What is Asked on a Police Polygraph Test?
When you’re being questioned by law enforcement, it’s essential to be prepared and aware of what to expect during a polygraph test. A polygraph test, also known as a lie detector test, is a tool used to determine whether a person is telling the truth or not. The test measures physiological reactions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing patterns, to identify potential deception. In this article, we’ll dive into what is asked on a police polygraph test and what you can expect during the examination.
Pre-Test Preparation
Before the test, you’ll typically be asked to:
- Sign a consent form, indicating that you understand the test’s purpose and procedures
- Remove any electronic devices, such as watches or jewelry
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing
- Avoid eating or drinking 30 minutes before the test
- Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself
The Actual Test
During the test, you’ll be connected to the polygraph machine, which measures your physiological responses. You’ll be asked a series of questions, which are designed to be either control questions or relevant questions.
- Control questions: These questions are designed to measure your natural responses to general questions, such as:
- Have you ever told a lie?
- Do you have any siblings?
- Are you under the age of 18?
- Relevant questions: These questions are related to the specific issue or investigation being examined, such as:
- Did you steal the jewelry from the store?
- Were you at the scene of the crime on the night it occurred?
- Have you been involved in any illegal activities?
The Types of Questions Asked
The type of questions asked during a police polygraph test vary depending on the specific circumstances and the goals of the investigation. Here are some examples of common questions asked during a polygraph test:
- Behavioral questions: These questions ask about your actions or behavior, such as:
- Did you attend a specific event or meeting?
- Have you met with a particular person or group?
- Consequential questions: These questions ask about the consequences of your actions, such as:
- Did you intentionally cause harm to someone or something?
- Did you conceal evidence of a crime?
- Open-ended questions: These questions ask about specific details or events, such as:
- Can you describe what you saw on the night of the accident?
- Did you have any conversations with someone about the alleged crime?
The Testing Process
The testing process typically consists of the following stages:
- Pre-test instructions: You’ll be given instructions on how to take the test, including how to relax and respond to the questions.
- Control question phase: You’ll be asked the control questions, which help the examiner understand your baseline physiological responses.
- Relevant question phase: You’ll be asked the relevant questions, which are designed to elicit a response from you if you’re hiding information.
- Comparison: The examiner will compare your physiological responses to the questions asked during the test.
Interpreting the Results
The results of a polygraph test are typically interpreted as follows:
- Deception detected: If your physiological responses indicate that you’re lying or hiding information, this may indicate that you’re not telling the truth.
- No deception indicated: If your physiological responses are consistent with your statements, this may indicate that you’re telling the truth.
- Inconclusive: If the results are unclear or ambiguous, this may indicate that more testing or additional information is needed to make a determination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a police polygraph test is a useful tool for law enforcement agencies to gather information and identify potential deception. By understanding what is asked on a police polygraph test, you can better prepare yourself for the examination and be more confident in your ability to provide accurate information. Remember to remain calm and focused during the test, and be aware of your physiological responses to the questions asked.
