Frequently Asked Questions

We have included a few of our most frequently asked questions so you will have a better understanding of the Polygraph process, but feel free to contact us if you have any questions not covered below.

How many questions can I ask?
You may have seen Polygraph on television where a barrage of questions are put to an examinee. That is merely for entertainment. In a real polygraph test, to obtain the best and most accurate results, each test is narrowed down to one particular issue. Most tests are narrowed down to 2 or 3 Relevant Questions about that single issue.  The important part to remember is that you can't mix issues. You can ask about whether someone stole oranges or whether they stole apples, but you can't ask if they stole apples and oranges in the same test. Unless of course you just wanted to know whether they stole any fruit, regardless of what kind.

 

How much will the polygraph test cost?
The cost for each test can range from $500-$1000 plus 6% MD Sales Tax and travel expenses and will be determined at your consultation. It depends on the type of test you are requesting and the amount of time it will take.  We do require a deposit of half the polygraph fees BEFORE an appointment is made.   You must mail us a check or money order for the deposit and then we will make the appointment after we receive the deposit or your check clears if paying that method.  If you do not show up to the appointment, you forfeit your deposit. If you call and cancel at least 48 hours prior to your appointment, we will refund your deposit. These prices apply primarily to the private sector. Multiple testing for a business or government agency will be negotiated separately.

 

Do you accept Credit Cards?
At this time, no. However that may be an option in the future.

 

Will you travel to me for the test?
Yes. The location will be provided by you. A hotel room or conference room is best. Testing will not be done at any private residence. The location must be quiet and undisturbed and will have to be approved by Advanced Polygraph prior to the test taking place. Should your location be outside a 25 mile radius of the Baltimore area, a $100.00 additional fee will be added for travel expenses. This will have to be paid as part of the deposit and is refundable should you cancel your test. If you are in the Baltimore area, a list of approved hotels for testing will be provided for you to make a reservation with. We have the luxury of being a full service traveling polygraph company, unfortunately with the price of gas now, we can't help but incur higher expenses.

 

Can I test my employees?
Yes, but you must follow the guidelines of the Employee Polygraph Protection Act of 1988. You must meet the following criteria before you can test any employees:

 

1. You must have a specific loss. (deposit missing from the company safe, etc.)

 

2. You must have an ongoing investigation (file police report, etc)

 

3. The persons to be tested must have had access (combination to the safe, etc)

 

4. You must have a reasonable suspicion of the persons you want to test. Access alone is not enough. Did the money go missing and the employee didn't come to work for three days after? Do you have knowledge that this person has been having financial difficulties? These type things are what you will need to determine for reasonable suspicion.

 

For more info, you can read the EPPA laws here: http://www.polygraph.org/eppa.cfm

 

How accurate is the polygraph test?
In research conducted on 'field tests', the accuracy rate is close to 98% or higher. Field tests means that the results were later verified by confessions or other evidence that proved the test was accurate.

 

Can He/She 'beat' the test?
It is possible for an examinee to be uncooperative to the point that a test cannot be completed, however, 'beating' a test (showing on the chart that you are telling the truth when in fact you are lying) is extremely difficult.

 

Will my medication effect the test?
Usually not. DO NOT stop taking your medication in anticipation of a polygraph test. Most medications will have no impact on the test. If you are concerned about this area, call us and tell us what medication you are taking.

 

Will I receive a written report of my results?

For a $50 fee, a full written report will be sent to you within 7 business days. Should you want a copy of the video/audio recorded session on DVD, it will be an additional $150 plus tax and you must make the examiner aware of this request before the test.

 

Can someone sit with me during the test?

No. You may have someone present with you at the test site, however during the actual test, it will just be you and the examiner. The only exception to this will be for hearing impaired customers and that will be on a case-by-case basis to be determined by the examiner at your consultation.

 

Other Questions

If you have questions not answered in the above, contact Elizabeth Martin who will be happy to answer them for you, and provide any other information you require.