Disadvantages of using a polygraph in investigations
We should mention that all the difficulties listed below are not far-fetched, but objectively problematic. This will be confirmed by any experienced polygraph examiner specializing in this type of research.
1. A large number of suspects (tens – hundreds);
2. Finding suspects in different places (districts, cities, countries);
3. Lack of time to conduct a full study (up to 1 hour);
4. Limited time to conduct an investigation;
5. Distraction of employees for a long time from performing their official duties;
6. Lack of a specialist in the region where the research needs to be conducted;
7. Borderline conditions that do not allow high-quality use of the polygraph (stress, fatigue);
8. Skillful methods of counteraction (psychological, physical and others);
9. Finding suspects under the influence of pharmacological drugs;
10. Refusal of suspects to undergo polygraph testing;
11. It is undesirable for the suspect to disclose the circumstances of the crime;
12. Failure of suspects to cooperate with the investigation;
13. Conflict of interest between customers and relatives, friends, colleagues;
14. Conflict of interest between polygraph examiners and suspects;
15. State and/or corporate ban on the use of a polygraph;
16. Difficulties in conducting research in languages that the polygraph examiner does not speak;
17. Disadvantages of methods for using photographs during polygraph studies.
Economic limitations of using a polygraph
In addition to the general ones, there are also the following economic limitations to the use of the polygraph in crime investigations:
1. Inappropriate due to the small amount of damage;
2. Reluctance to examine all suspects due to the high cost of polygraph services;
3. Refusal to conduct research due to large amounts of associated costs for customers.
It is logical that to solve all these shortcomings we need a “reliable assistant” – a new research tool or technology that would be widespread and objective, simple and economical, universal and mobile. And such technology already exists – this is the “StimulTest” system, which over the past 7 years has been used more than 2000 times during investigations. As a result of such long-term and widespread testing, a specialized technique has now been created that maximizes the practical effectiveness of using StimulTest both in conjunction with a polygraph and without it in the investigation of both administrative and criminal crimes.
Examples of effective use of StimulTest and polygraph
We invite you to familiarize yourself with several situations in which the combined use of the StimulTest system and a polygraph has shown to be highly effective.
Money theft from the head of a commercial company
1 specialist – 54 suspects – 7 days – 1 crime – 1 criminal
The owner of the company asked to find out which of his 54 employees stole money from the office of one of the company’s managers. Within 3 days, all employees were tested in StimulTest. As a result, a risk group of 5 people was formed. In the next 2 days, all employees from the risk group were tested with a polygraph. Based on the results of two research methods (Stimul Test + polygraph), on the 7th day after receipt of the order, an employee was identified who was potentially involved in the theft of money, which was subsequently confirmed by objective data (cash balances and purchases made with stolen money were found).
Theft of a safe from the office of the head of a wholesale warehouse
1 specialist – 137 suspects – 12 days – 1 crime – 5 criminals
At one of the wholesale warehouses, a safe containing money was stolen, located in the boss’s office. 137 employees of this warehouse were suspected. As a result of the study, StimulTest identified a risk group of 14 people. Subsequently, each of these employees underwent a secondary study using tests compiled personally for each of the suspects. As a result, 5 employees were identified who had the maximum likelihood of participating in the crime.
As a result of subsequent testing of 5 employees using a polygraph, the likelihood of their involvement in the theft of the safe was confirmed. As a result of the investigative actions, the stolen safe was found, and part of the stolen amount, which the criminals did not have time to spend, was returned.
Theft of 62 tons of sugar from a sugar factory
1 specialist – 85 suspects – 10 days – 8 crimes – 12 criminals
An order was received from the owner of a sugar factory located in one of the regional centers to identify the factory workers who were involved in the theft of 62 tons of sugar. There were 85 people under suspicion, who were remotely examined over 5 days by a specialist at Stimul Test under the control of a responsible person at the plant. As a result, a risk group of 12 people was formed.
Then the specialist came to the plant and interviewed all employees at risk, as a result of which 7 more episodes of sugar theft from the plant were identified. Further investigative actions objectively confirmed the involvement of 5 people in 7 thefts that occurred earlier. Polygraph studies of the remaining 7 employees at risk made it possible to identify persons potentially involved in the theft of 62 tons of sugar.