Polygraph Testing in Forensic Science
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Rakesh PandeyPolygraph Testing in Forensic Science
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Rakesh Pandey- Cover Page
- Acknowledgement
- Introduction
- History
- Objectives of Polygraph Examination
- Principle on Which Polygraph Instrument Functions
- Types of Polygraph Instruments
- Diagram of Polygraph Setup
- Administration of the Test
- Categories of Questioning Technique
- Analysis of the Polygraph Chart
- Working Process of the Polygraph Examiner
- Judicial Approach Towards Polygraph Test in India
- Conclusion
Common questions
Powered by AIPolygraph examiners begin by questioning the subject about the crime, understanding that truthful responses could lead to punishment. To avoid this, individuals may lie, triggering defense mechanisms that interact with their body, leading to physiological changes such as increased blood pressure and altered respiration. These responses are measured by the polygraph and analyzed by the examiner, either manually or with computer assistance, to evaluate truthfulness. The testing process involves familiarizing the subject, conducting a pre-test interview, formulating questions, and analyzing results .
During a polygraph examination, relevant, irrelevant, control, and peak of tension questions are used. Relevant questions deal with the core issue of the investigation, assuming a guilty person will show more physiological arousal. Irrelevant questions are emotionally neutral and not related to the crime, serving as a baseline. Control questions pertain to similar but unrelated past situations, hypothesizing that guilty individuals will show more arousal to relevant questions while the innocent may react more to control questions. Peak of tension questions involve specifics unknown to the subject, expecting a guilty person to react strongly to the correct detail .
Polygraph examiners analyze test results by evaluating physiological responses like changes in respiration, blood pressure, and pulse rate. Key indicators include simultaneous increases in respiration and blood pressure after responses to questions, heavier breathing after relevant questions, a decrease in blood pressure post-reply, and changes in pulse rate post-questioning. Trends in the blood pressure curve, such as downward for relaxation, horizontal for unchanged emotional state, and upward for tension or possible deception, are also assessed. These evaluations help determine the likelihood of deception .
The polygraph test aims to scientifically verify the statements of suspects, replacing the third-degree method of interrogation, which often involves coercion or physical pressure. It serves as a non-invasive means to assess truthfulness through physiological measures, like blood pressure and skin conductivity, offering an alternative to more aggressive traditional methods. However, its role in the interrogation process is limited due to questions about reliability and legal admissibility in courts. It is particularly used for corroborating findings in cases involving white-collar and cyber crimes .
Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution provides the privilege against self-incrimination, stating that no person accused of an offense shall be compelled to testify against themselves. This legal principle impacts the use of polygraph tests in courts as the results of such tests are not accepted as evidence. There is a lack of provision in the Criminal Procedure Code, Evidence Act, and Constitution for the admissibility of polygraph test results, as these could potentially violate the protection granted under Article 20(3).
The two major families of polygraph techniques are the 'knowledge approaches' and 'deception (dishonesty) approaches.' The 'knowledge approaches' focus on detecting physiological responses indicative of the examinee's awareness of incriminating information they are attempting to conceal. In contrast, 'deception (dishonesty) approaches' assess credibility by examining responses to accusatory questions related to the issues being investigated. This approach evaluates truthfulness based on the subject's physiological reactions when confronted with direct inquiries about the crime .
Reliability concerns in polygraph testing stem primarily from the assumption that physiological arousal is directly linked to deception. However, changes in physiological states can be triggered by factors such as nervousness, fear, anxiety, medical conditions, or substance effects. The questioning manner also influences responses. Due to these variables, a polygraph is not entirely reliable as it can yield false positives or negatives. Trained individuals can even manipulate physiological responses through techniques like relaxation or meditation. As a result, the polygraph’s dependability is questioned in empirical studies .
The polygraph instrument works on the principle of psychosomatic interaction, which suggests that physiological changes in an individual occur due to emotional responses when they consciously hold deceptive feelings. These changes manifest as alterations in blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and electrodermal response. It is the fear of detection rather than guilt itself that triggers measurable physiological responses, forming the basis for the polygraph's operation .
The objectives of conducting a polygraph examination include verifying the truthfulness of statements from suspects, witnesses, and complainants across all crime types. Additionally, the polygraph aims to replace inhumane interrogation methods with a scientific approach, examining white-collar criminals, economic offenders, and cyber criminals. It serves to corroborate investigative findings, providing a basis for further inquiry into the involved individuals' credibility and knowledge about the crime .
The development of the modern polygraph instrument began with Cesare Lombroso's initial attempt in 1895 to create a scientific method for truth detection. Vittorio Benussi conducted practical physiological deception tests. In 1921, John A. Larson, a California policeman and physiologist, devised an apparatus to measure blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration simultaneously. Larson and Leonard Keelar later introduced new features, enhancing the instrument's versatility. John Reid further refined the device and its application in 1947, contributing significantly to its evolution into the modern polygraph instrument .
