The Significance of Polygraph Methods in Polish Investigations

Abstract

Polygraph examinations in the Polish investigative practice are based on two types of tests: the Concealed Information Test [CIT] and the Comparison Questions Test [CQT]. Much discussion about the benefits and limitations of both of them has been conducted worldwide for many years, which resulted mainly from a generally low acceptance of polygraph examination by the scientific community. This situation was also present in Poland. Therefore, the researchers focused on a thorough analysis of the scientific basis and effectiveness of both methods pointing to the differences of both methods and supported one, chosen type of test. As a result of long-term discussions, Polish polygraph examiners concluded that the CIT as well as the CQT are equally important in the forensic field and they should be treated more as complementary methods than the competitive ones; both are particularly helpful in "so called" difficult investigations. The case study described in this article shows that when both tests are used correctly, polygraph examinations may support the investigative work successfully. It can be seen especially in criminal cases where the police do not have traditional forensic evidence.