FAQ

• It is a test used to verify a person’s truthfulness and is often called a ‘Lie Detector Test.’
• The word “polygraph” originates from the Greek word polygraphos (writing copiously), and means “many writings” or “many graphs.”
• The word “polygraph” alludes to the method used to continuously and simultaneously record specific physiological responses during an examination.
• A Forensic Psychophysiologist (Polygraph Examiner) will utilize a computerized instrument to collect physiological data from at least three systems in the body. The Polygraph measures multiple physiological reactions, setting it apart from other less reliable methods. Activity or motion sensor equipment is also implemented during the examination phase of the test.
• Instruments that claim to record voice stress is NOT polygraph. (See section on Voice Stress).

Accuracy is estimated at between 95%-96%, according to recent APA studies

If done by a Trained and Qualified Examiner following proper procedures – Test accuracy can be as high as 98%

The results of Polygraph Examinations have been used regularly in Disciplinary Hearings, CCMA cases and Labour Court as well as Criminal matters.

Polygraph Examiners have been accepted as expert witnesses whose evidence needs to be tested for reliability. The duty of the commissioner is to determine the admissibility and reliability of the evidence. Polygraph test may not be interpreted as implying guilt but may be regarded as an aggravating factor especially where there is other evidence of misconduct. In other words, polygraph test results, on their own, are not a basis for a finding of guilt. It can be used only in support of other evidence.
Provided by the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA)

Generally, employers are permitted to use the polygraph to investigate specific incidents where

• Employees had access to the property which is the subject of the investigation;
• There is a reasonable suspicion that the employee was involved in the incident;
• There has been economic loss or injury to the employer’s business, like theft of company property;
• The employer is combating dishonesty in positions of trust;
• The employer is combating serious alcohol, illegal drugs or narcotics abuse and fraudulent behaviour within the company;
• The employer is combating deliberate falsification of documents and lies regarding true identity of the people involved.

No, the examinations are voluntary, you have the right to refuse a Polygraph exam.

This is a situation which has been exploited (unsuccessfully) by many people who think they can beat the polygraph. Nerves will NOT affect the outcome of the examination

It is quite normal for any person to feel nervous during a polygraph test. If you are nervous at the beginning of the test, as most people are, you will remain nervous throughout the test. Your reactions to answering truthfully or untruthfully will still differ and will still look very different to each other.

Nervousness and reactions to questions based on being truthful or deceptive are completely different., thus giving us a clear indicator of deception or non-deception.

In Harmse & Rainbow Farms (Pty) Ltd.
In this matter the employee was one of 15 who had access or potential access to the missing equipment. When offered an exculpatory polygraph examination, Mr Harmse at first declined then changed his mind and did complete the test which he was the only person to fail. When offered another examination which could have led to his total pardon, he declined the opportunity and was then dismissed for reasons of breach of trust. The employer then dismissed him on the basis of not theft, but breach of trust relationship. This position and decision of the employer were upheld by the CCMA. Furthermore it was noted that: “the employer has the right to dismiss an employee whom it can no longer trust provided there are reasonable grounds for such loss of trust based on the actions of the employee. the employer had reason to request polygraph examination as a result of suffering a substantial financial loss. an employer has a right in circumstances of such loss to exert some pressure on employees to cooperate in the investigation of the misconduct or crime. granting of the option of a re-examination may be seen as a show of good faith by the employer. the polygraph examination phase was seen as an integral and crucial part of the investigation. the advance notification in writing of the examinees of the intention of the employer to institute polygraph examination as part of the investigation was seen to be fair. the procedure was not viewed as an unfair labour practice nor as an infringement of the fundamental rights of the examinee. the procedure underscored the fact that the examination was considered as voluntary.”

An examiner will only release the test results to an authorised person.

Voice Stress Analysis is not Polygraph. “Voice Polygraph” does not exist. Many Voice Stress Service Providers misleadingly advertise themselves as polygraph examiners or advertise their services as “voice polygraph”.

Forensic Psychophysiologists (Polygraph Examiners) have been accepted as expert witnesses whose evidence needs to be tested for reliability. The duty of the commissioner is to determine the admissibility and reliability of the evidence. In the same regard VSA or FVSA has not been accepted at the CCMA.

The examiner will discuss all questions being asked prior to the exam. The questions will be pertinent to the specific issue being tested. Only reviewed questions will be asked. In other words, no surprise questions will be asked.

Answer – Tell the truth or don’t take the test. Trying to beat the Polygraph would be to your own detriment and an experienced Examiner can easily distinguish between a truthful person and a deceptive one. With approved, recognized equipment and software, an examiner can identify a person who is trying to beat the Polygraph – basically – “THE TRUTH CONQUERS”

No. Compulsive liars may habitually lie, but they still do know when they are telling a lie. They will still show reactions with regards to being truthful or untruthful.