Lie Detector (Polygraph) Tests for Inmates
Incarcerated persons (inmates) have the right to a professional and effective defense, and to be able to collect evidence that could support their defense. Global Polygraph Network examiners are available to provide polygraph (lie detection) services at most Correctional Facilities.
COST OF THE EXAM
The price for an exam will vary depending on the exact testing location. Once you email us with the testing location, we can provide you with a price to send an examiner to that facility.
REQUIREMENTS
1. The client is responsible for making arrangements with the Correctional Facility, Jail, or Prison, usually through the Warden or another person responsible for scheduling “expert” visitors. Your Examiner can not make these arrangements on your behalf.
2. The prison official handling the visit will need from the Examiner a list of all equipment intended to be brought to the facility.
3. The equipment usually includes a laptop computer, which contains a camera and/or other recording device. Some prisons do not allow recording devices into the facility, but APA standards require all evidentiary polygraph exams to be recorded. This issue can sometimes become a sticking point, as the examiner will want to administer the exam to APA standards, but not having a recording of the exam would be a violation of these standards, possibly affecting the usefulness of the test results.
4. The exam room will need to be as free from distractions as possible, including loud noises and nearby conversations. There should be no outside persons monitoring the exam, other than possibly a camera for everyone’s safety. The room must include a table, two chairs, a comfortable temperature, and an electrical outlet.
5. A properly administered exam can take from 2 to 3 hours, so it is advisable to schedule a 3 to 4 hour block of uninterrupted time for the exam. Keep in mind that the inmate will not be brought to the exam area until the Examiner has arrived.
6. The inmate may not be handcuffed during the exam.
7. Inform the Correctional Facility that the inmate should eat a meal before the exam, use the rest room, and wash his/her hands thoroughly (no lotions on hands).
OVERCOMING HURDLES
Some prison facilities may not initially allow polygraph testing to take place within the facility. This may require some prodding by an attorney, as the facility’s refusal can affect the inmate’s ability to mount a proper defense. Examiners conduct prison exams all the time, all over the world. Most facilities are very helpful to facilitate this process, but some may be more difficult.
ADMISSIBILITY OF POLYGRAPH RESULTS
Contrary to popular belief, polygraph is not per-se inadmissible in court proceedings. Admissibility standards are different in each jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions allow polygraph evidence, either stipulated or un-stipulated, some prohibit polygraph evidence altogether, and many others allow the judge to decide admissibility on a case-by-case basis. The Daubert case is presently the standard for the admission of scientific evidence, which includes polygraph, although some jurisdictions still rely on the older Frye standard. In reality, most polygraph results are used outside of the courtroom in pre-trial negotiations, plea bargaining, sentence recommendations, bids for new trials, and witness verification or impeachment.
This page addresses the following issues:
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for Inmates
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for Defense
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for Incarcerated Persons
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for Correctional Facities
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for Correctional Institutions
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for Prisoners
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for Persons in Jail
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for Wrongfully Convicted
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for Wrongfully Accused
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for False Conviction
Lie Detector (Polygraph) to Overturn Conviction
Lie Detector (Polygraph) for New Trial