Lie Detector Lowdown
We get many surveillance equipment and spy gadget queries here at OnlineSpyShop, and one of the most popular is how exactly does the technology behind a lie detector work? As always, we like to be able to answer your questions so here’s a quick low down to the machine…
A lie detector primarily works by measuring any physiological changes in the nervous system which happen when you are being interrogated. It is your nervous system’s job to spring into action when a ‘fight or flight’ response is triggered. If someone is being questioned and is knowingly lying, then they’ll have a whole lot of adrenaline pumping round their body and these trigger the nervous system response.
The lie detector is able to produce graphs which are then examined to see whether any of the suspect’s biological responses display any significant changes when the suspect responds to particular questions. If a suspect’s heart beats faster, they have higher blood pressure, or if they experience increased sweating then these are signs that they may be lying.
So, like all other surveillance equipment and investigative gadgets, you want to know exactly how reliable a lie detector test is. After all, what’s the point in putting someone through an interrogation if the results aren’t going to be accurate, right? Well, the reliability of lie detectors is often questioned – and rightly so. One of the main concerns is that if a suspect is being questioned in a highly stressful situation then they could show signs such as an increased heart rate which could be interpreted as them telling lies – even if they’re innocent.
We’ve always said that the best way to ensure that you untangle a web of lies is to use a variety of means to catch a liar out – not just a polygraph. Also, if you can show your target some hard evidence gathered from spy systems and spy surveillance equipment, then it may not even get to the stage of using a lie detector. A confession will soon be spilling from a suspect when they’re confronted with evidence of their actions. Alternatively, by using spy surveillance equipment, you may find that your suspicions are completely unfounded and you’ll avoid putting someone through the process of a lie detector test. After all, imagine if it comes up clean – you’ll either disbelieve the results or simply look like a bit of a fool!