Polygraph testing: 10 years of practical application
Keywords:
polygraph, polygraph testing, simulated behavior detector, criminal investigation, personnel selection, judicial decisions, Forensicand Judicial Expertise CenterAbstract
The article analyzes the evolution and effectiveness of polygraph testing in the Republic of Moldova over a decade of institutional application (2014–2023) within the Forensic and Judicial Expertise Center of the General Police Inspectorate. Relevant quantitative data are presented concerning the frequency of polygraph tests and the types of requests received, highlighting a high degree of accuracy and significant practical applicability. In order to assess the actual impact of the method, the test results were compared with court rulings, and the use of polygraph was examined from multiple perspectives. The article also addresses the current status and implementation of polygraph testing in the Republic of Moldova, United States of America, Romania, and Ukraine. Based on the gathered experience, it can be concluded that polygraph testing effectively contributes to the clarification of complex cases and, in certain situations, enables the retrieval of additional relevant information. The conclusions emphasize the relevance of the polygraph as a complementary investigative tool, while also underscoring the need for continuous development of the field through advanced professional training, regulatory harmonization, and the expansion of its application under scientifically rigorous and ethically responsible conditions.
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