POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION

RESPONDING TO INCIDENTS WITH THE HELP OF
IQM POLYGRAPH INVESTIGATORS

A Very Effective Tool For Determining The Truth

Planning and case organization are important steps for the attorney, or manager, who is preparing to direct a polygraph examination. The investment in time is worth the effort because it can bring a resolution, or closure, to a disturbing situation. As St. John the Evangelist has pointed out, "The truth will set you free."    Unresolved events can poison an environment.

The quality of information that an examiner receives from the registered client and accuser must be solid because it is the basis of the examination. Case facts must be established by a thorough inquiry. The examiner may have a list of questions for the fact-gather after a review of the client's case file.  The setting for the examination is important. Plenty of time must be allowed. Even in simple circumstances involving the examination of a number of subjects, relative to a single incident, a minimum of two hours must be allowed for the examination of each subject. Time must also be allowed for case orientation and setup before the first test. Analysis and report writing time must also be considered for each examination. This is an expensive procedure and only serious allegation should be considered for processing. 

Examination Locations

Our examiner can travel to any location in the State of Texas and most locations in the Southwest. Each situation must be assessed for cost effectiveness. When the allegations involve a serious transgression, we prefer to conduct polygraph examinations at our Dallas/Ft.Worth location and have the subject's undivided attention. The subject for examination may have to be sent to that location for an overnight visit, depending on the circumstances. High impact, or complex situations, may require substantially more time. The examiner must have a good understanding of the subject's frame of reference and physiological condition. Gearing up for the most serious cases, IQM takes: a urine specimen for drug abuse testing; a written personality inventory, giving the examiner insight into the subject's value system, then a structured interview based on the facts of the case. The final questions to be resolved by polygraph examination are derived from the give and take of the interview. It also serves as the basis of interrogation if the polygraph examination reflects deception in the responses to relevant questions. The examination process may be video or audio taped for review by appropriate decision makers.

EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT

Four exemptions allowing private employers to use polygraphs

1. Any employer may use polygraphs as an aid in investigations of incidents involving economic loss or injury to the employer's business. However, only employees who have access to the property which is the subject of the investigation, and about whom the employer has a "reasonable suspicion," can be required to submit to a polygraph examination.

2. Employer manufacture, store, or distribute controlled substances, can use polygraphs in investigations involving the theft, loss or diversion of any controlled substance. This exemption is similar to the first exemption the employer does not have to develop a "reasonable suspicion."

3. Employers whose primary business is the provision of certain types of security services may use polygraphs as an aid in pre-employment screening, where the prospective employee will be employed to protect certain sensitive businesses, assets, or institutions.

4. Employers who manufacture, store or distribute controlled substances may use polygraphs as an aid in pre-employment screening, if the prospective employee will have "direct Access" to controlled substances.

References

A. Exemptions Under The Employee Polygraph Protection Act

B. Employer Guidelines On Use

C. How Polygraph Works

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