Kieso Polygraph Services

05/25/2026

05/20/2026

There are two types of polygraph examinations. Diagnostic (known incident or allegation) and Screening (no known allegation).

The primary difference is the scope and intent of the questions. A diagnostic examination investigates a single specific incident or allegation. A screening examination, on the other hand, evaluates a person’s general history or compliance across multiple, broad topics without a specific event in mind.

The distinctions between the two are outlined below:

Diagnostic Polygraph Examinations Primary Use: Criminal investigations, specific workplace incidents, or resolving targeted allegations.

Focus: Narrows in on one concrete event (e.g., "Did you steal the money from the safe on Tuesday?").

Accuracy: Because of the strict, single-issue focus, diagnostic exams generally offer the highest level of accuracy in the polygraph profession.

Context: Conducted in the presence of known evidence, symptoms, or a clear reported incident.

Screening Polygraph Examinations Primary Use: Pre-employment screening (e.g., law enforcement), federal security clearances, and post-conviction supervision.

Focus: Broad in scope, asking about multiple, unrelated behaviors or events in a single test (e.g., illegal drug use, past thefts, or driving under the influence, compliance with probation, parole, and/or treatment conditions).

Context: Conducted in the absence of a specific known problem or reported incident, often for risk management or general suitability/compliance.

Diagnostic exams are designed to uncover the truth about a singular event, while screening exams are designed to establish a baseline of risk and general background honesty.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day!

04/26/2026

- The Role of the Polygraph Examiner

Our job as examiners is to be neutral, unbiased, and impartial. We are on the side of the truth.

Our role is not to prove guilt or innocence, but to collect and analyze quality physiological data in a structured and scientific way. Like a medical professional interpreting results, we simply report what the data on the charts reflect.

Examiners are not trying to catch clients in a lie. All test questions are reviewed in advance to ensure they are fully understood, simple, and direct. There are no surprise or trick questions, as confusion would make the results unreliable. We never test a client who states they are confused. The client agrees to all ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions before testing.

The entire process is conducted in a collaborative and calm environment in an interview format. The examiner works with the client to ensure the best conditions for accurate results.

Professional standards require strict neutrality, as any bias would undermine the process. Contrary to what people see in movies and TV shows, a real polygraph examination is not dramatic or confrontational. It is a careful and methodical procedure and the examiner objectively analyzes the charts to determine the probability of truth or deception.

04/22/2026

Is the examiner trying to "trip me up?"

A professional polygraph examiner is not trying to “trip you up.” Their goal is to obtain accurate and reliable results, not to create a “gotcha” moment. In fact, the entire process is designed to prevent mistakes or misunderstandings.

Before the examination begins, every question is carefully reviewed with the examinee. There are no surprise or trick questions. Each question must be clearly understood and capable of being answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” If anything is unclear, it is reworded to remove confusion.

Examiners aim to produce “clean” data. If an examinee is confused, startled, or reacting to poorly phrased questions, the results become unreliable. A false result is not a success—it is a failure of the process. Accuracy is always the priority.

A detailed pre-test discussion, often lasting up to an hour, ensures the examinee fully understands the questions and feels prepared. This helps reduce anxiety and eliminates ambiguity.

Examiners are trained professionals who analyze physiological data objectively, much like a specialist interpreting medical results. Their role is neutral and evidence-based.

Despite portrayals in TV shows, real polygraph testing is calm, structured and collaborative. The examiner works with the examinee to create the best conditions for clear, accurate results.

04/07/2026

Conducting a law enforcement pre-employment screening test (LEPET) today. Many law enforcement agencies screen their applicants with a thorough background investigation, which includes polygraph testing.

04/04/2026

Did you know that modern polygraph has been around for over a century? Its development as an art and science combining use of psychology and physiology, has evolved significantly, making it a useful tool in therapy, law enforcement, and dispute resolution. While it doesn’t detect lies directly, it measures physiological responses consistent with the cognitive dissonance associated with deception.