NCJ Number
234579
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 40 Issue: 1 Dated: 2011 Pages: 1-72
Editor(s)
Donald J. Krapohl
Date Published
2011
Length
72 pages
Annotation
This special edition publishes for the first time the Federal Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Examiner Handbook (2006 edition), which presents uniform psychophysiological-detection-of-deception (PDD/polygraph) procedures for all Federal polygraph programs.
Abstract
After the initial page, which cites the authority of the Handbook, a guide on acronyms is presented, along with a reference section and a list of definitions. Chapter 1 then addresses administrative and legal matters as they pertain to the Handbook. Chapter 2 prescribes quality control procedures within polygraph programs. These are procedures that must be followed in order for the polygraph to achieve validity and utility. This is followed by a presentation of the procedures for quality assurance in chapter 3, which is an independent process that ensures the polygraph programs remain consistent with Federal standards. The education standards covered in chapter 4 indicate what the Federal Government believes is the necessary educational preparation for new polygraph examiners. These are considered some of the most demanding requirements found anywhere, and they constitute the model for other government schools. Chapters 5 (test question construction) and 6 (test data analysis) constitute the basics of conducting and analyzing polygraph exams. The Federal Government's version of the acquaintance test is covered in chapter 7, followed by instruction for the Zone and You-phase techniques in chapters 8 and 9. Chapter 10 provides guidance for all comparison-question techniques. The next six chapters address the "Peak of Tension,""Relevant/Irrelevant" Screening Test, "Specific-Issue RI Test," "Test for Espionage and Sabotage" (the technique on which the Directed Lie Screening Test is based), "Law Enforcement Applicant Test," and the "Counterintelligence-Scope Polygraph Test." Chapter 17 explains the "Field Rank Order Scoring System," a permitted system for evaluating the R/I Screening Test. The final chapter addresses countermeasures.