C.W. Bryant, Polygraph Services
Serving Bend and the Portland metro area
Office locations: Bend, OR / Camas, WA / Clackamas, OR
Oregon: 503-
Content copyright © 2012-
web design by Jim Wygant
How accurate is it? the answer
If it’s so accurate, why isn’t it admitted in court? the answer
What’s an inconclusive result? the answer
How long does it take? the answer
Are there surprise questions? the answer
What about confidentiality? the answer
Can I beat the test? the answer
Research indicates that polygraph examinations achieve accuracy of 90-
If it’s so accurate, why isn’t it admitted in court?
Judges have repeatedly expressed concern about someone other than a judge or jury deciding on the veracity of a witness. While accuracy of polygraph is well established and exceeds that of other forms of testimony, courts remain concerned that the judicial process might be compromised by admission of testimony about the truthfulness of a witness or defendant.
What’s an inconclusive result?
Polygraph examinations can determine whether someone matches the pattern usually produced by persons telling the truth or by persons lying. When there is no clear indication of which pattern has emerged, the examination is inconclusive, meaning that the data is not clear enough or consistent enough to permit any determination.
A typical polygraph examination takes about 90 minutes, including an explanation of the procedure and discussion of the issue. However, it is not unusual for examinations to require additional time.
All questions are discussed word-
A polygraph examiner promises confidentiality, meaning that results are released
only to the person examined, to anyone he or she designates, or to an attorney acting
as an agent of the person examined. Tests done for an attorney are protected by attorney-
Theories about how to beat a polygraph test are well known to examiners, who are familiar with the material that describes those efforts. Methods are in place during an examination to detect countermeasures, and examiners recognize the indications of such efforts. The best policy for someone about to be tested is to tell the truth and to ask the examiner about any concerns. For a liar, the best policy is simply to not take the test.
