What does the test consist of? Pretest Interview:  This is an interview to determine an examinee's suitability for testing.  It also covers areas like abstract thinking, the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, identify differences between truth and lies.  The ability to view rewards and consequences for behavior.  The ability to maintain constant orientation to date, time, or location.  The examinees physical health for testing.   A thorough review of all subject matter and questions that will be asked.  All proper waivers and acknowledgements will be signed prior to beginning of the pretest.  

IN-TEST:  The actual procedure of sitting in a polygraph chair and answering the questioned reviewed while simultaneously having your physiology recorded.              Post Test:  The thorough review of data collected to determine based on particular format of testing methodology the professional opinion is either Truthful, Untruthful, No Opinion, Significant Response, No Significant Response.  Hopefully this opinion resolves the issue under investigation.

  

  

  

 

  

 

  

 

Certified Polygraph  Examiner

David J. Clayton is a Certified Polygraph Examiner licensed to conduct polygraph examinations in the State of Mississippi.  A law enforcement veteran serving the public since 1996 as a police officer.  Mr. Clayton is a graduate of Texas Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Polygraph School located in Austin, Texas.  Mr. Clayton is a graduate of William Carey College located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.  Mr. Clayton has spent the majority of his law enforcement career as a police detective.  As a law enforcement professional, Mr. Clayton has conducted polygraph exams dealing with criminal violations of State Law.  He has assisted in cases concerning embezzlement, theft or burglary, rape, child abuse and murder.  He has assisted with Internal Affairs complaints for local law enforcement.  He has assisted several local law enforcement agencies in the Hattiesburg Mississippi area.  He has conducted examinations at the request of a local District Attorney's Office, local Hospital, and several other law enforcement agencies.  He has conducted examinations for private citizens and private business.  He has consulted local municipal government in polygraph related issues.  Mr. Clayton has also conducted psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) exams for various local psychologists to help aide in overall treatment for those with psychiatric and psychological issues.  Mr. Clayton has also assisted in resolving child custody issues where child abuse allegations are present.  These type of tests should only be conducted with appropriate professional counselors working in collaboration to ascertain the "truth".

     Mr. Clayton in September 2007 conducted continuing education in the field of Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing.  After completion of the course and passing the final evauation,  Mr. Clayton is Certified to Conduct Post-Conviction Sex Offender Exams.  He attended Behavioral Measures Institute course in Arlington, Texas.

     Eric Jay Holden (Past President of APA) taught the course.   He is a well known Expert in the field of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD).

     Mr. Clayton received his disignation as a Certified Forensic Consultant, CFC in December of 2009.  He received this significant achievement through the American College of Forensic Examiners, located in Springfield Missouri.

     Mr. Clayton has extensive experience in conducting PDD exams in Psychotherapy settings.  Pine Belt Area Psychologists are discovering that " Polygraph" is a very effective treatment tool to aide in therapy.  Mr. Clayton has been able to gain "Full Disclosure" from patients on treatment related issues.  Breaking denial of the triggers that cause behavior is a crucial first step to recovery.  

     Mr. Clayton has also had the unique experience of having tested several juveniles in the private setting.  The results of those tests were very beneficial to both parents and professionals.

 

 

 

 

   

  

  

What is the Polygraph Theory?

The polygraph is based on the theory that when telling a lie, an examinee will respond physiologically because of fear of detection.  Many investigators are under the misconception that a person responds on the polygraph out of a feeling of guilt for having committed the offense, or possibly for moral reasons because of upbringing or social background.  This misunderstanding has led some to believe that hardened criminals, sociopaths, psychopathic liars, etc., can pass the polygraph because of their background or deviant personality.  For what ever the reason it is fear of detection that causes the physiological changes the polygraph instrument records and the examiner interprets.

  How Accurate is the Polygraph?  The National Academy for Scientific Investigative Study conducted a Field Validity Study of 3009 confirmed federal polygraph tests from 1998-1999.  The study found examiners correctly identified 100% of NDI examinees and 99.5% of DI examinees, excluding Inconclusive results.*  *94.8% NDI/ 90.5% DI with inconclusive results included.(American Polygraph Association, Vol 29, 2000, No 3).  

  

  

      What is a Polygraph?

The polygraph is a scientific, diagnostic instrument used to measure the physiological response of an examinee under controlled conditions.  These physiological changes--breathing, blood pressure, pulse rate and amplitude, and the galvanic skin reflex--are the phenomena with which the polygraph examiner concerns himself.

   Basic Uses of the Polygraph

The polygraph should be a supplement to, not a substitute for, a thorough investigation.  The effectiveness of the polygraph examination, to a large extent, will be based upon the thoroughness of the investigation, prior to having the person take the examination.  To maximize the effectiveness of the polygraph examination, the persons involved in developing and/or presenting the case information should work together as a team.  Polygraph is very useful in private investigations.  Polygraph can assess aspects of cases that is usually not available through other means of detection.

    The Clinical Use of Polygraph in Treatment:  The polygraph is an effective intervention for eliciting admissions regarding behaviors that no other process seems to elicit.  These admissions are crucial to break down denial, facilitate client accountability, and promote change in the therapeutic process.  The implementation of sanctions and privileges is expected to encourage clients to continue disclosing their high risk behaviors (Almeyer, Heil, Mckee, and English 2000).                                 

  

  

To schedule appointment please call 601-606-1736 or email me at :claytonpolygraph@hotmail.com