NCJ Number
61636
Journal
Detective Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (SUMMER 1979) Pages: 24-31
Date Published
1979
Length
8 pages
Annotation
THE USE OF POLYGRAPHS TO ELIMINATE THE INNOCENT AND IDENTIFY THE CRIMINAL IS VIEWED AS AN EFFECTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT TECHNIQUE IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS.
Abstract
THE BASIC POLYGRAPH INSTRUMENT INCLUDES A CARDIOGRAPH TO RECORD CHANGES IN BLOOD PRESSURE AND PULSE RATE, A PNEUMOGRAPH TO RECORD CHANGES IN RESPIRATION, AND A GALVANIZED SKIN RESISTANCE INSTRUMENT TO RECORD CHANGES IN THE SKIN'S RESISTANCE TO ELECTRICAL CURRENT. DURING POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS, STIMULI ARE APPLIED BY ASKING QUESTIONS. SOME LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES USE THE POLYGRAPH IN 15 PERCENT TO 20 PERCENT OF THEIR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS. POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS ARE USED IN CASES WHERE PHYSICAL EVIDENCE IS SUCH THAT THE INCIDENT MAY OR MAY NOT BE A CRIME, E.G., IN SUICIDE CASES THAT APPEAR TO BE HOMICIDE OR VICE VERSA, AND IN FRAUD CASES. THEY ARE ALSO USED IN CASES WHERE MANY PERSONS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMIT THE CRIME AND IT COULD HAVE BEEN COMMITTED BY ONE OR MORE PERSONS. IN ADDITION, POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS ARE USEFUL IN CRIMES WHERE THERE ARE NO EYEWITNESSES, E.G., CRIMES AGAINST PROPERTY SUCH AS BURGLARY AND LARCENY. ALL FEDERAL AGENCIES AND MANY POLICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAMS TO MONITOR THE USE AND INTERPRETATION OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS. EVEN THOUGH THE RESULTS OF SUCH EXAMINATIONS DEMONSTRATE THEIR RELIABILITY, THE PROBLEM OF VERIFYING THE EXAMINATION STILL REMAINS. VERIFICATION CAN ONLY BE ACCOMPLISHED WHEN A CONFESSION IS OBTAINED. THE AMERICAN POLYGRAPH ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS STATE OR FEDERAL LICENSING OF THE INSTRUMENT'S USE. AS OF MID-1979, LICENSING BILLS OR OTHER REGULATORY LAWS HAD BEEN PASSED IN 22 STATES. PHOTOGRAPHS ARE INCLUDED. (DEP)