Can anybody hire a polygraph expert?

Anybody can ask for a polygraph test as long as it does not violate any laws. The person undergoing the test has to express their willingness to take it. Also, the examinee must not have any mental or physical conditions that might affect the outcome of the test. It should be noted that according to the U.K. law, anybody under the age of 14 should not undergo a polygraph test.

Do courts consider polygraph results?

Yes. Most courts admit polygraph results. However, the final decision regarding the admissibility of the test will be taken by the arbitrator or individual judge. Civil courts and tribunals generally admit polygraph test results more than criminal courts. It’s important to check with the specific jurisdiction and understand the local admissibility laws and standards. If you want to use a polygraph test result as an evidence against someone, you have to choose an examiner who has been certified as an ‘expert’. At London Polygraph Ltd, all our examiners are certified.

What is the cost of a polygraph test?

At our head office, we charge £399 all inclusive for a test, anywhere else in the UK including a home visit we charge £499, multiple tests are discounted. We take £150 deposit when a test is booked, the remainder is payable on the day by card or cash.

What will I get when I pay for a test?

For the fee you pay, you can have a polygraph test administered by an experienced and trained polygraph examiner at the location of your choice. Once the exam is over, you will get a full three-page report.

Are there any upper or lower age limits for the polygraph test?

No upper limit, however, there is a lower age limit. The person undergoing the test must be at least 14 years of age at the time of the test. If the examinee is a minor (under 18), they must have their parent or guardian present.

Can someone with a medical condition undergo the test?

During a polygraph test, the examinee does not suffer any physical injuries. The only discomfort they could experience is from the blood pressure cuff wrapped around their upper arm. That said, the test can cause some emotional stress. Since increased stress levels can aggravate some medical conditions like heart disease, most examiners would insist on getting an approval from the physician treating the examinee before conducting the test. Also, a polygraph test is not advised for heavily pregnant women.

Can medications affect the accuracy of the test results?

Yes. Any drugs that affect the normal activities of the central nervous system (e.g. anti-anxiety drugs, sedatives, and blood pressure stabilisers) can affect the strength of the physiological responses recorded by the polygraph test. This could increase the chances of having a test result that is deemed inconclusive. If the examinee is taking these types of medications, they should ideally be tested on a computerised machine because it is capable of recording even minor fluctuations in physiological signals.

What if the test result is inconclusive?

An inconclusive test result means that the polygraph examiner could not make a judgment of deception or truth based on the data collected. This could be due to several reasons. For example, certain drugs and medications taken by the examinee can interfere with the results. Low blood sugar and lack of sleep are other factors that could affect the results. Examinee’s failure to follow the instructions or refusal to cooperate may also lead to inconclusive test results. Fortunately, the chance of an inconclusive result is around 4%.

Do you handle infidelity and relationship issues?

Yes. These are the most popular tests we run. Our polygraph experts are trained in these areas and can help you resolve these personal matters.

Who prepares the test questions?

Based on all the background information and the investigation on hand, we come up with the first draft. We give the draft to you for approval. Once it is approved by you, it is considered final. There are no surprise questions. Each question is prepared to suit the requirements of our clients. The examiner will ask both relevant and non-relevant questions. The relevant questions address the test issue. Non-relevant questions are asked to establish the examinee’s baselines.

Can I prepare my own set of questions?

There are several rules regarding the design of questions used on a polygraph test. You are not required or supposed to hand over your questions. Instead, you will discuss your situation with the examiner and they will design the best questions that will resolve the problem. If you really want, you can suggest some questions. However, these questions have to be approved by the examiner before they are used on the test. We only test on fact, no emotion, nor intent and questions have to be fair to the person we are testing.

What information does a polygraph report include?

A typical report will include the following information:

(1) Name of the examinee (2) The purpose for which the exam is held (3) The date on which the exam is held (4) The relevant questions that the examiner asked (5) The answers that the examinee gave (6) Any relevant admissions/statements that the examinee made during the test (7) The result of the test based on the analysis of the charts made by the examiner (8) The name, signature, and phone number of the examiner

Can someone beat the polygraph test?

Yes if the examinee knew exactly what to do and had been trained in countermeasures which is very unlikely! Typically we see 10% of people trying to cheat, it’s very obvious and always employed incorrectly.