Polygraph expert Volodymyr Vedmid explained whether it is possible to deceive a polygraph

A polygraph does not directly determine lies, but records a person's physiological reactions. Therefore, it is actually not the device that is deceived, but the specialist who analyzes the results. Polygraph expert Volodymyr Vedmid named the main types of countermeasures and explained why popular methods are often noticeable. In Ukraine, lie detector tests are even used in law enforcement agencies. This was discussed by Volodymyr Vedmid in an interview with “Serious Conversation.”

Can you deceive a polygraph with alcohol, pain, or movements?

According to Vedmid, it is incorrect to talk about deceiving the polygraph itself, as the device only records the body's reactions. The outcome of the examination largely depends on the professionalism and attentiveness of the polygraph examiner.

«It is impossible to deceive a polygraph, just like a refrigerator or a television, because it is just a device. It records responses,» explained the expert.

Among the countermeasures are physical, psychological, and pharmacological methods. However, the use of a small amount of a calming agent, according to Vedmid, does not necessarily make testing impossible.

Physical methods include attempts to create a pain sensation, tense muscles, or move at the right moment. However, modern equipment may have a tremor sensor in a special cushion that records hidden movements.

Therefore, advice about pressing toes or biting one's tongue is considered primitive by the expert. A polygraph examiner can notice an unusual reaction and ask the question in a different sequence.

Polygraphs are used in various fields. For instance, earlier Mykhailo Mudryk passed a lie detector test in connection with a doping scandal.

Why is psychological counteraction to the polygraph harder to detect?

Vedmid considers psychological counteraction to be more complicated. A person may try to count in their mind, distract their attention, enter a meditative state, or deliberately evoke strong emotional memories.

However, a polygraph examiner can notice a loss of concentration based on a person's behavior or changes in the polygram. Additionally, it is difficult to evoke the necessary emotional reaction precisely at the moment of a specific question without knowing the sequence of the test.

«It is impossible to convince oneself. A mentally healthy person clearly knows,» said Vedmid, commenting on attempts to convince oneself of an invented version of events.

One of the methods is based on information that only an involved person might know. For instance, if $40,000 was stolen from a safe, the polygraph examiner may name different amounts and analyze the reaction to the correct answer. Then the block is repeated with a changed sequence.

According to Vedmid, it is difficult to constantly create artificial reactions to extraneous questions. It is precisely the repetition and change of sequence that help detect attempts at counteraction.

Let us remind you that previously Inkorr wrote that foreign soldiers will be checked with a polygraph before being appointed to certain positions in the Defense Forces.