Lie Detector Tests for Victims & Witnesses

 

While polygraph (lie detector) testing is used primarily for Suspects and Job Applicants, there are many occasions when a Victim or Witness will need to be tested. These types of exams are handled differently than most, primarily because the person being tested has not been accused or suspected of any wrongdoing. The exam is simply being used to verify that person’s version of events.

Global Polygraph Network examiners are experienced and available to provide testing for Victims and Witnesses, although a few U.S. States prohibit or strictly regulate testing of victims (see list below).  A “Victim” is a person that something has allegedly been done to.  A “Witness” is a person who observed something happen to someone else, but who was not directly involved.  Children, in some cases, can be tested, depending on their age. The minimum age for testing is published on each of our testing location pages.

VICTIMS & WITNESSES USUALLY ANSWER “YES” TO THE RELEVANT QUESTIONS.

As opposed to testing of Suspects and Applicants, this type of testing usually requires that the Examinee (person being tested) answers “yes” answer to the relevant questions. The Examinee is not denying anything in these situations. The exceptions to this guideline are when a Statement Verification format is used, or when the witness is trying to establish someone’s innocense instead of guilt. These exams are NEVER about what the Examinee did or didn’t do.

EXAMPLES OF VALID TEST QUESTIONS FOR VICTIMS

  • Did (name) continue having sex with you after you told him to stop?
  • Did (name) tell you he would hurt you if you didn’t have sex with him?
  • Did (name) point a gun at you last Thursday?
  • Did (name) stab you with a knife last week?

EXAMPLES OF POOR TEST QUESTIONS FOR VICTIMS

  • Did (name) hurt you?
  • Did (name) rape you?
  • Did (name) assault you?
  • Did (name) steal from you? (Unless the theft was actually witnessed)

EXAMPLES OF VALID TEST QUESTIONS FOR WITNESSES

  • Last week in Joe’s bar, did you see (name) hit (name) in the face with a closed fist?
  • Did you see (name) point a gun at (name) last week?
  • Was that red truck fully stopped when it was rear-ended by the black sedan?
  • Last week, did (name) tell (name) that he was going to kill him?

EXAMPLES OF POOR TEST QUESTIONS FOR WITNESSES

  • Was the accident John’s fault?
  • Did you see (name) hurt that man?
  • Did (name) take money from (name)?  (Unless it was actually witnessed)
  • Did you see (name) abuse his child?

TEST TYPES CAN NOT BE COMBINED

Different test types can not be combined. For example, a person can not be tested both as a Suspect and a Witness (or a Victim) within the same exam. Separate polygraph exams would be required to address each distinct issue.

U.S. STATES WHICH RESTRICT TESTING OF VICTIMS

Colorado – Sexual assault victims can not be tested
Delaware – Mandated reporting state for suspected child abuse cases
Indiana – Mandated reporting state for suspected child abuse cases
Maine – Questions about sexual activity can not be asked on a polygraph
Washington – Sexual assault victims can not be tested

HELPFUL LINKS

GLOBAL POLYGRAPH NETWORK®

Established in 1987, Global Polygraph Network® is the world’s largest and most trusted polygraph (lie detector) company with services available at hundreds of locations by highly-trained experts worldwide. Avoid “discount” polygraph frauds and “over the phone” testing scams. We only provide real polygraphs by real examiners. Trust our A+ BBB rating, up-front pricing, and written guarantee.