(4) Known to have a mental disorder. Psychosis and severe neurosis and, in
some instances, pathological behavior patterns render a person unfit for the
examination.
(5) Having great physical discomfort or physical disabilities or defects
which might cause abnormal responses.
(6) Below the age of reason. Young children who have not matured to a full
misunderstanding of responsibilities are not suitable examinees.
(7) Unable to communicate.
The examiner and the person must be able to
understand and communicate with each other, if necessary, through an interpreter.
b. Practices
that
the
polygraph
examiner
must
guard
against
include
the
following:
(1) He cannot conduct a test unless it has been authorized.
(2) He cannot probe into thoughts or beliefs, or ask questions which are
not relevant to the offense or the technique.
Areas which should not be probed,
unless relevant, include religious beliefs and affiliations, racial matters,
political beliefs and affiliations of a nonsubversive nature, and opinions of
legislative policies.
The examiner uses control questions which may not appear
related to the offense in question; however, these are an essential part of the
technique, and are used to validate the interpretation of the test charts. These
questions though, must not be from the prohibited lists.
(3) He cannot try to identify himself as other than an examiner by the
wearing of a laboratory coat to create a clinical effect, or by making statements
that he is other than a polygraph examiner.
(4) He cannot attempt to make a physical or psychiatric diagnosis.
(5) He cannot examine any person when, in his opinion, that person is not a
suitable subject.
If any doubt or question exists in his mind, the test will be
postponed pending physical or mental evaluation of the person by competent medical
authorities.
(6) He cannot examine personnel of the Department of the Army, or personnel
outside the Department of the Army, requiring access to classified information
except as authorized by AR 195-6.
9.
The Pretest Interview.
a. The polygraph examiner should greet the examinee in a friendly, business-
like manner, introduce himself as a special agent, display his credentials and
badge, and state that he is a certified polygraph examiner. He must then, before
any test can take place, explain to the person his following rights:
MP1016
4-8
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