. Others may tell you they completed training at so-and-so polygraph school, but this school either doesn’t exist or is not an accredited training facility. In any case, you have an examiner who is not trained to do polygraph testing. This examiner is not eligible to belong to the APA and is not permitted to enter most continuing education programs.
How do you identify these frauds? Verify the examiner’s primary polygraph training. Verify the examiner’s APA or AAPP membership. Verify a satisfactory rating with the Better Business Bureau. Ask to see the examiner’s Curriculum Vitae or resume. Verify state licensing if one is required. Be cautious of any examiner charging significantly less than the average price for your area. Any price under $300 should be a big flashing warning sign. Finally, if the examiner offers you voice stress services over the phone, you’re about to be scammed.
Michael Martin (President, Global Polygraph Network)
