The Use And Application Of The Polygraph Technique In The Analysis Of Simulated Behavior From A Tactical-Forensic Perspective

  • Laura-Maria Giana University of Naples "Federico II”
Keywords: forensic science; truth; legal basis; professional employee; relevant techniques; knowledge testing

Abstract

In judicial practice, one of the fundamental objectives is to investigate the sincerity of persons suspected of committing acts provided for by criminal law, as well as of those who possess information or knowledge relevant to elucidating the circumstances of an act. Establishing the truth is essential not only for finding guilt or innocence, but also for ensuring a fair trial and the correct substantiation of acts of justice. Truth thus constitutes a central pillar of the criminal process, and any method that contributes to its identification must be used with responsibility and rigor.

In this context, the polygraph technique has acquired an important role as a complementary tool in the investigation of crimes. The polygraph, by monitoring the physiological parameters of the subject during the interview, can provide useful clues regarding the veracity of the statements, supporting the judicial investigation. However, the efficiency of this method depends largely on compliance with standardized procedures, the operator's training and the correct understanding of its limits.

The application of the polygraph is not an autonomous solution and cannot substitute other investigative methods, but functions as an auxiliary tool that complements traditional evidence. At the same time, the success of its use requires a thorough knowledge of the psychological and forensic paradigms involved, as well as a critical evaluation of the results obtained. Only by combining technical expertise with ethical and legal principles can the polygraph effectively contribute to identifying the truth and strengthening the act of justice.

References

BEN-SHAKHAR, G., FUREDY, J.J. Theories and Applications in the Detection of Deception: A Psychophysiological and International Perspective. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1990;
RASKIN, D.C., KIRCHER, J.C. Detection of Deception: Polygraph and Deception Detection. New York: Academic Press, 1982;
LYKKEN, D.T. A Tremor in the Blood: Uses and Abuses of the Lie Detector. 2nd ed. New York: Plenum Trade, 1998. ISBN 978-0306457821;
RASKIN, D.C., HONTS, Ch.R., KIRCHER, J.C. The Scientific Status of Research on Polygraph Techniques: The Case for Polygraph Tests. In: Modern Scientific Evidence: The Law and Science of Expert Testimony, vol. 2, 2002. P. 446-483REID, J.E., INBAU, F.E. Truth and Deception: The Polygraph ("Lie Detector") Technique. 2nd ed. Baltimore: Williams & Wilkins, 1977. P. 138-139.;
ROSENFELD, J.P. Concealed Information Test: Detecting Concealed Knowledge With Event-Related Brain Potentials. London: Academic Press, 2018;
FUKOMOTO, J. Psychophysiological Deception in Japan – The Past and the Present. In: Polygraph, 1982, vol. 11, No. 3. P. 234-238 [cited 19.06.2025]. Available: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/psychophysiological-deception-japan-past-and-present;
YAMAMURA, T., MIYATA, Y. Development of the polygraph technique in Japan for detection of deception. In: Forensic Science International, 1990, 48(2). P. 221-231 [cited 04.06.2025]. Available: https://doi.org/10.1016/0379-0738(90)90256-X;
NAKAYAMA, M. Practical Use of the Concealed Information Test for Criminal Investigation in Japan. In: KLEINER, M. (ed.). Handbook of Polygraph Testing. San Diego: Academic Press, 2002. P. 49-86. ISBN 978-0124135703;
GRAMA, M. Scientific Detection of Simulated Behavior: Using the Polygraph Technique. In: Realities and Perspectives of National Legal Education, Conference October 1–2, 2019, State University of Moldova. Published February 23, 2020 [cited 08.26.2022]. Available: https://juridicemoldova.md/7020/detectarea-stiintifica-a-conduitei-simulate-utilizarea-tehnicii-poligraf.html;
KRAPOHL, D.J., SHAW, S.L. Fundamentals of Polygraph Practice. Amsterdam: Elsevier Academic Press, 2015;
WALTERS, S.B. Principles of Kinesic Interview and Interrogation. 2nd ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2002;
GORDON, N.J. The Enhanced Polygraph Technique. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2006;
National Institute of Criminalistics. Organization of activities in polygraph laboratories of the Romanian Police. Bucharest: MAI, IGPR. Document no. 774.252 of 03.08.2015 [single copy, non-public];
LAFAYETTE INSTRUMENT COMPANY. LX6-S Polygraph System Product Brochure. Lafayette, Indiana, 2020. Available: https://lafayettepolygraph.com/products/lx6;
KRAPOHL, D.J., SHAW, P.K. Fundamentals of Polygraph Practice. San Diego: Academic Press, 2015. P. 45-47. ISBN 978-0128029244;
MATTE, J.A. Forensic Psychophysiology Using the Polygraph: Scientific Truth Verification – Lie Detection. Williamsville, NY: J.A.M. Publications, 1996. P. 112-115;
National Institute of Criminalistics. Organization of activities in polygraph laboratories of the Romanian Police. Document no. 774.252 of August 3, 2015;
National Institute of Criminalistics. Organization of activities in polygraph laboratories of the Romanian Police. Document no. 774.252 of August 03, 2015;
WANG, S., WANG, L. A Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network Prediction Approach to Polygraph Analysis. In: International Journal of Computers, Communications & Control 20, No. 2 (2025): 7008 [cited 13.06.2025]. Available: https://doi.org/10.15837/ijccc.2025.2.7008;
GIANSIRACUSA, N., et al. Deception Detection Using Machine Learning and Deep Learning Techniques: A Review. ScienceDirect, 2024 [cited 17.05.2024]. Available: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2949719124000050;
Decision of the State Commission for Polygraph Testing No. 3/2016 on the approval of methodological norms unique procedures for conducting testing using the polygraph [cited 02.01.2024]. Available: https://cna.md/ro/hotariri-si-decizii-ale-comisiei.
Published
2025-11-30
How to Cite
Giana, L.-M. (2025) “The Use And Application Of The Polygraph Technique In The Analysis Of Simulated Behavior From A Tactical-Forensic Perspective”, The Annals of “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati. Legal Sciences. Fascicle XXVI, 8(2). Available at: https://www.gup.ugal.ro/ugaljournals/index.php/als/article/view/9582 (Accessed: 14January2026).
Section
Public Law