The
Relevant Issue #144 - 9/1/2008
A Publication of The Polygraph Place
In this issue:
- Polygraph Bits & Pieces - by Ralph Hilliard
- A Week in Indianapolis - APA 2008 Seminar Highlights - by Ralph Hilliard
- Upcoming Polygraph Association Seminars - by Nadine Hilliard
- In The Private Forums - "Rapid growth in the private forum brings many new and lively topics. "
- NEW Polygraph Place Products & Services - "Book section added to the store, Apparel Printing Services, Business Identity Printing Services & a New Quick Reference Guide to Polygraph Techniques"
1. Polygraph Bits & Pieces - by Ralph Hilliard
I regularly receive an email with a bit of information about an incident here and another email with a piece of information about a polygraph story over there. These bits and pieces don't always fit under one nice category for the newsletter. I have decided to revive the 'bits and pieces' section of the Relevant Issue that Elmer Criswell started years ago when he was the general editor of the publication. This revived section will contain ample amounts of randomness in the hopes there will be a little bit or piece that will be relevant to you. - Ralph Hilliard
p.s. Thanks to everyone who regular sends me these bits and pieces of information, keep em coming. detector@polygraphplace.com
Two James' Successfully Defend Themselves
1. James E. Reistroffer - I spoke with Jim at the APA Seminar in Indianapolis. I was informed that he intends to run for VP of Private in the upcoming elections for the APA 2009 Officers and he asked me to publish this apology letter from the officers of the 2006 Iowa Polygraph Association just in case there are rumors that festered into facts. As he is running for an APA office, I have agreed to afford him this venue. The last line of the letter wisely states: "At this time we wish to move on in a positive direction to benefit all parties involved."
You may download and read a copy of the entire letter.
2. James Allan Matte - Apparently, an examiner in Croatia attempted to plagiarize a chapter of one of Jim's books. Here is the news release:
The Commercial Court in Zageb, Croatia and the Supreme Commercial Court of the Republic of Croatia ruled in favor of James Allan Matte in a lawsuit filed by Matte against the Ministry of Interior of Croatia and its polygraph examiner Romeo Vrecko for plagiarizing a chapter from Matte’s textbook “The Art and Science of the Polygraph Technique.” The verdict was appealed and the appellate court agreed with the original verdict in favor of Matte. Case Number: VPZ-7589/04-3, XXI-P-1310/2002, XXI-P-5688/2007. The defendants’ debt incurred as a result of the court’s verdict which includes interest and proceeding costs is nearly 50,000KN and the courts decision is to be printed and published in the next issue of the new publication of the Ministry of Interior (“MUP-Mir Ugled Povjerenje – “MUP-Peace Dignity Trust).
A Few Interesting Articles Related To Polygraph (titles and descriptions are mine to help show relevance to polygraph. Actual article titles you can find in the links provided)
1. This article is about a Dallas Cop who was caught requiring 'protection money' from local businesses. What's important to note is that his initial polygraph exam to get into this department was 'Inconclusive' on past criminal activity. But due to a 'recycling' program in place at the time, questionable recruits were simply sent through the system over and over until they met basic requirements for certification. Thankfully, the 'recycling' program was ended years ago and recruits are required to pass all portions of their polygraph test now as a part of the hiring process. These are the sort of cops that George Maschke at Anti-Polygraph is so proud to 'help' get hired by teaching them countermeasures & fighting to abolish polygraph.
2. This is an article from Law.com which is covering all Legal (lie detection) Technologies. The article is worth the read as they have quoted cases showing a general trend towards the acceptance of lie detection results in court.
3. An applicant for hire with the State Patrol admits during his pre- employment polygraph examination about previously molesting a minor. He was arrested and convicted.
4. The Department of Defense is increasing its number of annual tests to 6,000. The last line in the article states something that needs to be stated more often regarding the importance of polygraph testing in sensitive government positions:
"But the other reason, which is rarely mentioned in public, is that it forces everyone to be a lot more contentious about security procedures, and keeping secrets secret."
5. A Maryland Judge decides to use polygraph as a sentencing tool to see if the length of a convict's sentence is appropriate or needs modifying.
Polygraph on Television for Entertainment. Love it or Hate it, its Growing Not Slowing.
This is a teaser for the first of an upcoming series of articles I will be researching and preparing on the "The Current State of Polygraph - The Elephants In Our Room We Should Stop Ignoring".
Every profession goes through times of major shifts, whether by choice or by force. EPPA was the catalyst of major changes in the profession. I believe we are in the midst of a growing wave of interest and talk about polygraph in many venues. We have an opportunity to raise awareness and shift our priorities on various aspects of polygraphy by choice rather than by force. My hope is these articles will energize healthy and honest discussion to break denial and get the big elephants in our room on the move towards change.
The first article will be about polygraph on television for the purposes of entertainment. I want to hear as many perspectives on this issue as possible, so please fill up my inbox with your perspective and experience on this issue. Nothing you write me will be disseminated or quoted without your permission, so please don't hold back, but I do ask that you endeavor to explain your rationale for any conclusions you have reached. Send all correspondence to detector@polygraphplace.com or you can call and talk to me at 770.794.1325.
A few other topics on the table for this series of articles are:
- Polygraph Dogma vs Polygraph Research - Long held habits and beliefs which no longer match the data.
- Polygraph Imposters - Pseudo Schools churning out Pseudo Examiners who conduct Pseudo tests on REAL LIVES.
- The cat is out of the bag on CQ Testing - Why should we keep pretending it isn't instead of aggresively pursuing research into alternative options?
- Government & Law Enforcement Vs. Private Polygraph - Why there is very little concern or support for the Private Examiner...until you become one.
- Public Perception - How our detractors have been successful at misinforming the public while we sit (un)comfortably with our heads in the sand.
- Licensing & Policing Polygraph - Everyone wants it done but no one wants to do it.
- DI vs NDI - Our profession is skewed heavily on rewarding venues to elicit DI's & Confessions while the NDI venues nearly starve to death from malnutrition.
These are just the topics that have crossed my path in the last year or so, feel free to suggest others that belong.
Ralph Hilliard - Editor - The Relevant Issue - 770.794.1325 - detector@polygraphplace.com
Dee Moody, the designer of the Jewels4Justice line of Jewelry is bored.
After 30 years of serving as a dedicated and hard working examiner, its just not that easy for her to take retirment in stride. That's why she started making the jewelry in the first place. So instead of waiting for us to sell all her jewelry before she makes more, we have been informed (commanded) to get rid of our inventory at ridiculously discounted prices.
As of right now, every existing piece of Jewels4Justice inventory (most of which is sterling silver & Swarovski crystals) is 40% off!. It might just be time to shop a little early for Christmas.
http://store.polygraphplace.com - 40% off all Jewelry
2. A Week in Indianapolis - 2008 APA Seminar Highlights - by Ralph Hilliard
The Hyatt in Indianapolis was a fabulous location for this year's APA seminar. This was a beautiful hotel with a grand atrium and glass elevators surrounded by the Capitol, the new Lucas Oil Stadium, a nice park with fountains and flowers and a catwalk leading directly from the hotel to all the shopping and eating one could desire.
Dinner was provided on Tuesday Evening at the classic "Indiana Roof Ballroom" (see picture), a facility originally built in 1927 which flourished in the 30' and 40's as a Big Band Hot Spot. The Ballroom was purchased by the city of Indianapolis and renovated to provide banquets and dances. It was a good night (late afternoon) of dining and entertainment. What caught my eye was the large old fashioned bar as I entered the ballroom. I was immediately struck by its similarity to the bar Jack Nicholson spent time talking to a non-existant bartender in the classic movie 'The Shining'. Of course, the prices at the bar brought me right back to reality.
Seminar activity was bustling with a ton of great topics and some fresh faces presenting. The only real complaint I heard was the usual frustration in having to pick room A,B or C when there were interesting topics going on in each at the same time. Oh and apparently coffee & soda price-gouging is a favorite past-time of hotel banquet services. I know everyone was grateful when Donnie Dutton pulled the plug on their cash cow and negotiated some better rates to keep that precious brown energy flowing.
The Thursday Night Awards Banquet was refreshing. The hotel provided dinner was so-so (I guess they invest the real money in great coffee :) but the event itself was enlightening.
Keith Gaines presented the Awards with a unique mix of disorganization and levity, which I happen to very much appreciate. I'm not sure, but I think he received more awards FOR people than were actually handed out. I believe a majority of the award recipients were not present, but the show went on.
This years awards were as follows:
William L. Bennett & Robbie Bennett Memorial Award
- Jimmy SwinfordCleve Backster Award
- Chris Faucett - Lafayette Instrument Co.Al & Dorothea Clinchard Award
- Manuel NovoaLeonarde Keeler Award
- Steve DuncanDavid L. Motsinger Award Horizon Award
- Mark HandlerJohn E. Reid Award
- Stu SenterLifetime Achievement Award
- Norman AnsleyPresident's Award
- Roy OrtizA special award in honor of his service was presented post-humously to Agent Don Petitt, who was recently killed in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Present to receive the award was Don's sister, who was clearly grateful and quite moved by this show of honor to her brother by his friends and the APA.
Newly sworn in President Mike Gougler delivered a refreshing and challenging message. While recognizing years of dedication from the familiar faces on the board, Mike issued a challenge to see new faces on the APA board in years to come. Mike spoke of the Association as a whole building bridges rather than walls and becoming more inclusive rather than exclusive. He encouraged the young examiners to be humble and find mentors. He encouraged the seasoned examiners not to grow bitter, but instead guide the young guns with wisdom and experience. In short, my interpretation of the speech was a well needed call to unity and cooperation for the sake of the profession.
The keynote speaker of the night was F. Lee Bailey, who shared fabulous stories of the influence of polygraph in life changing cases throughout his life. It was clear that he is an avid supporter of polygraph and has done much to further its acceptance into our legal system.
I found the most interesting portion of his talk to be his views on cases that involve the possibility of capital punishment. In summary, Mr. Bailey suggested that he would like to see special care taken in the preparation and handling of capital case trials. I wish I could remember all the points, but it basically boiled down to this...if we are considering putting someone to death, they should have the best of the best for their defense without regard to their financial or social position. They should have the defense attorney of their choice, the right to a polygraph test, access to the best forensic tools and experts and the right to ensure judges and prosecutors chosen for the case are known for operating without prejudice and with integrity. Mr. Bailey stated that these views would certainly be controversial as there is usually not much love loss for the defendants of most capital cases. Let's face it, most of them ARE guilty of horrible crimes. But I have to admit, I found the concepts presented by Mr. Bailey as having a ring of real justice. I would want that if I were on trial for my life.
In closing I want to say thanks for all who attended and supported us at the Polygraph Place table. We appreciate you and look forward to next year.
Ralph Hilliard
3. Upcoming Polygraph Association Seminars by Nadine Hilliard
If you are the seminar chairperson for your assocation, please send Nadine info for your next seminar as soon as you have it available. Thanks so much. Help us help you spread the word about your next training session or business meeting.
Seminar Dates Association(s) Location Contact 9/24 - 9/26/2008 New Jersey Polygraphists Atlantic City, NJ Thomas DeBruin 10/2 - 10/3/2008 Pennsylvania Polygraph Examiners Association Harrisburg, PA Nathan Gordon 10/30 - 11/1/2008 Texas Association of Polygraph Examiners San Antonio, TX Mike Chimarys 11/5 - 11/7/2008 Tri-State Polygraph Assoc.
Kansas, Missouri, NebraskaBranson, MO John Hurlock YOUR SEMINAR - LET US KNOW -Nadine
(The Polygraph Place)
4. In the Private Forums - "Rapid growth in the private forum brings many new and lively topics"
A few of the recent topics in the examiner's only private forum:
- Polygraph Kiss?
- Repeating a Question VS. New Chart
- Plunging EDR
- A More Elegant Format
- Fidelity Testing Controls
- Orienting Response
What? Not yet a member of the FREE private forums for examiners only?
The private forums now have so many examiners registered I just stopped keeping count. The wealth of knowledge, information and wisdom that has amassed here is staggering. If you are an examiner, come and be part of this growing community.
Registration is a three step process.
1. Fill out the registration form.
2. After submitting the form, you will receive an email from the automated system with a username and password. Forward that email to me (support@polygraphplace.com) and include proof that you are an examiner. License, School, Department, Association Memberships, etc. If you do not provide something that we can independantly verify, you will not be given access.
3. Be patient. We have to verify your information and once we have, we'll authorize your login and be in contact with you.
5. NEW Polygraph Place Products & Services - "Book section added to the store, Apparel Printing Services, Business Identity Printing Services & a New Quick Reference Guide to Polygraph Techniques"
I have several new products and services to mention. This newsletter has gotten long enough so this will be a quick overview and I'll expand on the details of these services in the next issue.
1. We've added a new 'book' section to the Polygraph Place Store. We have two initial products there and have several polygraph related books heading in that direction in the near future.
The first book is our newly developed Polygraph Techniques Quick Reference Guide. We had 100 of these printed just prior to APA and although we are planning to print more, right now I have only six left for immediate purchase at $10 each. You can read all the details on the polygraph place store. Here is a quick link to this book:
http://store.polygraphplace.com/Polygraph-Techniques-Quick-Reference-Guide_p_14-112.html
The second book is the second edition of Effective Interviewing & Interrogation Techniques written by Nathan Gordon & William Fleischer. Details available on the store website. Quick Link:
http://store.polygraphplace.com/Effective-Interviewing-Interrogation-Techniques_p_14-113.html
2. Apparel Printing Services - If your association, department or business needs custom imprinted...
- tshirts
- polo shirts
- hats
- hoodies
- jackets
We would sure like the opportunity to make a bid for that project. Just call us at 770.794.1325 to discuss details.
3. Business Identity Graphic Design & Printing Services - I've been looking and negotiating for a couple of years to be able to offer these services at comparable to or better than industry pricing and have finally made a strategic deal to accomplish that. What does this cover?
- Business Cards
- Flyers
- Brochures
- Letterhead
- Envelopes
- Post Cards
- Vinyl Banners and more
When you find yourself needing something printed, please give us an opportunity to make you happy in that area.
Phone: 770.794.1325
Email: support@polygraphplace.com
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