Hello, people, and Welcome back to OKC Private Investigations & Process Server in Oklahoma. I’m Makayla, and today, polygraphists near me will join us to share 5 circumstances when a lie detector test or polygraph in OKC is inappropriate. Keep on watching to get all the information that you need. Don’t forget that, for the best legal and private investigation services in Oklahoma, call us at (405) 435-8355, and you will be glad you did.
Introduction to the case
A polygraph test is widely known as a lie detector test. It works by measuring physiological responses to questions asked to detect deception. The test typically involves attaching sensors to the individual’s body to measure heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological responses while asking a series of questions. Polygraph tests are used so many times to determine if a person is telling the truth or not based on the results. But what are the circumstances where a polygraph test is inappropriate?
1. Testing Victims of Sex Crimes
Polygraph in OKC is inappropriate when the subject of the lie detector test is a victim of sexual assault, rape, or any form of sex crime. The reason is that it is unethical because it is seen as revictimizing the sex crimes victims. The polygraph test can cause significant emotional distress to the person undergoing the test, which is not good for a person who has already suffered something traumatic. If a victim of a sex crime is asked to undergo a lie detector test to determine if they are telling the truth, the victim’s credibility is being questioned in the worst way possible, and it will discourage other victims from reporting crimes or cooperating with the sex crimes investigations.
2. Testing Individuals Under the Age of 16
The second time that a lie detection test can be inappropriate is when it is to be administered to someone who is below 16 years old. Usually, a polygraph test is administered on adults because of the psychological maturity and cognitive stability required in the test to ensure valid results. Individuals who are below 16 years old often do not fully understand the process of polygraph tests, and their responses could be influenced by fear, confusion, or lack of comprehension. This makes the lie detector test results unreliable and the testing inappropriate.
3. Testing Individuals with Mental Health Disorders
“It is also wrong to administer a lie detector test on a person who has mental health disorders. These are people with severe anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, or other mental health conditions. The reason is that these individuals may produce unreliable results due to physiological responses to questions they are asked that may be unrelated to lying. Additionally, the stress of the test can worsen their condition, which makes the lie detector test unethical and potentially harmful to a mentally unstable person.
4. Testing Individuals Under Duress or Coercion
Polygraph tests should never be administered to individuals under threat, coercion, or undue pressure because the results of such tests will be unreliable. It can lead to false positives or false negatives, which in turn violates ethical standards by compromising the voluntary nature of the test.
5. Testing in Cases Where Results Are Legally Inadmissible
In some jurisdictions, lie detector test results are not admissible as evidence in court. So, Using a polygraph in lawsuits where the results cannot be used appropriately may waste resources. It can also mislead parties or cause undue harm to the person who is undergoing the lie detection test, which makes it inappropriate.
Benefits of Polygraph Tests
Although there are so many reasons or circumstances where lie detector tests can be wrong, polygraph tests have so many benefits. It is used as an investigative tool that can help parties get evidence. The threat of results from these lie detection tests makes individuals more open to telling the truth. It helps reduce false confessions by identifying individuals who are telling the truth. When using these polygraph tests, ensure that they are used ethically and properly.
Conclusion
While polygraph tests can be a useful tool in certain investigations, there are situations where their use is not suitable. So, anyone who wants to make use of a polygraph test should first look at the circumstances of the case and its potential limitations before administering a polygraph test. Also, take the time to reach out to a professional who will help you determine if using a polygraph test is appropriate in the circumstance. At OKC Private Investigations & Process Server in Oklahoma, we see the importance of getting the best private polygraph examiners in Oklahoma you can get for lie detector tests. So, for more insights or our services, visit us at www.privateinvestigatoroklahomacity.com. You can email us at vivien@ojpslegal.com.
