There are generally three phases that will occur during a polygraph examination. Those are the Pre-Polygraph interview, the Polygraph Examination, and the Post-examination interview.

Generally, a polygraph examination can take up to three hours to complete. The examination can take longer depending on several factors, such as the complexity of the case or questions posed by the examinee. If someone tells you a deception detection case in less than an hour and a half, question the legitimacy of that person. If you have had a polygraph that also lasted less than that time, please call me to discuss the specifics. 

Being nervous is a normal reaction to taking a polygraph. Nonetheless, once a person begins testing, they establish a new “baseline” of stress, and the polygraphist can account for that new stress level. It is possible to differentiate between “normal” stress and the physiological reactions exhibited when someone is deceptive. You will be treated with respect during the appointment. The polygrapher will not be interrogated or accuse you of anything during the interview. The pre-test interview is a conversation about the issues, questions, and process. Most people calm down significantly after talking starts, so worrying is unnecessary. It is vital to inform the examiner if you have had a significant experience within 48 hours of your polygraph examination. That would be any incident from recently engaging in an argument to the death of a loved one. If that is the case, the examiner may ask you to re-schedule your appointment.

A polygraph is an instrument that records physiological changes in the body of the examinee while being asked specific questions. Those questions can cause a person to have a psychological response which causes the examinee’s body to react, triggering a physical reaction response that is outside that person's control. ​

The appointment consists of an interview and recording of physical reactions using a modern, digital polygraph instrument to determine if a person responds while asked a series of questions. The process is transparent, without tricks or surprises. It is nothing like you have seen in the movies. 

Absolutely. Polygraph results are used in courts around the country every day. The admissibility of polygraph results varies. Polygraph results may be admissible in criminal proceedings if the defense attorney, prosecution, and judge agree in advance. Courts, Probation and Parole, the police, district attorneys, private attorneys, and other entities utilize polygraph testing and depend on the results for their cases.

There are generally two main types of polygraph examinations, but several others exist for specific circumstances. Multiple Issue Examination allows for a larger scope of questions but is considered less accurate. The other is a Specific Issue Examination, which is considered the most accurate, but is limited in scope to one specific issue.

The answer to this question is simple. NO. No one can be forced to participate in a polygraph examination. Polygraph examinations are and MUST be completely voluntary. Additionally, the person taking the polygraph must do so free from threats, duress, coercion, the promise of reward or immunity, or the threat of adverse action toward them if the test results in a "fail."

The most current polygraph research indicates that when a qualified and trained examiner correctly administers a specific, single-issue polygraph exam, the accuracy rate is between 88% and 92%. Since 1980, a collection of research studies encompassing 80 research projects involving 6,380 polygraph examinations and 12 studies of the validity of field examinations following 2,174 field examinations -- indicate an average accuracy rate of 98%.

A standard polygraph exam has approximately 12 questions, three or four specific to the topic being tested for. "Did you [do whatever]…" is an example of a relevant question. Three of these questions are ideal. Four is the absolute maximum. The other of the twelve questions guide your reactions. Clients are welcome to prepare their questions, which are edited by the polygrapher for the actual procedure. Questions can only cover one topic (e.g., fidelity) and cannot span multiple issues. Some basic rules to question formulation are No wordy questions can be used. (If it requires an extra breath while reciting the question, it's too wordy) No compound questions. Those that include the words "and & or" No hypothetical questions can be used. "If you were to ____, would you___?" Questions can only focus on one specific topic. The answer should be answered with "no." Questions about feelings or emotions cannot be used. The examiner cannot ask, "Do you love your spouse?" (love is an emotion and is defined in different ways by various people)

Yes. These usually mean discussing sexual activities or behaviors. As a result, be prepared to discuss sexual issues strictly in a clinical manner. Your polygrapher is trained in conducting Post-Conviction Sex-Offender Testing, so he works with clinical psychologists and sex addiction therapists to obtain information to identify sexual and deviant behaviors. Any interest in sexual issues is strictly clinical and not meant as an inappropriate intrusion into your personal life. Both parties involved in a dispute are encouraged to participate in the question formulation process with each other and to ensure that any terminology related to the questions you choose is discussed. The definitions must be clear between spouses or significant others. Questions about feelings or emotions cannot be used. The examiner cannot ask, "Do you love your spouse?" (love is an emotion and is defined in different ways by various people) A spouse can be asked if she has already taken steps to leave someone.
Infidelity/Fidelity - This focuses on whether your significant other partner has had sexual contact with anyone else besides you. Other related items may include questions about dating, kissing, or contact with ex-partners. Inappropriate Internet Use - Polygraphs can be used to determine if virtual sexual activities conducted over the internet are being used, such as viewing pornographic sites, dating sites, chat rooms, or sexual conversations with people other than you. Personal History - This is used when verifying your partner's background, such as sexual history, drug or alcohol habits, gambling, health issues (STDs), and significant undisclosed debt. Newly engaged people most often use these.   

Everything is done by appointment.  A few days' notice is generally needed for a scheduled exam. With online real-time scheduling, you select when to schedule your test. The examiner understands that your personal schedule is essential to you, so we offer later testing on some weekdays after 5 pm. Weekend or holiday appointments are available with an added fee. As always, you can contact me by phone, text, or email to schedule an appointment.