Police Computer Takes Byte Out Of Crime Computerized Lie Detector Is Simple, Efficient

Spokane police can now test your honesty with a computer.

The Spokane force is the only police department in the state to use a computerized polygraph exam, said Mike Heinen, a police detective who gives lie detector tests.

Heinen proposed the department buy a $15,000 computer to increase efficiency.

“It’s so simple, it’s scary,” he said.

For detectives, the lie detector test is a vital tool in investigating crimes.

“It works as much to eliminate a person as to tie him into a particular crime,” said Lt. Jerry Oien, who heads the Major Crimes Unit.

Heinen got the new computerized polygraph exam six months ago. Since then, he said he’s had 40 percent more confessions than before.

That’s because the computer acts as a silent partner and those tested can see the results for themselves, including how much their physical symptoms show they’re lying.

The old system would simply show if a person lied or was truthful in response to a question. The computer can predict in percentages how much the test taker is being honest or dishonest.

“This has the ability to give a percentage of chance of deception,” Heinen said.

Once suspects see the computer doesn’t believe them, Heinen said they sometimes give up and confess their crimes.

The new computer also is saving Heinen time.

Lie detector tests used to take two hours. The new computer cuts a half-hour off each test.

That’s a significant help to Heinen who is the only full-time detective giving polygraph exams at the police department.

Heinen tests everyone applying for a job at the police department.

Most of his work is testing witnesses, suspects, and in rare cases, victims.

“I’ve never had a person be prosecuted who passed the polygraph,” he said.

Heinen connects people to a machine that monitors physical response and that machine transmits the information into a computer.

Before the actual test begins, Heinen asks preliminary questions. He also lets people know exactly what questions will be asked on the test.

During the test, he asks about a dozen questions three times and types in responses. People who are telling the truth get more relaxed when they notice questions are repeated, he said.

“The person that’s lying will become more nervous,” he said.

No matter the technology, polygraph detectives must give the tests objectively - without swaying results by words or gestures - to ensure their accuracy, Heinen said. “All we want is accurate tests.”

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