Polygraph exams have long been synonymous with law enforcement. In fact, the first lie detector test was administered in a 1921 homicide investigation.
After pointing the police to the location of Father Patrick E. Heslin’s deceased body, William Hightower immediately became a prime suspect in the priest’s murder.
Detectives asked Hightower to undergo a lie detector test as part of their investigations, to which he wilfully submitted but terribly failed. The police used the polygraph findings alongside other pieces of evidence to secure Hightower’s conviction.
Lie detector exams continue to dominate law enforcement work. However, there are dozens of other practical scenarios where these tests may be administered.
Here’s a look at the seven applications of polygraphs in real life.
1. Resolving Infidelity Allegations
Infidelity is a leading cause of divorce worldwide. But rather than become another statistic, you could schedule a lie detector test to allay or confirm your fears.
Polygraph exams can help resolve infidelity allegations and offer a pathway for rebuilding a fractured relationship. The tests are typically performed where cheating allegations are rife, but with no solid proof besides circumstantial evidence.
Besides, you may consider a polygraph test if your partner has cheated before and you no longer trust them as firmly as you did. The findings can help validate if the person is truly reformed.
Other possible scenarios include if your spouse is a pathological liar or suffers from Othello syndrome.
2. Pre-employment Screening
Many people lie in their resumés. But whether it’s exaggerating their qualifications or misrepresenting them altogether, conducting a lie detector test can help corroborate a job seeker’s claims.
A recruiter would first determine that the applicant meets the minimum requirements for the advertised position. Then, they’ll suggest taking a polygraph exam to validate each claim.
A professionally conducted polygraph can uncover invaluable information about a jobseeker’s work experience, credit history, and even criminal past.
However, note that the United States Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988 (EPPA) prohibits most organizations from using lie detector tests as a pre-employment screening tool. Although recruiters hold most cards in such scenarios, they cannot coerce applicants to submit to lie detector tests.
3. Addiction Treatment
A rehabilitation center is perhaps the least place you’d expect to find a polygraph machine. However, lie detector tests have proven effective in accelerating addiction treatments.
Requesting a recovering addict to submit to a polygraph enables their loved ones to validate their sobriety claims. If an individual is secretly doing drugs while keeping up appearances, they’ll likely fail the lie detector test.
In fact, incorporating polygraphs into therapeutic settings can serve as an effective deterrence. Addicts will strive to avoid drugs for fear of failing routine lie detector tests.
It’s exciting to know that polygraphs can help with different types of addiction treatments, including substance abuse and sex addiction.
4. Investigating Child Abuse
Child abuse presents in many forms. They include sexual molestation, physical abuse, and neglect. To uncover the truth, both the victim and suspect may need to undergo a polygraph test.
However, law enforcement typically places greater emphasis on the victims. That’s because children are often dismissed when they make sexual assault claims.
It’s important to factor the victim’s age before recommending a lie detector test. Besides being willing to be polygraphed, the child must have attained the age of 12 – 16, depending on their jurisdiction.
As child abuse cases involve minors, polygraph examiners should obtain the victim’s consent through their parents or legal guardians.
5. Monitoring Paroled Sex Offenders
A sexual offense conviction can leave an indelible mark on a person’s reputation. So, if a convict secures a probation, it’s imperative that they keep to their best behaviors.
Polygraphs have become a popular tool for monitoring sex offenders. By mandating regular tests, probation officers can determine if parolees are abiding by the conditions of their release.
Passing a lie detector test suggests an individual has turned over a new leaf, while failing the exams indicates they still pose significant risks to the community.
Coupled with other differently assessed behavioral patterns, the justice system may choose whether to release the parolee or bring them back in.
6. Screening For Banned Substances in Sports
The World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) immediately pops up when discussing the role of polygraph testing in sports. For years, the federation has relied on lie detector tests to screen for banned substances and investigate doping allegations.
Querying athletes about whether they’ve used performance-enhancing drugs is a significant leap towards leveling the playing field, which remains skewed in many sports.
Failing a lie detector test may cause a federation to prescribe forensic investigations. If the athlete fails follow-up tests, that’s sufficient justification for terminating their contracts.
Depending on how far back the doping evidence goes, a disgraced athlete may be stripped of their previous accolades. Not the ideal way to hang your boots, gloves, skateboards, etc.
7. Counterinsurgency Monitoring
Remember EPPA’s rules on polygraphing employees?
Well, federal agencies are generally exempted from these restrictions. And even if they were, I doubt they’d play by the rules where national security is on the line.
Many security agencies use polygraphs for counter-surveillance monitoring. Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) admitted to polygraphing its employees to sniff out those potentially engaging in counterinsurgency.
Other national security agencies that conduct mandatory lie detector tests include the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Expediting Investigations With Polygraph Tests
Polygraphs may have earned their popularity in law enforcement. However, the practice has since permeated many other sectors. Despite the scenario, you want to proceed cautiously before scheduling a lie detector test.
Note that polygraph findings are only valid if the examinee willfully consents to getting tested. Proof of coercion would automatically invalidate the exam’s credibility.
Besides, a polygraph examinee must be adequately prepared ahead of each evaluation. That entails informing them of the matter under investigation and the consequences of submitting to a lie detector test.
More importantly, polygraph findings can only be used as supportive rather than probative evidence.
