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FORC 105

LIE DETECTION TECHNIQUES

 

 
College of Criminal Justice Education
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Module No. 4

The Polygraph
Machine
Topic

2nd Semester 2021-2022

Ma. Diana F. Alcoseba

Instructor I

Leo L. Casilagan
Instructor I

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Table of Contents (Chapter Contents, Page)

Cover Page……………………………………………………….1
Title Page…………………………………………………………2
Table of Contents………………………………………………3
Instruction to the User………………….………………….4
Introduction

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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about INVESTIGATION and INTELLIGENCE operations of
selected law enforcement agencies.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue
amidst this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

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THE INSTRUMENT

The instrument used in Polygraph Examination is often called as

Polygraph. It was defined as an instrument or device capable of producing
recordings of physiological phenomena that may be used as the basis for the
application of reliable technique for diagnosing truth or deception. The
instrument itself does not detect lies or deception; it only records the
physiological changes that occur when the subject tells a lie or deception. It is
the Examiner who determines deception through the use or aid of the
polygraph instrument.

STOELTING
DECEPTOGRAPH
(‘ULTRASCRIBED”)

A. THE PNEUMOGRAPH COMPONENT

A device that records respiration and one of the three traditional
channels of the modern polygraph used in PDD. Most contemporary
polygraphs use two Pneumograph recordings: abdominal and thoracic. The
sensors are the traditional convoluted rubber tube, the mercury strain gauge,
or the newer piezoelectric. Krapohl and Sturm Polygraph, 2002, 31(3) 205

Figure 2

This Component records changes occurring in the Respiratory or Breathing

system

#1. The Pneumographic Tube - is a corrugated and stretchable

rubberized tube or apparatus that is to be attached to the Subject’s chest or

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stomach (or both). Inhalation will cause the tube to stretch and subsequently
create an upward tracing or movement of the pneumo-pen unto the polygraph
chart. Exhalations are the downward tracings, thereof.

#2. The Beaded Chain - is a freewheeling string of stainless beads with a

hook which fastens the pneumographic tube unto Subject’s chest or stomach.

Figure 3

The Pneumograph Tube

B. THE CARDIOGRAPH COMPONENT

The Cardiographic Component records the changes occurring in the
human circulatory system, such as the blood pressure and pulse rates.

Cardiograph - General term for any recording of heart activity. In PDD the
use of a blood pressure cuff to monitor relative arterial blood pressure changes
and pulse wave is more precisely described as sphygmography (recording of
the arterial pulse) or occlusion plethysmography (partial blockage of
circulation to measure volume changes in a body part). While cardiograph is
not incorrect in this context, it lacks precision in denoting the actual
phenomenon being recorded in PDD. The term cardiograph in the
psychophysiological and medical literature most often refers to the
electrocardiograph. Terminology Reference Polygraph, 2002, 31(3)166

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Figure 5, 6 and Figure 7

 The Arm Cuff — shall be attached to the Subject’s arm.

 The Hand Pump Bulb - causes the arm cuff to inflate in order to produce _
blood pressure and pulse rates.
 The Aneroid Blood Pressure Meter Gauge — measures and monitors
B/P reading while the polygraphic testing is going on.

The attachment of the cuff to the Subjects arm must be centered so we can
have a normal recorded pattern of the blood. As to produce clearer and precise
pressure.

C. The Galvanograph Component

The Galvanographic Component, sometimes called the Galvanic-Skin-Reflex
(GSR) Component, records’ the changes occurring in the Nervous-Excretory
systems. It has been studied that brain’s activities and electrical charges have
been recorded thru the epidermal skin reflexes passed through the different
nerves of the human body.

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Figure 10

The Finger Electrodes - are special types of sensitive metal plates to be

attached to the Subject’s end-joints of both the Index and Ring Fingers for the
recording of the electrical charges (ohms from the brain through the skin.

Figure 11 and figure 12 shows the proper attachment procedure using both the
Index and Ring fingers for the recording of the Galvanic Skin Reflex responses.

D. THE KYMOGRAPH COMPONENT

Motorized mechanism that moves strip chart paper at a specified rate. The
current standard in PDD is 6 inches per minute, though historically there have
been other speeds.

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Figure 13

INKING PROCESS
1. Completely remove cap and capillary tube from bottle
2. Using filler pipette/dropper provided extract ink from supply bottle.
3. Fill ink container to approximately ¼ % full. Do not overfill. Overfilling the ink
bottles will increase the possibility of spillage during transit.
4. Grasp the bottle by the cap and tighten by rotating bottle with your free hand.
5. Squeeze the bottle until the ink is forced to the end of the pen.
6. Loosen the caps open ¼ % again by rotating the bottle.
7. Release the pressure on the bottle.

Resuming Capillary Ink after Storage

1. Loosen bottle cap to relieve any pressure build-up in bottle.
2. Remove protective pen cap/s.
3. Start chart drive and check for proper ink flow.
4. Adjust bottle height as required.
Adjusting Ink Flow
In order to maintain a constant flow of ink through the capillary tube,
the level of ink in the bottle must be kept at a higher level than the pen for
proper siphoning. The ink bottle can be adjusted by pulling it upward in the

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well. The bottle should “cling” to the sides of the well, allowing for adjustment
of the flow.
To Clean the Pens, Follow the Steps Listed Below:
1. Remove the pen together with capillary tube and ink bottle. Do not
disconnect the total inking system. Doing so will eventually stretch the
capillary tube seal or the seal of the ink bottle.
2. Remove the ink bottle cap and pour all excess ink from the bottle.
3. Fill and rinse the bottle cap and pour excess ink from the bottle.
4. from the bottle. Fill with clear water and apply pressure using the same
procedure as for inking pens, until clear water flows from the pen tip. Flush
for several seconds.
5. If the tap water in your area has a high mineral content, flush the pens a
final time with distilled water or alcohol.

Figure 14

The STEPS (Plug in the Unit to a 110-Volt Power outlet; Put Inks in the Ink-
Containers)

1. The Upper Pneumograph - attach the Pneumograph Tube to Subject’s chest;

lock the Beaded Chain; close the Vent; adjust Sensitivity and Pen-Centering Controls;
align Pen-Cradle and Pen to the Chart; finally check the GREEN Ink tracing

2. The Lower Pneumograph - attach the Pneumograph Tube to Subject’s

stomach; lock the Beaded Chain; close the Vent; adjust Sensitivity and Pen-Centering
Controls; align Pen-Cradle and Pen to the Chart; finally check the GREEN Ink
tracing.

3. The Cardiograph-wrap the Arm Cuff around Subject’s right or left arm; close
the vent; pump the Hand-pump bulb to inflate Arm Cuff; check the B/P reading at
the Aneroid B/P Meter Gauge; clip Pinch-Clamp to close pneumatic pressure; adjust
sensitivity and Pen- Centering Controls; align Pen-Cradle and pen to the Chart;
finally check the RED Ink Tracing.

4. The Galvanograph/GSR- attach the Fingers Electrodes to the Subject’s right or

left Index and Ring Fingers; adjust Sensitivity and Pen-Centering Controls; align
Pen-Cradle and pen to the Chart; finally check the BLUE Ink Tracing.

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(NOTE: When Polygraph Testing is over, please return all knob-controls to Off
Positions; detach accessories ad apparatus form subject’s body; Plug OFF the whole
Instruments.)

B. THE SIMULTANEOUS RECORDINGS

The Attachments

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

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The LX4000 computer polygraph system records, stores and analyzes

physiological changes during a polygraph examination. The LX4000 system
combines conventional polygraph procedures with a sophisticated state of the art
computer. Results are derived from the following traditional computer. Results are
derived from the following traditional physiological parameters:

 Pneumo -Two Respiration Input Channels

 EDA-Galvanic Skin Response
 Cardio-Blood Volume/Pulse Rate
Charts are recorded in much the same manner as conventional polygraph
instrumentation with smooth scrolling display moving from right to left. The
tracings recorded are in real-time and are truly rectilinear, so charts can be easily
interpreted.

See polygraph software page for a sample can be operated using a

mouse/pointing device or the keyboard.

A. CHART MARKINGS
Mankind has used signs and symbols since the beginning of time. The
absence of sign can cause a great deal of confusion. As an illustration, a
stranger on a crossroad without any sign will not know the right road to take
in order that he will reach his destination. By the simple experience of adding
signs and markings to indicate the location, will eliminate confusion. The
same situation confronts the polygraph examiner. Without marking of any
kind, it is impossible to evaluate the chart and arrive at any conclusion.
Chart marking is a very important part of the polygraph technique. The
examiner may have the best training, used the most advance method and run
miles of chart tracing yet the value if his endeavor is not without proper chart
markings. One or two seconds that he is off on chart marking can easily create
misinterpretation. To facilitate evaluation and interpretation of test charts,
markings are made with the use of signs and symbols to enable the examiner
to determine the following:
1. Exact time the test commenced and terminated;
2. Initial and final blood pressure and galvanograph readings;
3. Particular point where each question asked started and ended.
Corresponding identification of the question, and the type and time of
answer given by the subject;
4. Duration and amplitude of reaction patterns.
5. Any instruction given or repetition of question made;
6. Any movement, cough tracing by the suspect or outside distractions
that occurred;
7. Mechanical adjustment or re-adjustment made;
8. Extraneous factors affecting test chart such as paper jams;
9. Time Interval Between questions; and
10. Chart number. Name of subject, time, date, and place taken and the
name and signature of the examiner.

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B. SIGNS AND SYMBOLS (COMMONLY USED)

X/ 60 /1.5 A First marking of the examiner on the
chart
XX / 60 / 1.5 A Examiner’s mark after the test
X Start of the test
XX End of the test
60 Millimeter of mercury shown in
sphygmomanometer dial
1.5 Ohms of the skin electrical resistance
A or M Refers to the automatic or manual
galvo amplifier used.
|| Particular point where each question
begins and end (also called stimulus
mark)
+ Yes, answer to the question
No, answer to the question
A Adjustment
T Subject talked instead of answering
with single Yes or No
R Subject request for repetition of
question
C Coughing
N Noise
S Sigh by the Subject
PJ Paper Jam
SN Subject Sniffed
BI Breathing Instruction
OS Tracing change caused by outside
stimulus
M Movement
IM Movement Instruction
L Laugh
B Used to signify belch
C+ Increase in galvo Sensitivity
C- Decrease in galvo sensitivity
Y Yawn
IS Ink stop
CT Clearing of throat

CHART INTERPRETATION

The most important single factor in polygraph testing is chart interpretation.

The accuracy of instrument detection of deception is dependent upon the examiners
ability to diagnose truth or deception by reading ang interpretation of subject’s chart.

The changes or deviation from the normal recording of the pneumo, cardio
and galvo tracings which appears as the subject answers at test question is referred to
as response, A “response” constitutes a deviation from the subject norm. The most

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significant and dependable indicator of deception is a stimulus response and when

such response occurs in two or more charts, these responses are referred to as
“specific response”.

“THE GENERAL RULE IN CHART INTERPRETATION”

1. There must be specific response.
2. To be specific, it must form a deviation from the norm.
3. The specific response must appear in at least two (2) test charts.
4. The best indication of deception is the simultaneously specific in the three (3)
tracings of the chart.
“WHAT IS THE RELEVANCE OF THE TEST CHARTS?”

It is the basis of the examiner’s findings. It contains the reaction of the

subject during the tests.

A. CHANGE IN PNEUMO TRACING

Changes in the Pneumo Tracing which may fall into the category of
specific response when accompanied by a response in the cardio or even
the galvo tracing are as follows.

1. Change in Rhythm or Regularity

The rate normal breathing is 18 cycle per minute. Usually a change in
rate will be either a decrease with increase amplitude causing an irregularity
in the respiration pattern of varying duration. These rate volume changes are
due to the need for oxygen to compensate for an accelerated heart action or
for previous suppression of breathing.
2. Change in Amplitude or Volume
In normal respiration, an average of about one point of air is inhaled
and exhaled during a single cycle known as tidal air. But the lungs are not
completely deflated during normal exhalation, there still remaining the
residual air. In what is known as a sigh, there is an increase in the residual
volume causing the recorded inspiration stroke to go higher and the
expiration stroke lower than the normal breathing.

3. Change in Inspiration, Expiration Rate

In normal respiration, the time consumed in inspiration and expiration has a

ratio of three to five which means the inspiration takes only 3/5 as long as the
expiration. Researcher especially Benussi and Burt established that this change
with emotion, the simplest method for determining such changes is the vertical
line through the apex of the pneumo cycle before and after question stimuli and
then measure the distance between the vertical lines. Actual measurement may
not necessary, however, as the changes are usually rendered discernible by the
drawing of the line.

4. Notch or Serrated Inspiration or Expiration Stroke

These are frequent occurrence; serration may record in the case of the
subject in an intense nervous state as a result of tremendous breathing. A

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notch on either stroke may indicate catching of the breath when surprised or
shocked, talking, coughing, crying, swallowing may affect the tracing. The
customary “YES” OR “NO” answer may be rendered as a small notch in the
expiration, seldom in the inspiration stroke for the reason that we do not
normally speak during inspiration. This is easily discernable when the base of
the inspiration tracing represented the guideline. The baseline may either fall
below or rise above this line during or after — relevant question. The rate and
volume may or may not be altered. This part caused by the subjects sensing of
the importance of the stimulus and braced the body not to exhibit any external
manifestation.

5. Hyperventilation
The subject usually attempts to befuddle the examiner from making an
interpretatlo pneumo pattern, he resorts to a regular deep breathing in an
attempt to beat the test. Hyperventilation may appear when stimulus is of
which an impact upon the plight mechanism of the body, which it stores up
oxygen, it may be caused by prolonged suppression of the breathing such that
the deficit oxygen has to be compensated when the danger has passed.
6. Suppression
Suppression or shallow breathing may a sort of bracing against
anticipated shock on an attempt to control the reaction to a shock just
received. When suppression of breathing correlates closely with the crucial
question, it became highly significant particularly when accompanied by
similar in the blood pressure tracing.
7. Respiratory Block
Respiratory block is easily identified of the respiratory changes. It is an
exaggerated form of suppression in which there is a usual shortening of both
the inspiration and expiration stroke that appears as straight line. Respiratory
block or holding of breath through more than or two cycles usually indicates
an attempt to beat the test.

B. THE GALVO TRACING

Two galvo tracing which may be indicative of deception are the vertical
rise point of deception only, double saddle responses, long duration and
or degree of response following the point of deception and the plunging of
the galvanograph tracing. In most cases, the galvo tracing which is a
measure of increase or decrease of the subject’s skin resistance, rise and
falls with each stimulus. The highest or the lowest or absence of such rise
or fall in the crucial question may also be indicative.
GALVANOGRAPH DECEPTION RESPONSES

1. Double Saddle Response

2. Rise from the Baseline
3. Vertical Rise Point
4. Long Duration
5. Plunging of the Tracing

C. THE CARDIO TRACING

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The Cardio which takes the Form of Specific Response and Considered
Indication of Deception.
1. Increase and Decrease of the Blood Pressure
This easily learned by the trend of the cardio tracing an increase in blood
pressure is indicative by a rise in the cardio tracing and a decrease by a fall. With
every stimulus, the blood pressure tracing tends to have a slight increase and
decrease of the Magnitude and duration of the rise and fall of the cardio tracing
that is taken into consideration in comparison most particularly between the
relevant and control question.

2. Increase in Blood Pressure Only

This indicated by a sustain rise in the blood pressure tracing during a
crucial question and return to the norm when the subject is released from that
stimulus by the introduction of irrelevant question.
3. Decrease Only in Blood Pressure
When there is a fall of the cardio tracing or after a crucial question from
a level of smooth tracing, a decrease in blood pressure is indicated, this
necessitate mechanical adjustment when the tracing fails to return to its
former level.
4. An Increase or Decrease Pulse Rate
Increase in pulse rate is easily recognize c and with a cardio pattern
becomes close together, decrease in pulse rate result, the cardio pattern
becomes far apart.

5. Increase or Decrease of Amplitude

When the cardio pattern becomes taller, there is an increase in
amplitude; a decrease in height in the pattern is a decrease of amplitude.

6. Change in the Position or Disappearance of Diacrotic Notch

The diacritic notch tends to change position depending upon the blood
pressure in the system. Too much air will have the notch at the bottom, and
too little air will place it at the top of the diastolic stroke during rise in blood
pressure. The diacrotic notch tends to go top of the diastolic and upon return
of the tracing to its original level, the diacrotic notch may change its position,
at times it disappeared entirely.
7. Extra Systole
The premature contraction s of an auricle or ventricle while
fundamental rhythm of the heart is maintaining cause of extra systole to
appear, this is highly indicative of deception, except when the entire cardiac
tracing has it, which may indicative of cardiac trouble.

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Must Watch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdx1aT2e5yc- How Do Polygraph Works
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aMGtXSz2ZE- Parts of Polygraph Intrument
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To0nlm5YUZc-Major Components of
Polygraph
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeQUyt6uzHE -Maam Kim Christine Caabay

REFERENCE/S

Adra, M.J. Q., &Tantangco, D. L. (2013). The essentials of

polygraphy.Manila. Wiseman’s Books Trading Inc
Caballero, N. S. & Manwong, R. K. (2012). Polygraphy: The art and science of
lie detection. Quezon City: Wiseman’s Books Trading Inc.

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WPU-QSF-ACAD-82A Rev. 00 (09.15.20)