(6) Exact type of firearm, weapon, or tool used.
(7) Results of laboratory tests.
(8) Background information pertaining to the person.
d. He should inform the examiner of any unpublicized facts which could be
known only to the victim or the offender. This could include the exact amount of
money stolen, the caliber or make of the weapons used, or the means of entry.
These will enable the examiner to construct specific tests which may provide
accurate reactions and results.
e. The investigator, with the examiner, should set the exact time, date, and
place of the test. He should brief the examinee on the night prior to the test,
emphasizing that he should get plenty of sleep and not drink any alcohol or take
any drugs. On the day of the test, he should accompany the examinee to the place
of the test and introduce him to the examiner. During the test, the investigator
should remain there.
If the room is equipped with sound equipment or a two-way
mirror, he should watch and listen to the test. If required, he should arrange for
the examinee's meals.
If the examinee is a female, a female witness must be
present.
f. Practices that the investigator must guard against include the following:
(1) Never conduct a prolonged interrogation of the examinee just before a
polygraph test.
(2) The polygraph technique should never be described as infallible.
(3) The polygraph instrument will not be used as a psychological prop in
conducting interrogations.
(4) A prospective examinee should never be informed that his innocence or
guilt will be decided based on the results of the test.
Courts will make this
decision; the polygraph can only assist in the process.
(5) Do not request a mass screening of possible suspects (entire companies,
platoons, or large groups) to produce a real suspect. This violates the policy of
the Department of the Army, in that all investigative techniques and procedures
have not been applied, leads exhausted, and normal investigations completed.
(6) Consult the examiner when in doubt about a person's fitness.
The
examiner will, in turn, consult with medical, legal, or other personnel, if
necessary.
(7) Never
assume
the
investigation
is
completed
with
the
polygraph examination. Information from the use of the polygraph normally leads to
MP1016
4-6
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