What questions do they ask on police polygraph?

What Questions Do They Ask on Police Polygraph?

The police polygraph, also known as a lie detector test, is a tool used by law enforcement agencies to determine the truthfulness of an individual’s statements. During a polygraph examination, a trained examiner will ask a series of questions to assess the subject’s credibility and detect any deception. But what kind of questions do they ask on a police polygraph?

Types of Questions

Police polygraph examinations typically consist of two types of questions: relevant questions and irrelevant questions.

Relevant Questions

These questions are directly related to the investigation or case at hand. They are designed to assess the subject’s knowledge, involvement, or memories related to the event or incident. Relevant questions may include:

• Did you commit the crime?
• Were you present at the scene of the crime?
• Do you know the identity of the perpetrator?
• Have you lied about your involvement in the case?

Irrelevant Questions

These questions are designed to distract the subject, test their emotional responses, and assess their honesty. Irrelevant questions may include:

• Have you ever broken a law?
• Have you ever lied to a friend or family member?
• Do you like your job?
• Have you ever been in a fight?

Question Formats

Polygraph examiners use different question formats to assess the subject’s responses. These formats include:

• Open-ended questions: These questions allow the subject to provide a detailed response. For example, "Can you describe what happened that night?"
• Multiple-choice questions: These questions present the subject with multiple options and ask them to choose the most accurate answer. For example, "Did you take the money from the purse?"

  • A) Yes
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  • B) No
  • C) I don’t know

• True/False questions: These questions require the subject to respond with either "true" or "false". For example, "Did you witness the crime?"

Frequency and Timing of Questions

The frequency and timing of questions during a polygraph examination are crucial. Examiners typically ask:

• Control questions: These questions are designed to elicit a consistent response from the subject. Control questions may include "Have you ever told a lie?" or "Have you ever broken a law?"
• Probe questions: These questions are designed to elicit a response related to the investigation or case. Probe questions may include "Did you commit the crime?" or "Were you present at the scene of the crime?"
• Sequential questions: These questions are asked in a specific order to assess the subject’s responses. Sequential questions may include a series of yes/no questions, followed by a series of open-ended questions.

Other Considerations

When designing a polygraph examination, examiners must consider several factors, including:

• Subject’s age and cognitive abilities: The subject’s age, education level, and cognitive abilities may impact their ability to understand and respond to questions.
• Cultural and linguistic factors: The subject’s cultural background and language may affect their response to questions.
• Emotional state: The subject’s emotional state, such as stress, anxiety, or fear, may impact their responses.
• Previous experience with polygraph tests: The subject’s previous experience with polygraph tests may influence their response to questions.

Table: Example of a Police Polygraph Examination

Conclusion

Police polygraph examinations are complex and nuanced. The questions asked during a polygraph examination are designed to assess the subject’s credibility, detect deception, and gather information related to the investigation or case. By understanding the types of questions, formats, and considerations involved in a polygraph examination, individuals can better prepare themselves for the process and ensure a more accurate outcome.