What Questions Do They Ask in a Police Polygraph?
A polygraph examination is a crucial tool used by law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes and determine the credibility of witnesses and suspects. The polygraph, also known as a lie detector test, is designed to measure physiological responses to specific questions, helping to identify deception or dishonesty. When a police officer conducts a polygraph examination, they typically ask a series of questions to test the examinee’s responses. But what questions do they ask in a police polygraph?
The Standard Questions
The questions asked during a police polygraph examination vary depending on the purpose of the test, but they usually fall into several categories. The following are the standard questions asked in most polygraph exams:
Contents
Control Questions
Control questions are designed to help the examiner establish a baseline of the examinee’s normal physiological responses. These questions are typically related to past events or situations that the examinee would be unlikely to lie about, such as:
• Have you ever broken a bone in your life?
• Have you ever gotten into a fight?
• Have you ever been to the movies?
The goal is to measure the examinee’s physiological responses to these questions, which are considered control questions, to compare with their responses to other, more relevant questions.
Irrelevant Questions
Irrelevant questions are designed to distract the examinee from the focus of the examination. These questions are often about trivial matters or topics that are not relevant to the investigation. Examples include:
• Do you like pineapple on your pizza?
• Have you ever seen the movie "Titanic"?
• Do you have a favorite sports team?
The examiner wants to test the examinee’s ability to remain focused and composed under questioning, as well as to gather additional data to help validate or disprove the test results.
Target Questions
Target questions are the ones most relevant to the investigation. These questions are designed to elicit specific information about the crime or event under investigation. Examples might include:
• Did you have anything to do with the missing money?
• Were you at the scene of the crime on the night it occurred?
• Did you have any involvement in the theft of the stolen items?
The examiner uses these questions to assess the examinee’s response to questions that are most relevant to the investigation, comparing the results to their responses to control and irrelevant questions.
Specific Inquiry Questions
Specific inquiry questions are used to gather more detailed information about the examinee’s involvement in the crime or event. These questions might include:
• Can you describe what happened at the scene of the crime?
• Who else was involved in the incident?
• What was your role in the theft?
These questions help the examiner to identify inconsistencies in the examinee’s story or to gather additional evidence that may aid in the investigation.
Summary
When conducting a police polygraph examination, the examiner asks a range of questions, including control questions, irrelevant questions, target questions, and specific inquiry questions. These questions help to establish a baseline of the examinee’s normal physiological responses, test their ability to remain focused, and gather information about their involvement in the crime or event. The goal is to identify deception or dishonesty, but the polygraph examination is just one tool used by law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and solve crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How do police officers decide which questions to ask during a polygraph examination?
A: Police officers typically consult with a trained polygraph examiner or forensic psychologist to develop a questioning strategy tailored to the specific investigation. - Q: Can a person "beat" a polygraph examination?
A: While some individuals may be able to conceal their deception, most experts agree that a polygraph examination is not a foolproof method for detecting lies. - Q: Is a polygraph examination admissible in court?
A: The admissibility of polygraph examination results varies by jurisdiction, but they are often considered expert testimony and may be admitted in court as evidence.
Table: Typical Polygraph Examination Questions
| Question Category | Example Questions |
|---|---|
| Control Questions | Have you ever broken a bone in your life? Do you like pineapple on your pizza? |
| Irrelevant Questions | Have you ever seen the movie "Titanic"? Do you have a favorite sports team? |
| Target Questions | Did you have anything to do with the missing money? Were you at the scene of the crime on the night it occurred? |
| Specific Inquiry Questions | Can you describe what happened at the scene of the crime? Who else was involved in the incident? |
Remember that every polygraph examination is unique, and the questions asked may vary depending on the specific investigation. While this article provides a general overview of the types of questions asked during a police polygraph examination, it’s essential to consult with a trained polygraph examiner or forensic psychologist for specific guidance on conducting an examination.
