What Questions Do They Ask on a Police Polygraph Test?
A police polygraph test, also known as a lie detector test, is a widely used investigative tool to detect deception and verify the truthfulness of an individual’s statements. The test is designed to measure physiological responses, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and skin conductivity, to determine whether a person is telling the truth or not. But what questions do they ask on a police polygraph test?
Types of Questions Asked
Polygraph tests typically involve a series of questions, which can be categorized into three main types:
- Control Questions: These questions are designed to elicit a physiological response that is consistent with the truth. Examples of control questions include:
- Have you ever told a lie?
- Have you ever broken the law?
- Have you ever stolen something?
- Relevant Questions: These questions are directly related to the investigation or case being investigated. Examples of relevant questions include:
- Did you commit the crime?
- Were you at the scene of the crime?
- Did you have any involvement in the crime?
- Comparison Questions: These questions are designed to compare the individual’s physiological response to the relevant questions. Examples of comparison questions include:
- Did you see or hear anything unusual on the day of the crime?
- Did you have any contact with the victim before the crime?
The Questioning Process
The questioning process typically involves a series of questions, which are asked in a specific order. The examiner will usually start with control questions, followed by relevant questions, and then comparison questions. The goal is to create a baseline of physiological responses to the control questions, which can then be compared to the responses to the relevant and comparison questions.
Example Questions Asked
Here are some examples of questions that may be asked during a police polygraph test:
| Question | Type |
|---|---|
| Have you ever committed a crime? | Control |
| Did you steal the money from the store? | Relevant |
| Did you see the suspect’s car at the scene of the crime? | Comparison |
| Have you ever lied to a police officer? | Control |
| Were you involved in the fight at the bar? | Relevant |
| Did you hear anything unusual on the night of the crime? | Comparison |
Important Considerations
It’s essential to note that polygraph tests are not foolproof and can be influenced by various factors, such as:
- Stress and anxiety: High levels of stress and anxiety can affect the individual’s physiological responses, making it difficult to determine whether they are telling the truth or not.
- Practice and experience: Individuals who have taken polygraph tests before may be more likely to exhibit a physiological response that is consistent with deception.
- Lack of training: Examiners who are not properly trained may not be able to accurately administer the test or interpret the results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, police polygraph tests involve a series of questions that are designed to detect deception and verify the truthfulness of an individual’s statements. The questions asked can be categorized into control, relevant, and comparison questions, and the questioning process is designed to create a baseline of physiological responses to control questions, which can then be compared to the responses to relevant and comparison questions. While polygraph tests can be a useful investigative tool, it’s essential to consider the limitations and potential biases involved in the testing process.
