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Some polygraphists fail the test
CUSTOMER PROTECTION
UNETHICAL and degrading treatment of members of the public by unqualified polygraphists is a cause of concern to the Polygraph Association of South Africa. Polygraph testing is increasingly being used by short-term insurance companies to test clients on a voluntary basis. Clients pay reduced premiums if they agree, on signing up for insurance, to be tested when they submit claims. However, the association says it is disturbed by the large number of complaints it receives from people who have taken the test. Individuals have complained that polygraphists have yelled at them, intimidated them and, in some cases, even used polygraphs to interrogate them! The association's president, Coen Pretorius, said members were not guilty of illegal or intimidating behaviour and said unqualified, non-members were responsible. He said members used polygraph testing only as a forensic technique to confirm truth or dishonesty and ensured that the individuals tested were not intimidated or embarrassed. The association was established almost three years ago by professional polygraphists with the aim of regulating work ethics and ensuring that the interests of the individuals examined as well as client companies were protected and promoted. Pretorius said client firms which employed unqualified polygraphists ran the risk of having people tested with defective instruments and exposed to unethical behaviour. He said South Africa had a remarkable low polygraph test refusal rate of less than 0.5%, but that this could be undermined by unethical practitioners. He advised client companies not to employ polygraphists who did not carry bona fide membership cards. The association has only 15 members but Pretorius is aware of five unregistered polygraphists. More than 1 000 SA firms use polygraphs for pre-employment testing and routine testing of employees and to investigate crimes such as fraud.
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