The point in Lamorde’s lie-detector test

Critics have listed some of the ways which the integrity of the polygraph test could be compromised. While it is the duty of journalists to inform and educate the public, certain information should be handled with care. The weaknesses of demystifying polygraph tests, in my view, fall under this canopy. Polygraph examiners are trained to […]

Critics have listed some of the ways which the integrity of the polygraph test could be compromised. While it is the duty of journalists to inform and educate the public, certain information should be handled with care. The weaknesses of demystifying polygraph tests, in my view, fall under this canopy.

Polygraph examiners are trained to identify countless countermeasures. Whilst potential examinees will try to beat the system. The polygraph examiner is well trained to identify these countermeasures. This is one of the reasons the largest and foremost polygraph association – the American Polygraph Association (APA) is continually conducting research and training and information dissemination to keep its members on top of their profession. Further, this is the reason that polygraph instruments and software are constantly being upgraded and new tools developed and utilised.

For instance, knowing that applying chemicals to the fingers and palms could affect the result of a test, polygraph examiners always wipe the hands of their examinees with rubbing alcohol or similar liquid to remove “anti-perspirant” or any other sweat reducing substances. In any case, an examinee found to have deliberately applied these chemicals to his fingers prior to a test, will obviously have left tell tale evidence that he has something to hide.

Moreover, all polygraph tests require the examinee to answer only in monosyllables. All questions are structured to be answered as, Yes or No. So, doing so has no impact on the test, since that is how they are designed.

Whilst it seems simple enough to answer firmly without hesitation and do mental long division to keep your mind on something else, the human brain and mind are not so simple. If you have been accused of a crime, counting backwards is the last thing on your mind. You may think you are controlling your physiological responses, but you are  unlikely to be able to control the tiny differences and changes in your blood pressure, breathing rate, etc, that the polygraph instrument and the fully trained polygraph examiner is able to detect. Your mouth can lie and try to beat the test, but your body (autonomic nervous system) cannot be controlled and this is what is measured and recorded during the test.

The American Polygraph Association now mandates all its members to utilise the countermeasure cushion for those examinees who might desire to “clench their bum.” A highly trained polygraph examiner has all examinees sit on a countermeasure cushion to address the “bum clenching” and any other antics that some examinees might attempt to try.

These are just a few examples of how a polygraph examiner is trained and equipped to deal with the myriad of countermeasures.

Finally, whilst popular TV programmes show the polygraph examiner calling the test immediately it comes up on the screen, it must be noted that the polygraph examination is not a relatively short process with the person connected to the instrument, rather it is comprised of:-

(i)  Pre test interview and careful crafting of specific questions

(ii) The polygraph test

(iii) Test data analysis

(iv) Post test Interview

Effective training of polygraph examiners and quality control make beating or distorting a polygraph examination even more difficult. There are processes and procedures that are employed to ensure that tests are conducted in the prescribed manner. Peer reviews and quality control by other examiners also make it highly unlikely for an examiner to fabricate the test data.

It is unrealistic that polygraph examinations alone will rid Nigeria of all corruption. However, it can be an exceptionally useful weapon in our war against corruption. A significant use of polygraph testing is to assist in narrowing the range of issues that need to be investigated, using polygraph and other investigative tools. The polygraph is not a substitute to good investigations. It is a compliment to other investigative processes.

Rather than giving law breakers ideas about what countermeasures to employ, let us applaud Mr. Lamorde’s efforts to find new tools for his arsenal against corruption. Indeed, he will also need to ensure his office has several tools at its disposal to work alongside polygraph testing, that his officers are motivated and patriotic and that there are strong systems of checks and balances.

Ekpedeme Otuokon is a Polygraph Examiner based in Abuja