In the realm of truth verification, the British Polygraph Society (BPS) stands as a beacon of integrity, dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards in polygraph examinations. Founded in 2015, the BPS has been at the forefront of promoting professionalism and ethical conduct in the field of lie detection.
The BPS Code of Ethics
Central to the BPS’s mission is its rigorous Code of Ethics, a set of principles that guide all certified polygraph examiners associated with the society. These principles underscore the importance of respecting the rights and dignity of all subjects participating in polygraph examinations.
Ensuring Accurate Results
The BPS places a premium on the accuracy of polygraph results. To this end, the society has established clear standards for delivering polygraph decisions. Examiners are mandated to provide an unambiguous diagnosis only when there are sufficient high-quality physiological results derived from the test. This ensures that conclusions drawn from the examination are transparent and reliable.
Post-Examination Procedures
An integral part of the BPS Code of Ethics involves post-examination procedures. Examiners are required to allow subjects a fair chance to explain their physiological reactions to relevant questions. Exceptions to this rule are carefully outlined, ensuring a balanced and ethical approach to post-examination interviews.
Ethical Restrictions
The BPS also imposes strict ethical restrictions on examiners. Examiners are prohibited from providing reports or opinions regarding the medical or psychological condition of subjects without the necessary qualifications. Furthermore, they cannot administer polygraph tests when there is reason to believe the examination is intended for nefarious purposes.
Maintaining Integrity in Fees
The BPS ensures that examiners maintain integrity in their fee structures. Examiners are prohibited from requesting or accepting fees, gifts, or gratuities that may influence their decisions or opinions. Fees for polygraph services are expected to remain consistent, irrespective of the test results.
Standards of Reporting
In line with ethical standards, examiners are obliged to submit accurate, unbiased, factual, and objective polygraph examination reports. These reports provide an honest account of the data derived from the examination, along with the examiner’s qualified conclusions.
Promoting Truth, Not Misinformation
The BPS also emphasizes ethical advertising practices. Examiners are prohibited from creating or disseminating false or misleading statements or advertisements related to the organization or the polygraph profession. False representations of membership categories are strictly discouraged.
Respect for Privacy
Respect for privacy is a cornerstone of the BPS’s ethical framework. Examiners are prohibited from disclosing inconsequential information derived from polygraph tests unless such disclosure is legally required or relevant to the issues at hand.
Relevant Questioning
Examiners are guided to avoid including questions in polygraph examinations that seek irrelevant information about a subject’s activities, affiliations, race, religious beliefs, or political beliefs unless these aspects have direct relevance to a specific investigation.
Upholding Ethical Standards
Any examiner who deviates from the BPS’s Code of Ethics or Standards of Practice may face consequences such as investigation, reprimand, suspension, or expulsion from the organization. These measures are in place to ensure the integrity of polygraph examinations and the trustworthiness of certified examiners.
In conclusion, the British Polygraph Society is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in the field of lie detection. Through its Code of Ethics and strict adherence to professional conduct, the BPS upholds the principles of truth and integrity in the practice of polygraphy.
