NCJ Number
156473
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 22 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1995) Pages: 52-54
Date Published
1995
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes the technology of computer-age polygraphs and examiner training.
Abstract
In computerized polygraphy, much of the mechanized equipment (streaming graph paper, mechanical pens, wet ink) that led to many glitches during the process of the exam is eliminated in favor of a "virtual" graph on the computer monitor. The graph looks the same as the streaming graph paper and can be printed on any conventional printer, but it is usually much easier to perform the necessary measurements and evaluations on the monitor. Typical analysis involves measuring the amplitude and frequency of the ongoing graphs of blood pressure, galvanic skin response, pulse, and breathing rate at critical points in the examination. Axciton claims that its software makes the process up to 95 percent accurate, especially when Polyscore software is used to evaluate the results. Polyscore uses a sophisticated mathematical algorithm to analyze the physiological measurements that are recorded during a computerized polygraph exam and makes complex, statistical comparisons that the company claims cannot be made by human examiners. The structures of various polygraph training programs are described. The article advises that in the future, the traditional polygraph measurements will probably be supplemented with a monitoring of brainwave activity for increased reliability. This capability is already available, but not outside of medical research centers.