What Questions Do They Ask for Police Polygraph Tests? Unraveling the Mystery
Polygraph tests, often used in police investigations, remain shrouded in some mystery. While not admissible in many courts as definitive proof, they can significantly influence an investigation's direction. Understanding the types of questions asked during a police polygraph can shed light on this controversial tool. This article will explore the typical question formats and the underlying rationale behind their design.
The Structure of a Polygraph Examination:
A police polygraph test usually isn't just a simple yes/no questionnaire. It's a carefully structured process involving several types of questions:
1. Irrelevant Questions (Control Questions): These questions are designed to establish a baseline of your physiological responses. Examples include:
- "Is your name [your name]?"
- "Were you born in [month and year of your birth]?"
- "Is today Tuesday?" (Depending on the day)
These questions are straightforward and elicit an expected "yes" response. The examiner analyzes your physiological reactions (heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, skin conductance) to these innocuous questions to determine your normal response pattern.
2. Relevant Questions (Target Questions): These are the crucial questions directly related to the crime under investigation. Examples might include:
- "Did you steal the money from the cash register?"
- "Were you present at the scene of the accident?"
- "Did you assault John Smith?"
The examiner meticulously compares your physiological responses to these questions against your baseline from the irrelevant questions. Significant deviations may be interpreted as indicative of deception.
3. Control Questions (Comparison Questions): These questions are more complex and probe into areas where the examiner believes you might have lied in the past. These are crucial to the polygraph's logic and are deliberately vague to prompt a reaction. Examples could be:
- "Before the age of 25, did you ever do something you know was wrong?"
- "Have you ever lied to avoid trouble?"
The theory is that if you're innocent of the crime, your physiological reaction to these questions will be stronger than your reaction to the relevant questions about the specific crime. This is because you are more likely to feel anxious about admitting past misdeeds than about a crime you didn't commit.
4. Irrelevant Questions (revisited): These may be repeated throughout the examination to re-establish the baseline and ensure consistency in physiological readings.
Understanding the Limitations:
It's crucial to understand that polygraph results are not foolproof. The test's accuracy is highly debated, and factors like anxiety, stress, and even medication can affect the results. The examiner's interpretation also plays a critical role, making the process subjective to a degree.
Conclusion:
The questions asked during a police polygraph are carefully designed to elicit physiological responses that reveal potential deception. While the technique involves a mix of straightforward and more ambiguous questions, it's essential to remember that the polygraph is just one piece of the investigative puzzle and should not be considered definitive evidence of guilt or innocence. If you are ever subjected to a polygraph, it's wise to seek legal counsel.
