Lie detector tests are synonymous with law enforcement. In fact, the first use of the modern polygraph machine was in detective work.
But while polygraph exams continue to garner widespread acceptance in law enforcement and criminal defense, the technique has pervaded multiple other industries.
Administering lie detector tests isn’t always the first resort while investigating crimes or ethical misconduct. But where an individual’s reputation has been severely challenged, conducting a polygraph exam can help sift truth from mere allegations.
Below are the seven professionals who commonly rely on lie detector tests.
1. Law Enforcement
Law enforcement is unarguably the biggest beneficiary of the polygraph technique. Police detectives rely on lie detector tests to narrow down their suspect list.
During criminal investigations, detectives typically begin by building a massive suspect pool. They want to start off with as many persons of interest as possible, before narrowing down to the actual perpetrators.
All suspects in the pool undergo preliminary questioning using conventional forensic techniques.
Individuals who pass the initial investigations are freed from the pool. However, those who fail undergo subsequent layers of questioning.
At some point, detectives may recommend administering a lie detector test to narrow down the pool further. Polygraph exams enable law enforcement officers to validate the veracity of circumstantial evidence, potentially honing in on the lead suspects.
2. Intelligence Community
The United States is a global military and economic powerhouse. While that prestigious title has earned the country scores of allies, it has also pitted it against its traditional archrivals.
No wonder the US is one of the most spied-upon nations worldwide.
Lie detector tests have proven instrumental in aiding intelligence efforts. Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) admitted to using polygraphs for counter-surveillance purposes.
The federal agency has stated it occasionally administers lie detector tests to sniff out double agents within its ranks.
Various other national security agencies polygraph their staffers, either as part of pre-employment screening or during normal work.
3. Parole and Probation
Many inmates would sacrifice everything to secure their release, even if only on parole.
But mere behavior improvements shouldn’t always justify permanent release. To validate that a convict is truly reformed, it’s important to monitor their conduct while on parole.
Polygraphs have found significance within the corrections system, enabling probation officers to monitor released inmates. The tests are commonly administered to paroled sex offenders.
Polygraphing parolees confirms whether the offender has complied with their probationary terms.
By reviewing examiner reports, probation officers can make sound determinations on whether the offender poses further risk to the community.
4. Sports and Fitness
The phrase “levelling the playing field” may have been coined with sports in mind. However, cases abound where athletes deployed underhanded maneuvers to gain an undue edge in a competition.
Integrating polygraph testing into professional athletics ensures everyone plays by the rules. The technique is particularly effective at investigating the usage of performance-enhancing drugs.
From fishing, sports, to track and field, and bodybuilding, integrating polygraphs into sports can foster honesty and discipline.
The World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) and the Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders (OCB) are noteworthy sporting bodies that have embraced polygraph testing.
Both entities conduct lie detector tests, usually in combination with urinalysis, to screen for banned substances.
5. Therapy and Counseling
Lie detector tests have also become a staple in therapeutic settings.
Relationship counselors rely on the polygraph to get to the bottom of infidelity allegations. By submitting to lie detector tests, couples can resolve cheating suspicions and focus on rebuilding their relationships.
Polygraph testing is especially important where trust has been broken before and the aggrieved partner desires full closure. Findings from these tests can encourage open communication, an essential ingredient of any flourishing romantic relationship.
Besides marriage counseling, therapists may also use polygraphs as part of treating different addictions (drug, alcohol, sex, etc.)
6. The Corporate Sector
The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) bars most private employers from subjecting their employees (prospective or current) to mandatory lie detector tests.
However, the operative word is “mandatory.” Which means that polygraph exams are pretty much a common tool in many recruitment processes.
Besides, some companies deploy lie detector tests to investigate certain workplace incidents.
Common use cases include investigating theft, fraud, embezzlement, and even corporate espionage.
7. Private Investigation
Private investigators (PIs) play an instrumental role in the administration of justice, especially on matters beyond the scope of normal detective work.
As part of their duties, private eyes may use lie detector tests to accelerate their investigations.
Note that most subjects of private investigation are usually unaware they’re being spied on. So, PIs must proceed cautiously to obtain the individual’s consent.
Fortunately, that shouldn’t be a problem, as private investigators don’t necessarily conduct polygraph tests themselves. They usually enlist the services of licensed polygraphers.
Embracing Polygraph Testing With Dignity
It’s difficult to imagine a profession that wouldn’t benefit from lie detector tests in some way. However, experts recommend approaching every lie detector test objectively.
Examiners must safeguard the subjects’ dignity throughout the process. That entails upholding the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, even if every bit of circumstantial evidence points to an examinee’s guilt.
Besides, polygraph examiners must address certain ethical concerns to conduct a legally defensible lie detector test. These include obtaining an examinee’s informed consent and complying with applicable data privacy laws.
Ultimately, remember that polygraph findings are largely disallowed in criminal cases. And even in civil proceedings, admissibility is strictly a matter of discretion.
