SSI Polygraphs
Professional Polygraph Examinations
SSI Polygraphs provides objective, confidential and professionally conducted polygraph examinations to assist organisations, legal professionals and private clients in assessing specific matters and making informed decisions.
Ethical. Confidential. Objective.
Objective Information Through a Professional Process
SSI Polygraphs assists clients where a matter requires focused examination, structured questioning and professional analysis. A polygraph examination records selected physiological activity while an examinee responds to carefully formulated questions. This data is analysed by a trained forensic psychophysiologist using a structured examination format and recognised analytical procedures.
A polygraph does not read minds, does not directly detect a lie, and is not infallible. It should not replace a proper investigation or disciplinary process, but may provide useful information as one component of a broader fact-finding process. A polygraph examination is a professional investigative and decision-support tool. Its outcome should be considered together with the surrounding facts, available evidence and appropriate workplace or legal procedures.
Selected Forensic Psychophysiologists
SSI works with a selected group of trained forensic psychophysiologists (polygraph examiners). Examiners are assigned according to location, language requirements, nature of the matter, and scale of the assignment. This allows SSI to assist clients primarily throughout Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Gauteng while coordinating suitable professional assistance elsewhere in South Africa when required.
Polygraph Solutions
Specific-Issue Examinations
Focused examinations concerning a defined incident, allegation or event, such as workplace theft, fraud, stock losses, or unauthorized property removal. Questions are formulated after case facts are established.
Pre-Employment Screening
Structured screening for trust-sensitive positions. Programs have a defined, job-related purpose and comply with labor and privacy requirements. Focused on legitimate organizational risk management.
Periodic Employee Screening
Examinations designed around clearly defined workplace risks and relevant employment requirements, conducted at regular intervals to ensure ongoing compliance and trust.
Promotional Screening
For employees considered for positions with increased responsibility, authority, or access to high-value assets. Screening remains relevant to the agreed position scope.
Post-Incident Examinations
Examinations conducted following workplace incidents, losses, or security breaches requiring further factual enquiry and decision support.
Insurance-Related Examinations
Selected examinations relating to specific incidents or claims, considered where appropriate and properly authorized within the broader investigation context.
Corporate Polygraph Programmes
Professionally planned programs for organizations requiring multiple examinations, with scope, purpose, and reporting protocols agreed beforehand.
Selected Private Examinations
Private matters considered following a confidential assessment. SSI retains the right to decline examinations that are inappropriate, unethical, or unsuitable.
When a Polygraph Examination May Assist
- Employee theft and internal fraud
- Cash shortages and stock losses
- Diesel or fuel losses
- Missing company property
- Unauthorized information disclosure
- Workplace misconduct
- Security breaches
- Sabotage and collusion
- Conflicting accounts of a specific incident
- Pre-employment screening (trust-sensitive)
- Periodic or promotional screening
- Insurance-related enquiries
Not every dispute is suitable for examination. SSI assesses whether the matter is clearly defined, suitable questions can be formulated, the examinee is fit for testing, the purpose is legitimate, and the environment is appropriate before accepting an assignment.
How a Polygraph Works
1. Confidential Client Consultation
The client explains the circumstances, known facts, available evidence, people involved and objective of the proposed examination.
2. Case Review and Question Formulation
The examiner reviews the supplied information and professionally formulates suitable relevant questions. The client may provide input, but the final questions are formulated and approved by the examiner; unsuitable or accusatory questions are not used.
3. Examinee Suitability Assessment
The examiner considers whether any factor may interfere with a fair and valid examination, and may postpone, discontinue or decline an examination when appropriate.
4. Pre-Test Interview
The examiner explains the procedure, equipment, purpose and scope, the examinee’s rights and responsibilities, the questions that will be asked, and relevant considerations. The examinee can ask questions and raise concerns.
5. Written Informed Consent
SSI requires written informed consent before proceeding. Clarify that consent does not mean admitting wrongdoing, and that refusal or inability to undergo testing must not be advertised as proof of deception, guilt or misconduct.
6. Question Review
Every relevant test question is reviewed and understood before data collection; there are no surprise relevant questions.
7. Data Collection
Professional computerised instrumentation records selected physiological activity while the examiner administers the structured question sequence.
8. Professional Analysis
The recorded data is evaluated using the examination technique, analytical method and decision rules appropriate to the circumstances.
9. Written Report
The authorised client receives a professional written report setting out the examination scope, relevant questions, analytical outcome and professional conclusion, with turnaround depending on complexity and location.
Professional Computerised Instrumentation
The polygraph instrument records selected physiological activity, commonly including respiratory, electrodermal and cardiovascular activity, together with additional movement or activity information where suitable sensors are used. SSI Polygraphs primarily uses modern Lafayette LX7 computerised polygraph instrumentation for its examinations. The recorded data is assessed within the context of a structured examination by a trained forensic psychophysiologist.
Respectful and Informed Examination Procedures
Informed Consent
SSI requires written informed consent, following a clear explanation of the procedure, purpose and examinee rights.
Ethical Conduct
No intimidation, surprise relevant questions or coercive conduct. Every examinee is treated with professional respect.
Confidentiality
Personal information is handled securely according to agreed protocols and relevant privacy legislation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a polygraph measure?
A polygraph records selected physiological activity, including respiratory, electrodermal and cardiovascular activity, while an examinee responds to structured questions.
Does a polygraph directly detect lies?
No. A polygraph does not read thoughts or directly detect a lie. It records physiological activity that is analysed within a structured credibility-assessment process.
Does a polygraph detect nervousness?
A polygraph records selected physiological activity, including respiratory, electrodermal and cardiovascular activity, while an examinee responds to structured questions.
Does a polygraph directly detect lies?
No. A polygraph does not read thoughts or directly detect a lie. It records physiological activity that is analysed within a structured credibility-assessment process.
Clarity Begins With the Right Process
Contact SSI Polygraphs for a confidential discussion about the circumstances, number of examinees, location and most appropriate way forward.
Confidential Enquiry
Please do not submit identity documents, medical information, disciplinary records, detailed employee files or other highly sensitive documents through the initial website enquiry form. These may be requested later through an appropriate secure process where necessary.
Privacy Acknowledgement: The submitted information will be used to assess and respond to your enquiry securely and professionally.