properly, and is not a substitute for a thorough investigation or as a crutch for a
poor one.
2.
Definitions.
a. Polygraph.
An instrument designed to continuously record the occurrence
of physiological phenomena of the human body on a moving chart. The standard Army
polygraphs record pulse and blood pressure variations, respiration rate and
relative volume, and changes in skin resistance (Figure 4-1).
b. Polygraph Test.
A series of relevant, irrelevant, and control questions
prepared by the examiner, for the matter under investigation, and asked of the
person being examined.
c. Authorizing Representative.
Persons who may approve the conduct of a
polygraph examination are designated under the provisions of AR 195-6.
Polygraph
examination authorization for CID: "Polygraph examinations will be authorized by
the Commanding General, USACIDC.
The redelegation: Deputy Commander, USACIDC;
Director, US Army Crime Records Center (USACRC), USACIDC; Chief, Polygraph Office,
USACRC; Commander, Second Region, USACIDC; Commander, Seventh Region, USACIDC; and
Commanders of the First, Third, and Sixth Regions, USAIDC, only in emergencies."
3.
Theory.
The polygraph technique is based upon the theory that a conscious
mental effort on the part of a normal person to deceive causes a physical change
within him which may be detected and recorded by the polygraph instrument.
The
polygraph does not, and cannot, detect truth or deception.
It produces a chart
record of the physiological changes caused by a person's emotional responses during
the test. From the chart record an examiner may form an opinion that an examinee
was not emotionally disturbed by the questions during the test and was therefore,
truthful.
He may form an opinion than an examinee was deceptive since physical
responses were present as a result of the emotional disturbance caused by the
questions.
Interpretation of test charts depends upon the training, experience,
capabilities, and skill of the examiner.
MP1016
4-2
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