posted 09-13-2006 08:43 PM            

Thanks Donna, for making the conference available to neighboring examiners.

The first day proved very informative, and I've already met many interesting people.

Utah, though, is not without ruffians who are responsible for reprehensible and regrettable events at the end of the first training day.

More later.

r

------------------
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here, this is the war room."
--(from Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 09-13-2006 08:46 PM         

It wasn't me this time-I can prove it. I wasn't there-I never left California. And yes, I'll take a polygraph test!

posted 09-13-2006 09:37 PM            

Like Ted, I was not there. Could you please expound on your posting? Like, what happened?

posted 09-14-2006 09:22 AM            

several polygraph examiners are wanted in the Free Republic of Utah.

r

------------------
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here, this is the war room."
--(from Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 09-14-2006 09:52 PM            

I wasn't prepared for him to fight back that hard. 'Twas a valiant resistance, but I knew we could take him if we had to.

Seriously, it was well worth the midnight drive to attend.

Good people, and a great presentation.

The bottom lines...

The good...

1) After coaching and practice, none of the examiners succeeded in defeating the test.

2) Probable lie comparison questions are still capable of evoking reactions among polygraph examiners who are knowledgeable and trained in comparison question techniques.

3) In our mock "mugging" experiment, test data did effectively differentiate truthful persons from those involved in the assault and robbery - even though those truthful persons were witnesses to, and had factual knowledge of, the mock crime.

4) It is very difficult to convincingly fiegn or simulate authentic looking autonomic nervous system reactions using voluntary activity - including peripheral nervous system activity (behavior) and mental activity. It's also difficult to alter responses in one component parameter (sensor) without producing anomalies in another sensor.

5) It is very difficult, if not impossible, to suppress reactions to relevant questions, if involved in the crime - even if completely unemotional about it at the time of the test (i.e., its not about fear) - not one single experienced examiner produced convincing or authentic looking chart data while being deceptive.

The bad...

1) It is absoultely possible to feign or simulate authentic looking ANS reactions within individual polygraph component parameters (sensors), using PNS (behavior) activity.

2) Mental activity, while less convincing in terms of robustness of reaction and authenticy of the tracing-data appearance, can alter the tracing data - heads-up and beware to any examiner who thinks that any deviation from tracing average represents a scoreable reaction.

3) Without a modern movement sensor it is impossible to conclusively differentiate, through measurable data, betweeen authentic ANS data and ANS data that is adultered in some way through PNS activity - we can hypothesize and opine about this, but the normal polygraph component sensors are assumed to be autonomic. The movement sensor improves construct validity by giving us observable data with which to better differentiate authentic ANS activity from data that which is adultered through PNS activity. (Mental activity can alter the test data, just don't trust test data that doesn't look normal).

4) It is often very difficult, if not impossible, to know for sure or prove what exact countermeasures were employed.

And...

The Ugly...

It probably ain't gonna get any easier

So...

If you ever get chance to hear Gordon Barland talk about polygraph countermeasures, especially in a hands-on practical training context - do it.

just bring your gi, 'cause Gordon fights.

Peace,

r

------------------
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here, this is the war room."
--(from Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 09-14-2006 09:53 PM            

I wasn't there, but have attended many of Dr Barland's presentations over the years. While exhibiting a very unpretentious and unassuming external aire, he is definitely a passionate presenter. Now I feel guilty for not being there; thanks!

Now, back to my social phobic, inadequacy disorder....

Jim

posted 09-17-2006 10:50 AM            

That nice clear Utah weather turned to a cold rain while I was out running later that same day.

Fall is on its way.

r

------------------
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here, this is the war room."
--(from Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 09-18-2006 07:59 PM            

Who knew that Gordon was training for the UFC.

Seriously now, it was a really good training conference. Proof that local, regional trainings can be every bit as valuable as larger national seminars, and sometimes more intense due to smaller numbers, more focused content, and hands-on practical excercises.

Thanks again Donna, and the Utah Polygraph Association, for making the training available.

It was also really good to meet people who read and post to this forum. I just wish we had more time to goof off. (Right now its 9:30 PM and I'm still doing work.)

'Niters.

r

------------------
"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here, this is the war room."
--(from Dr. Strangelove, 1964)

posted 09-20-2006 09:49 PM            

Yep! I graduate on Friday after 25 weeks of basic police instruction. OMG! I gotta tell ya, I am way too old for this s _ _ t!

I'll be back in the polygraph saddle soon,

Jim

posted 09-21-2006 09:52 AM         

CONGRATS! The academy is HARD WORK for 21 year olds and the older you are...the harder it gets. I knew you would do just fine and it's nice to have you back! In all fairness, I think you should have to post your academy photo on this site-less the beard!

posted 09-22-2006 07:51 AM            

"See ya" around the block....