HOW ACCURATE IS A POLYGRAPH TEST?
The current polygraph research indicates that when a specific single issue polygraph exam, conducted by a qualified, trained, and experienced polygraph examiner, is properly administered the accuracy rate is between 95% and 98%. This percentage is still higher than other forms of evidence, including psychiatric opinions, suspect identification as provided by victims and witnesses, and fingerprint identification. The polygraph is the most accurate tool available today for determining truth or deception. The accuracy of the multi-issue exam drops in accuracy due to a number of psychological factors. These statistics do no include inconclusive test results in which no opinion of truth of deception can be made from the physiological data collected on the polygraph charts.
