The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Police Department
	General Order 3-1.5	Polygraph Examinations

The polygraph is an instrument that records certain physiological changes in a person undergoing questioning in an effort to determine truth or deception. A polygraph simultaneously records a minimum of respiratory activity, galvanic skin resistance or conductivity, and cardiovascular activity.

While the polygraph is an excellent aid to investigations, it should not be considered as a substitute or a shortcut to a thorough investigation. The use of detection devices such as polygraph examinations can be an effective investigative tool when used in conjunction with thorough follow-up investigative efforts. Polygraphs will be used in those instances in which its use meets the legal requirements of State of North Carolina and U. S. Constitutional law. The results of a polygraph examination are not admissible in North Carolina State Courts or in Federal Courts; however, they may be admissible in administrative hearings.

1. Procedures for the Principal Detective
   
   When a detective determines that a stage in an investigation has been reached in which a polygraph would prove effective and beneficial, a request for an examination will be sent to the Support Services Commander. If the subject consents to such an examination, the Support Services Commander will review the case and decide if a polygraph examination is appropriate. Upon receiving approval, the detective will make the appropriate arrangements with a licensed and certified polygraph examiner.
   
   The detective will be responsible for the following preparatory procedures:
   1. After approval is given by the Support Services Commander, contact the polygraph examiner directly.
   2. Ensure that the examiner conducting the test meets the qualifications required by the department.
   3. After the examiner has been selected, an appointment will be set for the test to be given.
   4. If for any reason the department or the subject cancels the examination, the detective will notify the examiner immediately.
   5. Provide documented details of the subject's interrogation, especially any statements or denials of involvement, written or oral
   6. Supply the polygraph examiner with copies of all related police reports and all available information. These documents will be supplied in advance of the actual examination. Crime scene photographs may be provided if deemed necessary
   7. Bring any physical evidence required by the polygraph examiner to the examination location; and
   8. Arrange for transportation of the subject to the examination location
2. Interrogation Procedures Prior to Examination
   
   Intensive interrogation should be avoided prior to the examination so that an accurate determination of truthfulness or untruthfulness of the subject can be determined. The subject may be interviewed briefly prior to the examination, but only to determine opportunity to commit the crime.
3. Physical Condition of Subject to be Examined
   
   The physical and mental condition of the subject should be as near normal as possible prior to the test. The person to be tested should eat and sleep as usual during the twenty-four hours prior to the examination. A person with a severe cold, respiratory disorder, physical pain, or one who has consumed alcohol or any form of illicit drugs or narcotics will not normally be suitable for testing.
   
   The detective must keep in mind that there are several factors, both physical and psychological, that can cause a subject to be unsuitable, such as:
   • Pregnancy
   • Paralysis, amputation
   • Subjects recovering from a major surgery
   • Cardiovascular disease
   • High or low blood pressure
   • Respiratory disease or severe cold
   • Drug addiction, alcoholism
   • Emotional instability
   • Insufficient rest or nourishment
   • Mental deficiency – an I.Q. of 70 or less. The insane or mentally deranged are never suitable for testing
   • If the subject is hearing impaired or does not speak English, the officer will help make arrangements for a sign language interpreter or translator as determined by the polygraph examiner.
4. Polygraph Examiner's Responsibilities
   
   The polygraph examiner will decide whether or not a test will be administered, based on the examiner's experience and review of the case file. It will beat the polygraph examiner's discretion to discontinue a test at any time. If requested, the polygraph examiner should be able to submit the test results to the detective in writing as soon as practical after the test is complete.
   
   The polygraph examiner will abide by the following guidelines:
   • When appropriate, the examiner will read Miranda rights to the subject and explain the voluntary nature of the test. Where required, the examiner will obtain a signed consent prior to administering the examination as well as a signed waiver of Miranda rights form from the person being tested;
   • An examination will cease immediately if requested by the subject;
   • Prior to the test, the examiner will explain the polygraph procedure to the subject and prepare them for the examination;
   • The examiner will be responsible for preparing all questions used in the examination. Prior to the examination, each test question will be reviewed with the person being tested;
   • The examiner will independently interpret the chart tracings and render an opinion on findings that includes, but is not limited to, one of the following conclusions:
     • No Deception Indicated
     • Deception Indicated
     • Inconclusive
   • The polygraph examiner will determine if a second polygraph examination is necessary and appropriate.
   The UNCG Police Department has no licensed and certified polygraph examiner as a member of the department. The detective will, whenever possible, attempt to schedule examinations with an appropriate law enforcement agency (i.e., State Bureau of Investigation, Guilford County Sheriff's Department, and Greensboro Police Department). Only graduates of a school approved by the American Polygraph Association will be used to administer polygraph examinations.
5. Personnel Authorized to Administer Polygraphs
   
   Only fully trained polygraphists are authorized to administer polygraph examinations. The polygraph examiner will make such inquiries of the subject's health, medical history and/or use of medications as necessary to determine their ability to take the examination. Polygraph examinations will not be conducted on any person whom the examiner reasonably believes to be physically or emotionally unsuitable for testing. This may include, but is not limited to, persons with heart conditions, women who are pregnant and individuals taking certain types of medication that may interfere with test results. When in doubt, the examiner may seek guidance from medical or psychological professionals as authorized by this agency and/or request the person being examined to obtain a medical certificate from an appropriate health care provider.
   
   An examiner will not conduct a polygraph examination upon a subject if it is felt that an unbiased examination cannot be given.