Polygraph examinations verify the truth. Contrary to popular belief, the polygraph device is not a “lie detector.” The polygraph process is now known as psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD). Using this method, an experienced examiner can provide evidence in connection with any type of criminal or civil matter.
Most polygraph exams are used outside the courtroom. Law firms and private attorneys use polygraphs to assist in pre-trial negotiations, plea bargaining, or sentencing recommendations. Polygraphs are also used for witness verification or impeachment and to mitigate suspicion during criminal investigations.
Most attorneys will submit their own clients to the exam, so the exam can be conducted under the protection of attorney-client privilege.
Polygraphs are also commonly used as an investigative tool for pre-employment needs, domestic concerns, clinical settings, and many other instances when claims must be verified.
Contrary to popular belief, polygraph results are not directly admissible in all court proceedings. Admissibility standards differ in each jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions allow polygraph evidence, either stipulated or un-stipulated, while some jurisdictions prohibit polygraph evidence altogether. Many other jurisdictions allow judges to determine admissibility on a case-by-case basis. The Daubert standard governs the admission of scientific evidence, and this includes polygraph results.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has recently established standards for polygraph testing, and this has substantially increased its credibility with the scientific community. These standards have been approved by a combined body of experts, and they provide a template for the increased acceptability of polygraph results.
Clinical polygraph examinations are a specialized area within the polygraph profession. Approved examiners receive additional training in providing post-conviction sex offender testing and are approved by the American Polygraph Association to provide such sex offender testing.
Bilingual Polygraph Services offers polygraph services for a wide range of purposes: pre-employment, civil issues, infidelity, family crisis, criminal investigations, and clinical needs. Bilingual Polygraph Services has substantial experience working with attorneys, both in private and government practice, and has aided thousands of clients in preparing defenses that would otherwise have been unavailable.
Utilizing computerized polygraph instrumentation, Bilingual Polygraph Services specializes in providing post-conviction sex offender testing (PCSOT), sexual addiction testing, and immigration credibility assessment examinations (I-CARE).
Bilingual Polygraph Services is committed to the use of the containment approach when dealing with post-conviction sex offenders. We are proud to be part of the triangle of containment, which includes supervision officials, treatment officials, and polygraph examiners. We are associated with many different organizations that support or utilize this method.
Our polygraph exams can be conducted at the requesting agency’s office location, at an attorney’s office, or at our office in Austin, Texas.
The specific subject areas of concern are discussed with the requestor and identified before the exam. Based on this information, the examiner formulates relevant questions that address those concerns.
Each test takes from 1.5 to 3 hours to complete. There are no surprises in the questioning. All questions and answers are discussed fully with the subject before testing. The results of the examination are available immediately after the test, and a full written report is delivered within 5-10 working days.
Please contact us for further information or to inquire about other ways Bilingual Polygraph Services can help you.