PROS AND CONS OF A POLYGRAPH TEST

Pros and Cons of a Polygraph Test

Pros and Cons of a Polygraph Test

Introduction

Polygraph testing cannot notice lies with 100-percent accuracy, and the results of a polygraph test typically manage not have much legal bearing as clues in a court of law. Despite these drawbacks, the tests can still verify unbelievably useful in several distinct applications.(Jamieson, 2003) People administer polygraph tests using devices that measure changes in physiological responses, such as breathing and pulse rates.

 

Pros

Catching Criminals

According to South Carolina criminal defense lawyer Bobby G. Frederick, policeman and government prosecutors use polygraphs tests primarily as tools for interrogating suspects. The results of a polygraph test, while not admissible in court, can assist investigators narrow in own their search for criminals. For example, if a particular suspect demonstrates an allotment of physiological stress all through a test after affirming or rejecting certain allegations, this will probable encourage investigators to pursue this person farther to make sure his story checks out. In addition, prosecutors can typically record and use the responses of suspects throughout polygraph tests as official statements. Frederick notes that a widespread strategy is for test administrators to notify suspects that the tests are absolutely infallible, and that they will understand if they are telling lies.(Reid, 2004) By making them accept as factual that they have already been "caught," test administrators can sometimes coax confessions out of criminals.

 

For the Defense

On the other side of bench, defense attorneys may sometimes encourage clients to take polygraph tests that unaligned firms offer. If the results arrive out favorable, a suspect can then have a government official reconsider them, which may assist advance the defense's case.(Troville, 2007) Alternatively, if a suspect's polygraph test results are poor, which does not necessarily mean that he is at fault, the defense can simply hurl them out.

Pre-Employment Screening

People use polygraphs for reasons other than forensics as well. As the National Academies Press points out, law enforcement and other government agencies routinely use polygraph tests on perspective employees to ensure that they have no ulterior motives and can be trusted with issues of high importance, such as national security. In this manner, polygraphs tests assist hold the homeland safe.

 

Employee Screening

In addition to undergoing polygraph testing immediately former to paid work, persons who work in law enforcement and other government agencies undergo testing before obtaining promotions, or evolving privy to more sensitive or ...