How to Book & Prepare for Polygraph Testing at Your Business

How to Book & Prepare for Polygraph Testing at Your Business

When the decision has been made to use polygraph services at your business it is important to know what to prepare for. The key to ensuring fair, ethical and accurate polygraph tests in your business is appropriate preparation. Through thorough investigation, sharing accurate information with your polygraph examiner allows for accurate results, having a plan as to how to act on the results that are provided post testing to safe guard your business and employees.

Step 1: Appoint A Reputable Polygraph Provider

Like all industries, not all polygraph examiners are equal

Research Providers -  ensure the examiner is appropriately qualified, has experience and is affiliated with a professional organization. Confirm these qualifications, certifications and any references.

Discuss Requirements – when considering a provider, it is important to have clear requirements and objectives for the testing process (e.g. Should there have been a theft from your business, be sure to have accurate information regarding times and dates, surveillance and an account of what has been stolen). Furnishing the examiner with the necessary case facts for the testing will allow for proper preparation for pre-testing interviewing and testing.

Step 2: Schedule The Testing

Venue – polygraph testing needs to be conducted in a quiet, private space this can be done at your business premises or at an examiner’s offices (see more detail in this post - link to previous article).

Time -  it is best to book the tests within the employee’s working hours to allow them to participate in the process without any additional stress. The type of testing that is booked will determine the amount of time required per test, a minimum of 1 (one) hour should be allocated per test.

Step 3: Inform Staff

Purpose – ensure that all employees understand that the polygraph testing is to assist in resolving an issue (in the case of investigations particularly), and reinforce that the process is in no way meant to single any one person out.

Consent – it is important that employees understand their rights regarding the polygraph, including their right to refusal to do the polygraph test. The process of written consent is undertaken by the polygraph examiner as part of the pre-test process.

Step 4: Prepare for The Tests

Quiet Setting – the testing space should be a quiet, private space which should not have any interruptions. The room should be appropriately furnished without distractions and should be at a comfortable temperature. (see previous article with details about the testing space).

Health Readiness – the employees should be advised to be well rested, the employees should not be ill or be in any excessive pain due to injury, and they should not be under the influence of any substances. It is important to note that pregnant women cannot be polygraph tested.

What to Bring – the employees should bring their identification with them to ensure that no errors in capturing personal information are made. Should there be any additional documents or information required the examiner may advise of this prior to testing.

Step 5: The Testing Process and Results

Testing -  the examiner obtains written consent from the employee, proceeding to run through personal information collection and full discussion regarding the purpose of the polygraph test. Following this the polygraph instrument is explained to the employee as well as all questions that are to be asked are reviewed, followed by the polygraph test being conducted (more information about this in this article).

Results – polygraph results will only ever be provided to the “requestor” (this may be you as the business owner or management) preliminary results may be given straight after the test/s are completed, this will be dependent on the complexity of the findings. A detailed employee specific report will be compiled following the analysis of the data collected in the test. It may be necessary to consult with a labor or HR specialist to ensure compliance with South African labor law prior to taking action on the provided results.

Accurate results from fair and ethical polygraph tests are essential for businesses incorporating polygraph testing into their business for the process to be of value.

Preparation from your business and management team allows for the polygraph examiner to provide the best possible service to your business.