NCJ Number
205036
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 33 Issue: 1 Dated: 2004 Pages: 37-47
Editor(s)
Stuart M. Senter Ph.D.
Date Published
2004
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the role of forensic psychophysiology, the examination of the veracity of suspects’ statements with the use of the polygraph through the avenues of the use and abuse of the polygraph method and the informational and orientational value of the polygraph examination in the country of Slovenia and specifically the benefits within the pretrial review.
Abstract
At the turn of the century, forensic psychophysiology within the Slovenian police was behind the United States, specifically with respect to the available data. Forensic psychophysiologists examine the veracity of suspects’ statements through the use of the polygraph device. Over the last several years, the polygraph method has proved to be exceptionally efficient. However, in the past the polygraph method was burdened by inadequate and poorly argued decisions resulting in the depreciation of the orientational and informational value of the polygraph examination results and professional psychophysiology. There have been recent considerations and doubts as to the necessity, significance, and role of the polygraph method. Yet, modern forensic psychophysiology has proven invaluable in the pretrial procedure in criminal investigations. This article discusses the apparent uselessness of the polygraph method and presents its orientational role, through the analysis of some aspects of cases in Slovenia of sexual abuse of children, rape, murder, attempted murder and robbery. It also discusses the “zero” value of a confession given after a polygraph test. Lastly, it explains the possibilities of the development of forensic psychophysiology in Slovenian criminal investigation practice if supported. References