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

THE GREATEST MISTAKE OF LIFE IS WHEN YOU DID EVERYTHING RIGHT FOR THAT PERSON
WHO DID EVERYTHING WRONG TO YOU
“NAGDASAL, NAGSIKAP, NATUPAD ANG MGA PANGARAP”