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Case Study of a Polygraph Examination on an Examinee With an Implanted Defibrillator

NCJ Number
213952
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 35 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 22-24
Author(s)
Nathan J. Gordon; William L. Fleisher
Date Published
2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on a polygraph examination of a subject with an implanted pacemaker defibrillator.
Abstract
An implanted pacemaker defibrillator is a battery-operated electronic device usually placed under the skin to correct heart arrhythmias and thus prevent a heart attack. The case study focused on whether a successful polygraph examination could be conducted on a subject who had received such an implanted device, with attention to whether the device had an adverse effect on the heart/pulse-related data. The case study yielded two findings. First, the mechanics of the polygraph examination did not interfere with or influence the operation of the device. Second, the device did not have any adverse impact on blood volume changes, which is the polygraph's primary measurement of heart-related reactions to the questions posed. The exam accurately detected the subject's deception about two parole violations: having left the city without permission by the parole officer and being in a house where there was a minor child present (his daughter). To provide a solid empirical foundation for these conclusions, however, further research should be conducted. A Lafayette LX-4000 computerized polygraph system, software version 9.5.1, was used for the examination. The implanted defibrillator was the Marquis DR Model 7274. A demonstration test was administered, followed by four charts of an Integrated Zone Comparison Technique multi-issue examination. The comparison and relevant questions are provided. They relate to an examination intended to reveal deception about any parole violation the subject may have committed. 7 references