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About Us

WHAT IS A POLYGRAPH?

A polygraph, used for the purpose of lie detection, is an instrument that monitors and records various manifestations of changes in blood pressure, pulse rate, electrodermal activity, and respiration. It may also include additional components to monitor blood volume and motion.

The term “polygraph” derives from the Greek words poly (many) and graph (writing) — meaning “many writings.” The name refers to the manner in which selected physiological activities of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems are simultaneously collected, measured, and recorded while a series of carefully designed questions are asked of the person attached to the instrument.

A polygraph (also known as a lie detector) is a scientific diagnostic instrument used by a forensic psycho-physiologist (polygraph examiner) to administer a polygraph examination for the purpose of verifying the truthfulness of a person’s statement regarding a specific issue or issues.

Shape Shape Shape

How Accurate is a Polygraph?

In a specific issue test, using a validated technique, the average accuracy will exceed 90%. The accuracy of a polygraph depends heavily on the following elements:

  • The technique administered by the examiner
  • The examiner’s primary and continuing educational training
  • The number of relevant questions asked – Generally speaking, the more relevant questions asked, the less accurate the results will be. Using only one relevant question will produce the highest level of accuracy. Most current research on polygraph testing is based on a “Specific Issue” format (one relevant question). Adding even one question to a specific issue test doubles the error rate.
  • Question development and structure – Question format is a critical aspect of testing, supported by years of research studies resulting in an established set of rules. The American Polygraph Association has a compendium of research studies available on the validity and reliability of polygraph testing. The 80 research projects published by the APA since 1980 involved 6,380 polygraph examinations or sets of charts from examinations. Researchers conducted 12 studies on the validity of field examinations, following 2,174 field examinations, providing an average accuracy of 98%. Researchers conducted 11 studies involving the reliability of independent analyses of 1,609 sets of charts from field examinations confirmed by independent evidence, providing an average accuracy of 92%. Researchers conducted 41 studies involving the accuracy of 1,787 laboratory simulations of polygraph examinations, producing an average accuracy of 80%. Researchers conducted 16 studies involving the reliability of independent analyses of 810 sets of charts from laboratory simulations, producing an average accuracy of 81%. The average accuracy for all 6,380 exams is 88%.

New industry standards require that a particular technique be at least 90% accurate (in specific issue testing) for that technique to be considered “validated.” Our examiners only use validated polygraph techniques.
In 2020, an addendum to historical studies was published regarding the Raskin technique, a version of the Utah testing method, which reported a 94.4% overall accuracy when the Raskin technique was used.
The actual make and model of the polygraph equipment used is not nearly as important as the above-mentioned elements. A skilled examiner can provide reliable polygraph services using any calibrated polygraph instrument.

Location Address Exam Fee
Annapolis MD West St. Annapolis MD $575
Aberdeen MD Research Blvd Aberdeen MD $575
Baltimore MD Security Blvd Baltimore MD $575
Bethesda MD Democracy Plaza Bethesda MD $575
Columbia MD Little Patuxent Pky Columbia MD $575
Frederick MD Buckeystown Pike Frederick MD $575
Newark DE Continental Drive Newark DE $750
National Harbor MD National Plaza National Harbor MD $575
Towson MD Olympic Place Towson MD $575
Wilmington DE Delaware Ave Wilmington MD $750

Guarantee & Refund Policy

Initial Deposits Are Non-Refundable. ALE-Poly is a fee-for-service company. The initial deposit you submit with your registration guarantees your referral to a qualified examiner, NOT the exam itself. However, this referral fee will be deducted from the exam fee to calculate the remaining balance, which is paid directly to your examiner. REFERRAL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE unless we fail to meet our guarantee (see below).

Cancellation Policy: Once you have scheduled an exam, your examiner will require at least two full business days’ notice for cancellation. Failure to do so will result in full exam fee payment to the examiner. This includes no-shows. Your local examiner may have additional cancellation policies, which will be provided to you.

Second Deposit Required After Scheduling: Once an appointment has been scheduled, your examiner will require a Reservation Fee to hold the appointment for you. This Reservation Fee will be deducted from the remaining balance. Your examiner will provide terms and conditions for the final payment.

Illegal Exams Are Not Accepted: Some types of polygraph exams are illegal in certain areas. It is your responsibility to ensure that requesting an exam is legal in the jurisdiction where the test will be conducted. Deposits for illegal exams will not be refunded. Contact us before scheduling if you are unsure about legality.

Late Arrival Penalties. You will incur late fees if you do not arrive on time for your appointment. After 30 minutes, you are considered a no-show unless prior arrangements have been made with your examiner. No exams can be canceled on the day of testing.

Our Promise to You

  • If you become a client of ALE-Poly, we guarantee: A referral to an examiner in the geographic area you select.

You will be offered an appointment within 30 days of registration unless

otherwise informed otherwise.

  • Your examiner will be fully trained, screened, and certified.
  • Your examiner will use only APA-validated testing techniques.
  • The total price you pay will be the published website price for weekday exams during business hours (excluding sales tax, which may apply in some locations).

By Registering for an Exam with ALE-Poly:

  • You acknowledge that you have read and understood the above policy, including that your Referral Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
  • You further acknowledge that you have read and agreed to abide by ALE-Poly’s refund and cancellation policy.