WHAT TO ASK YOUR EXAMINER
How long will the examination take from start to finish?
If the answer to this question is significantly less than 2-3 hours, the examiner is likely cutting corners. A proper exam cannot be completed in 45 minutes!
Do you score the charts numerically, by hand?
Again, this takes time, so unprofessional examiners may rely on the computer score because it is quick and easy. Unfortunately, proven accuracy is based upon manual, numerical hand scoring. The computer score may serve as a backup to the manual score, but should never replace it.
Do you do a practise test?
Many test types require a practise test to acquaint the examinee with the instrument. It is important, because the research that proves the test type is valid and accurate, included the practise test. It takes a few extra minutes, but some examiners will not do it so they can save their time.
What type of instrument do you use? Analog or computer?
Computerized polygraph has been around for more than a generation. If the examiner is using an analog system, they me be outdated in other areas too. Ask them the last time they attended an instrument workshop, as hardware and software frequently change.
Can you explain your professional memberships?
The examiner should be actively involved in at least one professional organization, the most prominent of which is the American Polygraph Association (APA), who are dedicated to the highest standards of moral, ethical, and professional conduct in the polygraph field. Check the examiner's APA membership here. Other examples would be the Georgia Polygraph Association and American Association of Police Polygraphists. Ask them the last time they attended a conference or business meeting for their professional association.
Do you adhere to the APA code of ethics? Can you tell me what they are?
The APA code of ethics can be located here. They outline how your examiner should conduct themselves.
Did you graduate from an APA accredited school?
Unfortunately in Georgia, there are no licensing laws for polygraph examiners, which means anyone can buy an instrument and call themselves an examiner. If they claim to be a polygraph school graduate, make sure their school is APA accredited. Look it up here.
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When was the last time you attended professional training?
This is one of the most important questions to ask. Continuing education and training is vital. Research is ever evolving, and the only way to remain current is to attend training on a frequent basis. The APA has minimum standards for professional training.
When was the last time you performed an exam and how many tests have you conducted in the past year?
Administering polygraph examinations is a perishable skill. Having performed thousands of tests in the 1980's, or only testing a few times a year, may mean that the examiner is not proficient.
Do you have any government/law enforcement polygraph experience?
Examiners with a government or law enforcement background provide valuable experience not likely to be obtained in any other profession. As government employees, law enforcement examiners are held to different standards than private examiners and usually operate under greater scrutiny.
Do you have professional liabilty insurance?
This costs money so some examiners will go without it. Would you go to a doctor who does not have malpractice insurance? Professional liability insurance is somewhat similar.
Have you had another examiner perform quality control on your tests? When was the last time?
All proficient examiners will periodically have their work checked by another examiner. This insures quality of work and adherence to standards. Ask them for the names of examiners who have checked their work, and find out how recently.
Have you performed quality control for another examiner?
An examiner who provides quality control for another examiner is more likely to be experienced and in a network of accountability with other professionals. Ask for the names of other examiners they have performed quality control for.
Can you provide references from other examiners?
If the examiner hesitates, it may be because they have a bad reputation, or simply are not in a network of their peers. You should have no problem getting 3 references from a competent examiner who is held in high regard by other examiners.
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What is your business philosophy?
It may not be important to everyone, but you may benefit from understanding the mission of your polygraph examiner. Personally, as a practicing Christian, I seek to use the skills I have been given primarily to rebuild and repair broken relationships.