Course Information
Table of Contents
Introduction
Specific Course Data
Overall Polygraph Examiner Table of Contents
Schedule of Fees
Schedule of Hours
Housing
Attendance Requirements
Records Retention
Grading System
Conditions for Dismissal
Granting of Credit
Refund Policy
Readmission Policy
Placement Assistance
Faculty
Enrollment
Introduction
The steady growth in the utilization of the polygraph by more and more leading law enforcement agencies has demonstrated the necessity in this country for more schools that teach a thoroughly modern and effective polygraph examiner training course.
The Polygraph Examiner Training Course of The Backster School of Lie Detection is designed to provide such training. The main areas of study include: instrument operation, history and development, psychological and physiological issues, test question formulation, examination techniques, chart analysis, interviewing procedures, examination notepack usage, instrument maintenance and calibration, development of student skills, legal issues, examiner ethics, research methodology and review.
Having completed the Polygraph Examiner Training Course, the graduate should be able to conduct valid basic polygraph tests and have enhanced interrogation skills. He/she should know what human and mechanical factors must be taken into account and what polygraph techniques and procedures to follow because of those factors. The graduate should be able to conduct pre-employment, routine screening, specific criminal and inventory-shortage examinations with confidence.
The graduate who is not with a law enforcement agency will be able to enter the field of lie detection. The law enforcement graduate will not only be entering a new field, but should be able to acquire faster departmental advancement because of this training.
Specific Course Data
The title of the course is "Polygraph Examiner Training Course." The occupational objective would be "Polygraph Examiner." Students, upon completion of the eight week residential phase of the course, would be issued a certificate and a letter attesting to the fact that they satisfactorily completed this 320 hour residential phase. Successful completion of the overal course will depend on the student submitting a certified list of their first thirty cases completed within a one year period of time immediately following the residential phase. During this one year period members of the Backster School staff will be available via telephone, email or FAX to address specific case problems which may arise when the newly trained examiner is attaining field experience.
During this one year period, the Backster School staff will be available via telephone, e-mail or FAX to address specific case problems which may arise when the newly trained examiner is attaining field experience.
The class weekday attendance is from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch break. Additional instruction is presented during selected evenings and Saturdays. Class starting dates are provided on the enclosed schedule.
The school also conducts an annual five day refresher course in San Diego each December.
Overall Polygraph Examiner Table of Contents
|
Course |
Hours |
|
20 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
44 |
|
|
30 |
|
|
60 |
|
|
50 |
|
|
14 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
40 |
|
|
8 |
|
|
6 |
|
|
20 |
|
|
Total |
320 |
Course Descriptions
Instrument Operation
Instruction is provided on the appropriate field utilization of both Lafayette and Stoelting instrumentation. This includes the activation and operation of the chart recording unit, the galvanic skin response module, along with the mechanical and the electronic pneumograph and cardio modules. Information is provided concerning the design of permanent examination facilities. Improvised field testing facilities are also considered. 20 hours
History and Development
The selection of practical physiological parameters pertinent to the detection of deception is presented from a historical standpoint. The evolution of multicomponent polygraph instrumentation is reviewed. Technique development is traced starting with the Keeler Relevant-Irrelevant Technique, with emphasis on the important advances provided by the Reid Control Question Technique and by the Backster Zone Comparison Technique. 8 hours
Psychological and Physiological Issues
A qualified instructor reviews selected principles of basic psychology and physiology. Particular attention is given to pertinent factors of the three physiological parameters recorded by currently used polygraph instrumentation. These include the respiratory system, the cardio-vascular system and the nervous system. Electro-chemical aspects related to the galvanic skin response are discussed. Appropriate films and video tapes are presented, along with additional information specifically related to the appropriate application of these basic principles to modern polygraph instrumentation and sound testing techniques. 44 hours
Test Question Formulation
Using the Polygraph Examination Notepack as a guide, the student is able to effectively select the more reliable target for priority coverage during multi-issue examinations. The Notepack also provides guidelines for the proper formulation of questions relevant to the target selected and for the structuring of the control questions which are so essential to the success of all modern direct-question technique variations. There is emphasis on an effective system for the identification and correction of problems relating to improper control question formulation. The importance of semantics is stressed, particularly during frequent class question formulation exercises. 30 hours
Examination Techniques
The student will be exposed to all polygraph techniques currently in common use. Problem areas will be assessed, as related to the strength and weakness of each of these techniques during various types of field application. Particular emphasis will be given through proper utilization of the Polygraph Examination Notepack to each of the three variations of the Backster Zone Comparison Technique. Each variation is uniquely tailored to the nature of the specific incident, the quality of the case situation and the degree of potential Subject involvement. Also, in addition to the two basic types of Peak-of-Tension tests, instruction will be given for job applicant screening and other technique variations unique to employee testing. 60 hours
Chart Analysis
The student learns uniform chart markings and is presented a method for uniformly designating test and question types. Objective chart interpretation through use of the Backster numerical evaluation methodology is emphasized and clearly defined chart interpretation rules are presented. The strong and weak points of other systems of chart interpretation are also discussed. An orderly record of chart analysis efforts, as related to field examinations, is acquired through additional instruction in the use of the forms provided in the Polygraph Examination Notepack. 50 hours
Interviewing Procedures
Pre-test interview approaches are presented, particularly as related to the use of the carefully structured Polygraph Examination Notepack. The student learns effective interrogation approaches specifically related to obtaining admissions from a subject found deceptive through meaningful interpretation of polygraph charts. The effective use of interpreters is included. 14 hours
Examination Notepack Usage
In addition to establishing a permanent record through detailed documentation, the Zone Comparison Polygraph Examination Notepackk provides systematic guidance during each specific incident polygraph examination. It includes but is not limited to the organization of case information, selection and priority of targets to be pursued, test question formulation, administering of the examination and analysis of the polygraph charts. Specialized application of the Notepack is included in five other course sub-divisions. 20 hours
Development of Student Skills
Supervised instrumentation practice sessions are conducted throughout the course and students are individually critiqued by staff examiners. Those with instrument dexterity deficiencies are required to attend special practice sessions. The student advances to participation in structured polygraph test exercises under simulated, although realistic, examination conditions. In addition to satisfactory overall academic achievement, each student must exhibit instrument proficiency relating to the collecting, marking, and preserving of polygraph charts. This is required for approved course completion. 40 hours
Legal Issues
A qualified guest instructor covers basic legal matters pertinent to law enforcement and commercial polygraph usage. Current aspects of selected state licensing laws are discussed, along with other applicable local, state and federal regulations, including the legal status of court admissibility of polygraph evidence. Strategy regarding expert witness testimony is emphasized and students are given the opportunity to view live and videotape demonstrations. 8 hours
Examiner Ethics
Included is a thorough review of the ethical obligations of the examiner to the polygraph Subject, to his department or client, to other polygraph examiners and to the polygraph profession. Additionally, the student becomes familiar with the aims and ethical standards of organizations such as the American Polygraph Association. Available information regarding state polygraph associations is disseminated. 6 hours
Student Performance Evaluation
Students receive spot quizzes as pertinent to ongoing lectures. They are given weekly tests concerning class work to date. In the 8th week of class, final examinations are given on both theory and chart analysis. Students are counseled as to progress and/or shortcomings throughout the course. 20 hours
Schedule of Fees
Total tuition fee, including all supplies, materials, textbook and use of equipment, is $4,700.00. The School has no provision for government or other student loans. Sponsoring agencies will be billed upon acceptance of application. Private student tuition is payable by cash or check no later than the first day of class.
Schedule of Hours
Office Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday
Class Schedule: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday; also selected Evenings and Saturdays
Classes will not be scheduled on any Legal Holiday. Students will be advised of starting dates at the time of enrolling; other scheduling information will be announced in the classroom should there be a change.
Housing
Information on available housing can be obtained on request.
Attendance Requirements
Students shall attend all scheduled class sessions. Absences will be recorded. Students failing to maintain satisfactory attendance will be so advised by the School Director and if attendance fails to improve the student may be dismissed.
Students must arrange personally with the individual instructors to make up work missed due to excused absence.
Records Retention
All student records are retained in the school files for a period of five years and are available to the students in the presence of school personnel during office hours.
Grading System
|
Excellent |
93-100 |
|
Above Average |
85-92 |
|
Average |
78-84 |
|
Below Average |
70-77 |
|
Failing |
69 or below |
It should be noted that spot quizzes are given periodically and those, as well as the weekly examinations, may be graded in a pass/fail system.
Students must complete the entire 320 hours of instruction in order to obtain a document attesting to satisfactory completion of the academic phase of the course. Further, upon completion of the basic course, the student is required to submit a certified list of their first thirty examinations successfully completed within a one year period of time immediately following the academic phase. A completion certificate is then issued.
Conditions for Dismissal
- Each student must attend all classes, unless explicit permission to be excused is authorized by a member of the school staff.
- Each such class missed by a student must be "made up" and school instructors will aid in providing reasonable assistance.
- Each student must maintain a minimum grade average of 70%
- Each student will receive a weekly notification of such average and if below 70%, will be placed on probation. Any student placed on such probation may be discontinued if their grade average remains below 70% after the following weekly exam.
- Cheating will be grounds for immediate dismissal.
- In the event of student discontinuance, the State of California regulations, as shown on a following page, will be followed regarding reimbursement of tuition.
- Only students with an academic average of 70% or above will be awarded a letter certifying completion of the academic phase of the course.
Granting of Credit
Due to the unique nature of this course and its instruction, its intensity and the importance of continuity, no credit towards completion is granted for previous experience or training.
Refund Policy
The student has the right to cancel the enrollment agreement in its entirety until midnight of the fifth business day after the opening day of a scheduled class. A business day means a day on which class was scheduled. Cancellation shall be in writing addressed to the Registrar and delivered or mailed to The Backster School of Lie Detection, 861 Sixth Avenue, Suite 403, San Diego, CA 92101. Upon exercise of this right, the student must return the textbook and two ringbinders given out at the beginning of the course. Full tuition will be refunded. In the event the textbook and two ringbinders are not returned, the sum of $125.00 will be deducted from the tuition refund.
The student has the right to withdraw from the course at any time. If withdrawal from the course occurs after the period allowed for cancellation (above): The student is obligated to pay only for educational services rendered. The refund shall be for the amount paid for instruction multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of hours of instruction which the student has not received but for which tuition has been paid, and the denominator of which is the total number of hours of instruction for which the student has paid. The refund shall be paid to the agency or party from whom the payment for instruction was received, within 30 days of withdrawal from class.
Notice of withdrawal from class is to be in writing. It may be in any format, or withdrawal may be made by absence from class for five consecutive days. Termination by the school will be made in writing to the student, and to the agency from whom payment was received, and refund procedure in the preceding paragraph will apply.
Readmission Policy
Any student withdrawing from the course during the first two weeks due to problems of a personal or medical nature, may re-enroll in an ensuing class, with no additional tuition being due. Withdrawal under the above circumstances later than two weeks of class will be handled on an individual basis. Students dismissed or withdrawing because of failure to meet school standards will not be readmitted.
Placement Assistance
The School provides no placement assistance. If we are advised of any vacancies in the field, they will be posted.
Faculty
Cleve Backster, President and Director
In 1948 Cleve Backster received his specialized training from the late Leonarde Keeler, a pioneer during the early history of polygraph usage. Earlier, Mr. Backster's military service included active duty in the West Pacific as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. He later served as an interrogation instructor in the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps. From Military service Mr. Backster accepted a position as an interrogation specialist with the Central Intelligence Agency where, in 1949, he instituted their still active polygraph program. In 1962 Mr. Backster founded The Backster School of Lie Detection, the generally recognized leader in establishing and teaching polygraph technique standards. He has served as training director for over one hundred and fifty-five basic polygraph examiner training courses and scores of advanced polygraph work conferences and seminars. He has also served as a guest instructor at the U.S. Department of Defense Polygraph Institute and the F.B.I. Academy.
Prior to his founding The Backster Research Foundation, Inc. in 1965, Mr. Backster was Chairman of the Research and Instrument Committee of the Academy for Scientific Interrogation, a post to which he was reappointed for eight consecutive years. During his intensified research activity, which started in 1958, he consolidated, refined, and expanded upon the then existing polygraph techniques. This effort resulted in the development of the Backster Zone Comparison Technique and the first system for the numerical evaluation of polygraph charts. These developments have been generally adopted as the standard throughout the polygraph field and have been successfully employed by the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab in their ongoing research on computer assisted polygraph chart analysis. Mr. Backster was a Charter Member and is now a Life Member of the American Polygraph Association, and in 1997 was the recipient of their Leonarde Keeler Memorial Award. He was also awarded the John E. Reid Memorial Award in 2003 for Distinguished Achievements in Polygraph Research and Teaching or Writing. In 2006, the APA Board of Directors established the Cleve Backster Award. This award is to be presented annually honoring an individual, or group, that advances the polygraph profession through tireless dedication to standardization of polygraph principles and practices.
In 1964, and again in 1974, Mr. Backster testified as an expert at the Congressional hearings on polygraph conducted by the Foreign Operations and Government Information Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives. His polygraph research activity was highlighted by his committee reappointments during each consecutive year from 1978 through 1986. During this period he simultaneously served as Chairman of the Research and Instrumentation Committee of the American Polygraph Association and Chairman of the Research and Development Committee of the American Association of Police Polygraphists. Since 1987 he has confined his conventional polygraph activity to instructing at The Backster School of Lie Detection and polygraph quality control consultant services.
Mr. Backster has testified in court in numerous states and has conducted polygraph examinations for some of the country's leading attorneys, businesses and at the request of various governmental agencies. He is often called upon to conduct quality control reviews of tests run by other polygraph examiners.
In addition to having been a professional observer of human psycho-physiological tracings since 1948, starting in 1966 and continuing to date Mr. Backster has conducted extensive research related to observed electrical responses in plant life and at a cellular level in other living organisms. His research into what has been called "The Backster Effect" has attracted world-wide attention. He has lectured extensively before academic and scientific groups where he has reported upon the progress of this ongoing research. In 1996 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from the California Institute for Human Science and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the Medicina Alternativa Institute, affiliated with The Open International University for Complementary Medicines.
Gregory C. Adams, M.A., Certified Primary Instructor
Gregory Adams holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology/Criminal Justice from Regis College in Denver, Colorado and a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Chapman University in Orange, California. He has held various positions in both military and civilian law enforcement since 1975. Greg has attended innumerable training course including the Command College, Agency Administration and Executive Leadership courses. He was the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Colorado Law Enforcement Training Academy, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation District Attorney Investigator's School and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Academy.
In 2002 Greg retired as a Military Police Major from the United States Army Reserves after 31 years of active and reserve service. He served as both an enlisted solder and a commissioned officer with several overseas tours and an assignment as an instructor for Military Police Officer Advance Course at Fort McClellan, Alabama. Following his retirement as a municipal Chief of Police in Washington State, Greg successfully completed the Polygraph Examiner Training Course conducted by the Backster School of Lie Detection.
In December 2004, Greg was invited to return to the Backster School of Lie Detection as an instructor and polygraph examiner. This has provided him a unique opportunity to receive extensive and advanced training directly from Cleve Backster.
Shirley H. Sturm, M.S., Physiology Instructor
Shirley Sturm received a Masters Degree in Physiology from Louisiana State University and completed 3 years of pre-doctoral studies in Medical Sciences at Oklahoma University. She is a graduate of both the Backster School of Lie Detection and the CIA Polygraph School. During her 33 years in polygraph, Ms. Sturm has provided training to hundreds of examiners at various polygraph schools, professional seminars and at her own polygraph school in Houston. Ms. Sturm has conducted approximately 10,000 polygraph examinations and has conducted quality control reviews of thousands of examinations.
James Allan Matte, Ph.D., Textbook Author
Dr. Matte is a former Special Agent of the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) USAF, and a retired C.I.D. Special Agent, USA. He is a 1972 graduate of the Backster School of Lie Detection, and the author of three textbooks and a supplement on forensic psychophysiology using the polygraph, plus numerous published scientific studies on forensic psychophysiology. (www.mattepolygraph.com)
Guest Instructors include currently prominent attorneys, law enforcement officers and other appropriate professionals in related disciplines.
