A moving speech by outgoing APA Chairman of the Board Donald Weinstein

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Overall, I have been pleased with the growth that I have
seen within the APA and the profession as a whole. To
some, it may be difficult to see improvement in single
isolated areas, but across the board, there have been
significant improvements in the area of technology and
methodology which have made what we do better.

We have weathered many storms, have learned from our
mistakes and hastened to take corrective actions when
flaws were noted, yet there is much that is left to be
done. Indeed, our jobs are never really finished.

This year marks the conclusion of a record three year term
for President Webb. He has worked tirelessly to ensure
that the reputation of this organization has remained
untarnished. He has represented every field of membership
fairly and has provided the dynamic leadership that this
organization needs. I have every confidence that president
elect Consigli and his board will follow suit.

The members of this organization, each of you sitting out
there, must demand that course be stayed.

To be sure there are public detractors to what we do.
There probably always will be. Generally speaking they
are a relatively small in number disorganized band of
malcontents. They always seem to ring a familiar tune. A
melody that is brought about when they have difficulty
successfully completing an examination and achieving what
they had hoped to acquire, whether it was a security
clearance, or a position that required a particular level
of trust. They seem to fall into the same category that
is often shared by those who steal, cheat, harm others
and molest our children.

Their resounding battle cry? I didn't do it! We know
better and as long as we guard the gate using the best
technology and equipment, and as I see it most
importantly, keeping knowledgeable of the most current
methodology, abreast of the best possible research,
practice our profession with the highest of ethics and
adherence to standards, they will not achieve their
nefarious objectives.

Far too many people in this room and those who properly
practice this profession have worked tirelessly to
conduct themselves properly. We cannot allow those
efforts to be wasted. And you know something; this isn't
just a self serving cry of the so-called down trodden
polygraph examiner. In my humble opinion, I think that
many in our society, who just a few short years ago, may
have been willing to turn the other cheek and accept
deviant, deceptive and dishonest behavior have tired of
their rights being trampled and are rising up in
unprecedented numbers demanding that they be protected.

And just who do you think they are going to call? I think
you know the answer to that because they know your number
and are calling now. I have little doubt that you will
remember and acknowledge your obligation to them and
you're often times unspoken oath to this profession and
will do the right thing.

That brings me to another area, one which just so happens
to be a favorite of mine - continuing education. Education
and training is the absolute backbone of what we do. We
must make a commitment to constantly work on improving the
base of knowledge we possess from our chosen profession.

We accomplish this by attending organized seminars and
conferences; at the local, state, national and
international level. This is not the time to put our head
in the sand and assume that we know everything. We don't.

I am encouraged when I see 500 members of this
organization dedicated to improving their knowledge and
coming to this seminar - but folks, there are
approximately 2500 members in this organization - where
are they?

We need to ask the tough questions. We need to seek out
those who are not here and do whatever we can do to
persuade them to change their thinking. As you have
already seen at this seminar, the level of training
continues to be vastly improved over the years. Those
of whom, of their own choosing, have missed this
opportunity, perhaps lack the same dedication that you
possess. That shortfall needs to be addressed.

It may be a little heady to think this way and Robbie and
the infrastructure of the APA will certainly be taxed, but
I would like to see 1000 in attendance next year in
Orlando. That means that each of you must bring at least
one more member with you. What the heck, bring one more
member and one non-member.

We know those examiners are out there. We need to identify
them and coax them to obtain the training that is
necessary for them to do their job. This is the place to
get it - and this organization and its leadership will
deliver!

Along those lines, membership with a professional
organization is often the mark of the person's dedication
to excellence - his or her belief in the guiding
principles to which they are expected to abide. I am proud
to have been a part of the effort to bring the APA and the
AAPP closer together and am encouraged when I know that
many, such as myself are members of both organizations.

In addition, each of us should seek out membership within
your respective state organizations. The team building
that results from efforts such as this can be awe
inspiring. We know that singularly, we are a powerful
force against those who are purveyors of deceptions and
dishonesty. Imagine if you will the strength of this
concept when we marshal forces collectively through
membership in the organizations I have mentioned.

As I close this presentation and recap, I have frequently
mentioned commitment. We have an obligation to those we
serve and a moral commitment to ourselves. This isn't
just about making money anymore - I am not sure it ever
was.

I would then ask of each polygraph professional in
attendance today to raise your hands and offer a pledge to
yourself, your contemporaries, your customers, clients and
the profession itself, a recommitment to maintaining the
highest of standards.

Each day, remind yourself of what is expected of you and
remember that there are those who would just as soon want
to see this profession become part of history and not take
part in the future of this country.

I thank you for the privilege of being allowed to address
you and hope you will continue to enjoy this seminar. God
bless each and every one of you and this association. I
will miss you. Thank you.

Don Weinstein - Chairman of the Board

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