What is a Polygraph Exam?

In case you are unaware, a polygraph exam, commonly known as a lie detector test, is a procedure used to measure physiological responses in a person while they answer a series of questions. The underlying assumption is that deceptive answers may result in distinct physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, changes in blood pressure, respiratory rate, and skin conductance (sweating). A qualified polygraph examiner in Knoxville should always carry it out for the most accurate results.

Let's take a look at some of the ways that a polygraph examiner in Knoxville can help during such a custody battle.

1 - Establishing the Truth

If one of the parents has been accused of abuse, domestic violence, or substance abuse, or if their parenting ability has been brought into question, they may choose to work with a polygraph examiner in Knoxville to clear their name and demonstrate their honesty regarding those claims. Of course, this can also work in reverse. The person making these allegations may also take a test with a polygraph examiner in Knoxville to give credibility to their allegations if their former spouse or partner says they are lying.

2 - Resolving Disputes

When a relationship breaks down, there are often conflicting accounts surrounding events that have taken place. Emotions run high, and both parties want their side of the story heard, and accusations are often thrown around. Sometimes, one party is so sure they are right and cannot see that their recollections may be clouded by their emotions. In these situations, working with a polygraph examiner in Knoxville can help to resolve the dispute and uncover the truth. For example, if one parent has suspicions that the other is engaging in harmful behavior, the polygraph could verify or disprove the claim.

3 - Building Trust With the Court

While polygraphs cannot be admitted as evidence in court, they can still be useful in a custody battle. Voluntarily agreeing to a polygraph examination can be seen as a sign of good faith and willingness to cooperate with the court's decision-making process. It may also demonstrate a willingness to be transparent and honest about certain issues.

4 - Acting as a Deterrent

Many couples working through a custody battle turn to a polygraph examiner in Knoxville in order to discourage false allegations. The theory is that if someone knows that they will be subjected to a polygraph exam, they will be less likely to make false allegations. If a custody agreement is already in place that allows visitation, there may be some conditions in place that must be adhered to in order to continue contact with the child. For example, the non-resident parent may have a previous substance abuse and must remain sober in order to have contact with the child. You may work with a polygraph examiner in Knoxville to take regular polygraph tests to prove compliance with these conditions. Many couples prefer this approach over relying on blood or urine tests since they may only prove short-term abstinence, while a polygraph can give a more comprehensive picture over an extended period of time.

5 - Evaluating Visitation Time

When sharing custody of a child, there are often a number of rules in place regarding visitation. For example, if the mother has primary custody, but the father has the children every other weekend, there may be rules he is expected to follow. For example, he must be the one to care for the child, or he must not have girlfriends present at the time. If the mother suspects that he has not been adhering to these guidelines, she may ask him to visit a polygraph examiner in Knoxville to find out the truth.

Choosing a Polygraph Examiner in Knoxville

When choosing a polygraph examiner in Knoxville to work with, the most important thing is that they are experienced and qualified. A polygraph is only as accurate as the examiner as they need to interpret the data collected by the machine. When it comes to experience and qualifications, Kendall Investigations is unrivaled. Ken Shull was formerly the head of the FBI polygraph program and is the only person in the world to obtain a Master's Degree in Polygraphy. Kendall Investigations is also the only polygraph examiner in Knoxville that maintains a permanent office. You can trust in Kendall Investigations to carry out your exam with integrity and discretion.