Lie detector examination: psychophysiological assessment using a polygraph in Ukraine

Lie detector examination: psychophysiological assessments using a polygraph in Ukraine

Lie detector examinations have long ceased to be “something from TV” and have become a real tool for lawyers, investigators, businesses and private individuals.
This is not just a “polygraph test” but a psychophysiological expert examination using a polygraph, which is conducted according to approved methodologies and has procedural significance.

Need a test rather than theory? Take the VerifEye online test — from 2,500 UAH (≈ €50), no office visit needed — or calculate the cost of a polygraph test.

Such assessments make it possible to:

• assess the reliability of statements made by participants in the proceedings;
• uncover concealed information and contradictions;
• strengthen the body of evidence in criminal and civil cases;
• support the position of the defence or the prosecution with objective data.

What a lie detector examination is and why it is needed

A lie detector examination is a comprehensive psychophysiological assessment in which a specialist uses a polygraph to record a person’s bodily reactions to specially worded questions.

The focus is on:

• physiological indicators (pulse, breathing, skin conductance, micro-movements);
• changes in reactions when answering neutral, comparison and key questions.

This format is suitable when:

• direct evidence is lacking and an assessment of testimony is important;
• the parties give mutually exclusive statements;
• fraud, abuse or collusion is suspected;
• the integrity of an employee or candidate needs to be confirmed.

Psychophysiological examination using a polygraph: what it is and its principles

A psychophysiological examination using a polygraph is an official form of assessment that is conducted by a certified expert, meets the requirements for forensic examinations and can be added to the case file.

Key principles:

• Voluntariness — a person can take part only with their consent.
• Professionalism — the expert has special training, experience and the appropriate authority.
• Objectivity — it is the body’s reactions that are assessed, not the expert’s personal attitude.
• Procedural compliance — the requirements of legislation and the standards of forensic examination are observed.

How an expert examination differs from a psychophysiological assessment

• A psychophysiological expert examination using a polygraph is usually ordered by a resolution of an investigator or prosecutor, or by a court ruling and ends with an official expert conclusion.
• A psychophysiological assessment using a polygraph can be carried out at the initiative of a lawyer, a company or a private individual, and its results are used as additional information; for court, a forensic examination is needed.

When it makes sense to order a psychophysiological examination

• in criminal proceedings — to verify the statements of suspects, witnesses and victims;
• in civil disputes — in conflicts over inheritance, debt obligations and family matters;

Forensic psychophysiological examination and polygraph testing in Ukraine: the legal aspect

Forensic psychophysiological examination and polygraph testing in Ukraine are based on the legislation on forensic examination and on criminal and civil procedural law.

In Ukrainian judicial practice, the polygraph is used:

• as an additional source of evidential information;
• to clarify the circumstances of a criminal offence;
• to check the parties’ versions of events;
• as a tool that helps the court and investigators assess the truthfulness of statements.

Grounds for forensic examinations using a polygraph

Typical grounds include:

• contradictory testimony from participants in the proceedings;
• a lack of sufficient physical evidence;
• the need to verify information;
• doubts as to whether the explanations given were voluntary or truthful.

The initiator may be:

• an investigator or prosecutor;
• a court;
• the defence or the prosecution (by filing a motion);
• the victim or their representative.

Polygraph (lie detector) examination: stages and methodology

Preparing for a polygraph assessment

The preparatory stage includes:

• analysis of the case materials;
• formulating clear, correct questions;
• familiarising the person with the procedure, their rights and the limitations;
• a preliminary interview in which the expert clarifies important biographical and situational details.

In effect, this is a lie detector examination in the broad sense: the expert assesses not only the reactions recorded by the polygraph but also the person’s general psychological state.

Testing methodology in a polygraph examination

During testing:

• sensors are attached to record breathing, pulse, blood pressure and galvanic skin response;
• the person is asked series of questions: neutral, comparison and relevant (key) questions;
• several test blocks are run to increase the reliability of the results;
• all reactions, response times and changes in the dynamics of the readings are recorded.

It is this kind of examination using a polygraph that makes it possible to identify the questions to which the body reacts with the greatest tension, which is interpreted as a possible link to false or concealed information.

What a polygraph examination conclusion is

Based on the results of the assessment, the expert:

• analyses all the instrument’s recordings;
• compares reactions to different types of questions;
• draws an overall conclusion on whether the answers are truthful or contradictory;
• prepares an official written document that can be submitted to court or used by a lawyer in the defence strategy.

Psychophysiological polygraph assessment in criminal and civil cases

What issues are examined during the examination

Common question formats:

• whether the person was involved in a specific crime, event or episode;
• whether they knowingly gave false information;
• whether they are concealing any facts relevant to the investigation;
• whether they have information about accomplices, where physical evidence is kept, and so on.

In civil disputes, these may be questions:

• about a party’s true intent when signing contracts;
• about the sincerity of statements in family conflicts;
• about the accuracy of information in financial, corporate and property disputes.

The role of the expert and observers in the process

The expert:

• is responsible for the methodology, the correctness of the questions and the interpretation of the results;
• ensures that the person’s rights are respected;
• records every stage of the assessment.

With the consent of the parties, the following may be present while the polygraph examination is being conducted:

• a representative of the defence;
• a lawyer;
• other authorised persons as observers, without interfering in the process.

Forensic psychophysiological examination using a polygraph: examples and overturned verdicts

One important topic is overturned verdicts and how the polygraph helps to save a person’s future.

When:

• new circumstances come to light;
• the defence presents the results of a high-quality psychophysiological examination using a polygraph;
• a discrepancy is found between earlier testimony and the body’s objective reactions,

this may become grounds for:

• a review of the case;
• narrowing of the charges;
• mitigation or even reversal of the verdict.

Thus, a polygraph (lie detector) examination is not only a way to uncover lies but also a chance for an innocent person to protect their reputation and freedom.

Four main reasons to have your examination done with us

1. Partner experts
   We work with qualified specialists experienced in conducting forensic psychophysiological examinations, who know the specifics of working with the polygraph in Ukrainian judicial practice.
2. Modern equipment and methodologies
   We use modern polygraphs, proven testing protocols and scientifically grounded approaches to psychophysiological analysis.
3. Legality and official conclusions
   The results are issued as an expert conclusion, which can be added to the case file and taken into account by the court, investigators and lawyers.
4. Confidentiality
   All information obtained during the assessment is confidential and is passed on only to the client or persons authorised by the client.

Advantages of psychophysiological polygraph assessments

• objectivity (the focus is on the body’s reactions, not a third party’s opinion);
• speed (the assessment is carried out within a relatively short time);
• flexibility (the questions can be adapted to the specific case);
• better-quality court decisions

Who can initiate and observe a polygraph examination

The initiator may be:

• investigative authorities;
• a court;
• lawyers;
• private individuals (in family, property and other disputes).

The process can be observed by prior arrangement, without any direct influence on the course of the assessment.

FAQ — answers to the most frequently asked questions

Are the results of a lie detector examination evidence in court?
They can be taken into account as an additional source of information and strengthen a party’s position, especially in combination with other evidence.

Can a person refuse to undergo the assessment?
Yes. Participation is voluntary, and this is one of the basic conditions for the procedure to be lawful.

Is a polygraph examination painful?
No. The polygraph only records the body’s readings and has no physical effect on the person.

How long does a psychophysiological polygraph assessment take?
On average 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of questions.

Can an assessment be carried out for an internal corporate investigation?
Yes, this is one of the most common ways the polygraph is used in business.

Does the examination guarantee a 100% result?
No method gives an absolute one-hundred-per-cent guarantee, but a professionally conducted psychophysiological assessment significantly reduces the risk of errors in decision-making.

Conclusions: when a lie detector examination is truly necessary

A lie detector examination is a modern, reliable and effective tool that helps to:

• check the truthfulness of testimony;
• protect the interests of the parties in court;
• avoid miscarriages of justice and unfair decisions.

When reputation, freedom or major financial interests are at stake, a psychophysiological examination using a polygraph becomes the very additional argument that can change the course of a case.

You can read more about the legal aspects on the official website of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine: