PPC-105

Mechanics of Instrument Operation

Minimum Contact Hours: 16

Instructor(s):

Ray Nash

Tony Winstead

Course Topics:

• How to perform a proper functionality check of various polygraph instrumentation including the type that will be used by the student in the field
• Supervised and unsupervised laboratory exercises in which the student will practice and demonstrate proficiency in:
• proper component placement
• primary and alternate locations for component placement
• proper positioning of the examinee
• considerations regarding handicapped examinees, bodily contact to sensitive areas, physical impairments or other limitations that may affect polygraph test results
• proper software operations of various polygraph instrumentation including the type that will be used by the student in the field
• acceptable data collection practices
• steps to improve data quality
• standardized chart annotations
• observation of the examinee during data collection
• administration of an Acquaintance Test/Functionality Check
• collection and analysis of chart data
• quality control and examiner inter-reliability
• Other issues relating to the mechanics of instrument operation as it relates to polygraph operations.

Course Materials:

IPP PowerPoint™ presentation – Mechanics of Instrument Operation

Fundamentals of Polygraph Practice – pp. 81-94

Polygraph instrumentation and software

Journal articles, reading materials, and video recordings relevant to the course topics

Exam:

A comprehensive exam will be administered at the conclusion of this course of instruction with a minimum passing score of 80% required for successful completion. A proficiency exam will also be proctored and evaluated by course instructors. Additional and/or remedial training will be administered as needed.

*Instructors are subject to change depending on availability. Qualified instructors may be substituted on an as-needed basis.