EMPLOYEE POLYGRAPH PROTECTION ACT

Employee Polygraph Protection Act



Introduction

The Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) came into existence On December 27, 1988. The U.S. federal law established guidelines for polygraph testing and imposed restrictions on many private employers.

"Lie detector" is popularly referred to as a polygraph machine, which is sensitive to the degree of truth from a person during the conversation. Such a device is an excellent tool in the job of a human resource department. A broad introduction of Polygraph certainly is a matter of public importance, especially in terms of security; it strengthens the fight against crimes of the country (Iacono, 2001).

Polygraph examination (often referred to as a "lie detector") has gradually been using in federal government as a systematic measure of selecting and screening personnel for admission to the operational-search activity and in working with information constituting state secrets (Scalabrini, 2005).

Discussion and Analysis

Commonly referred to as the polygraph, the polygraph is the best known method. Polygraph tests include a series of yes / no questions to which suspects responds while connected to the sensors that send, via cable to the instrument, the physiological responses of suspects. Analog or digital technique is used to record changes in the suspect's respiratory, cardiovascular, and electro dermal (skin) samples. The results are then used to detect fraud and compare the suspect's physiological reactions to relevant questions (those that directly ask if he has committed a crime) and comparison questions (those who established to know the truth or misleading answers). Suspects that show more clearly responses to such questions as settlement or irrelevant questions will be illusory. Although the polygraph has long been used by law enforcement authorities, its use as a forensic tool continued to be controversial due to the inaccuracy claims (Audrey, 2008).

More than 10 years ago, the polygraph was widely used for the commercial security. It was being used by many organizations, ranging from giant corporations to the small shops. The use of the polygraph showed them that it was the most effective tool for employee screening and verification of truth, as well as the biographical data, and other information. Its effectiveness is also confirmed in discovering the facts of theft and other abuse among employees. In fact, the polygraph was used as a means of economic efficiency. It has also ensured the flow of reliable workers for business, served as a mechanism for reimbursement as a result of disloyal personnel losses, and prevented further losses. This method has allowed them in increasing profitability (Furedy, 2001).

The polygraph has proved itself as an effective tool to ensure staff safety. Accordingly, it has also increased the demand for both, the device itself, and the professional services operators. Industry polygraph has attracted and expanded a various number of operators. Unfortunately, not all operators that advertise the device actually have the necessary training and experience. Many of them do not comply with ethical norms of the polygraph. These problems are complemented that customers, from the private businesses are badly stuck in the ...