Could a theft lie detector test help my company?
Wednesday 17th May 2023
EM
We were contacted by the owner of a small, family-run company in London. They needed help with a recent theft and wanted to find out if a lie detector test could help them. Read below for the issues that this client was facing and our examiner’s response:
Question:
I have been reading online that many companies are now introducing pre-employment lie detector tests. This is something that I would like to consider in the future, and I came across this screening service while trying to solve another issue. I would be grateful if you could contact me to confirm how I can do this.
My company deals with clients that live in some of the most expensive areas of London. We provide a complete house removal package and therefore pack our clients' belongings for them, move all of their belongings, and unpack the boxes at the new property. We provide cleaning of the properties and a storage service if there are any delays in accessing the client’s new home. Our clients are literally placing their most valuable possessions in our hands and often leave us their keys to property A when they go on holiday so they can move straight into property B, which, by the time we have arranged their furniture and unpacked it to their specifications, needs little or no work.
Client specifications
A few months ago, we were tasked with moving someone from a penthouse apartment in London to a cottage in Kent. The client confirmed that she wanted a female member of staff to clear her personal belongings, such as clothes, underwear, toiletries, and jewellery. She specified that she did not want any male employees in her bedroom unless this was to remove the boxes once they were packed. We do get these sorts of requests quite often, and I am confident there are a few items that the client may not want a man to see in their underwear draw; however, a woman understands certain things may be there and respects that. I do not have any female "packers," as my daughter Jennifer will step in if such a request comes in; she is responsible for our office and therefore always available to help.
Outstanding service
We completed the job, and initially the client seemed over the moon with the service; she praised my daughter on the arrangements of her clothes and toiletries, even commenting that she may be a little OCD as she had colour-coordinated everything in the wardrobe and drawers. My daughter has always done a spectacular job when she is asked to unpack a client's belongings, and that's one of the reasons we get such good reviews online.
Irreplaceable family heirloom
Last week, I received a call from the client to ask where my daughter had placed her jewellery. She confirmed that all her jewellery was in her drawer, but she was unable to locate a family heirloom ring worth over £4000. I asked my daughter about the ring, and she remembers it specifically, as the client had sent her a picture to tell her to be careful with it when packing and unpacking. Jennifer confirmed she had placed it in the client's jewellery drawer, as requested.
Reputational risk
We are insured for this type of thing, but these types of items cannot be replaced. These are items of sentimental value that are passed down from generation to generation. This is worrying for three reasons: we cannot afford for a review such as this to damage our reputation, and I also have a potentially dishonest member of staff who has disobeyed a direct order not to enter the client's bedroom. Nearly all our clients are repeat customers, and most of our business comes from word-of-mouth avenues. My daughter is adamant she has not taken this ring, and therefore it can only be one of my staff or my son. There were only three people completing this move, and only one does not have a vested interest in the business.
Is it possible to test my daughter, my son, and my employee to try and find out if they stole the ring or even if they know anything about it? My daughter and son were offended when I asked them to complete the test. They understood the need for it to be done, so they agreed. The other team member appeared reluctant to take part but eventually consented to the test.
My reputation and that of the company are at stake. What is the accuracy, and can people fool a lie detector test? I do think it is this other member of staff, but he is very clever, and my concern is that he may go online for ways to beat it if he is guilty.
Examiners response:
More and more companies are contacting us to introduce testing for their workforce. This can be random testing, pre-employment, theft, or conduct. All the companies we work with have provided feedback saying this has improved the quality of their personnel and their performance in general. There are several subjects you have raised, so I will separate them to help you decide if a lie detector test for theft is something you wish to consider.
Pre-employment Screening
We offer a pre-employment screening service to both large and smaller companies. This helps you reduce the types of background checks needed and identifies any dangers to your company’s security and safety, for instance, illegal activity during previous employment or "too good to be true" entries in an applicant’s work history. Many employees are guilty of lying on their CVs, and although some are harmless exaggerations, others can be dangerous, like when applying for a role that involves working with vulnerable adults or children. Pre-employment polygraph tests have been used for many years in the USA for roles such as police, prison, and security positions, government agencies, and pharmaceutical roles. Please contact us if you would like more information.
Lie detector tests for theft
We can test all three people involved with the same set of questions. It is always wise to test all involved so one person does not feel singled out. Although you do suspect which of the three is guilty, there is always the possibility that someone known to the client has stolen the item and your company is not responsible at all.
Lie detector tests for integrity
If all are found innocent, you may wish to consider providing routine testing to your staff to see if they have disobeyed any direct orders, like entering the client's room without permission. Companies often request this sort of testing as a deterrent to future complaints that may arise. You could also display this process on your website to instil confidence in your current and future customers. This shows companies are pro-actively ensuring that staff are trustworthy and honest.
Can you cheat or beat a lie detector test?
No, do not rely on what you have been told or what you read on the internet. There are websites that will charge you for tips and tricks on how to beat a polygraph; however, it is obvious that anyone looking at this is guilty in the first place, and this will be evident when they try the "countermeasures" advised. It isn’t possible to "cheat" the test, as it is your autonomic nervous system that is being measured; these reactions are beyond your control. The types of examinees that try these tactics do not realise that it is the experienced, skilled, and qualified examiner they are trying to fool, not the equipment. If the examiner identifies that you are attempting to cheat or distort the test, the process will be stopped immediately, and the report will indicate that there was a deliberate attempt to manipulate the test and its outcome. Our examiners are highly trained on all measures used to try to trick or cheat a test. The software and instruments used are designed to pick up even the faintest attempt at cheating. Whether this be by breathing, movements, mental tricks, or muscle contractions, If the examinee knows they are being deceptive, the polygraph will detect that deception. We use anti-countermeasure instruments during the examination, which highlight motion detection.
How can I book a lie detector test for theft?
If you wish to book this service or you wish to discuss how we could work alongside your company during your recruitment process, please contact our dedicated customer support team on 0800 774 7268 or visit us online.
