Certified forensic experts — members of the VAP — conduct forensic psychological examinations using a computerized polygraph strictly in accordance with procedural rules.
Unlike screening examinations at the pre-trial stage, the purpose here is an expert opinion, which the court evaluates in conjunction with other evidence.

What a polygraph examination provides to the court

• helps confirm or refute an alibi;

• determines whether the examined person knew significant details of the event;

• identifies possible involvement in other episodes;

• clarifies elements of the subjective aspect (motive, intent, awareness).

Important: a polygraph examiner’s conclusion is not absolute proof of guilt or innocence; it is one type of evidence that the court assesses together with the case materials.

Certified polygraph experts for court proceedings: who is entitled to conduct examinations

According to Article 7 of the Law of Ukraine “On Forensic Examination,” forensic expert activity is carried out by:

• state specialized institutions (and their branches), expert institutions of communal ownership;

• forensic experts outside these institutions;

• other specialists in the relevant field of knowledge — in the manner prescribed by law.

Requirements for a forensic polygraph examiner

• higher psychological education (at least specialist level);

• a state-issued certificate of advanced training in polygraphology;

• training in Ministry of Justice institutions and successful certification;

• inclusion in the State Register of Certified Forensic Experts (Ministry of Justice).

Before appointing an examination, we recommend verifying that the selected expert is included in the Register.

Forensic examination using a lie detector: legal grounds

The examination is regulated by:

• the Law of Ukraine “On Forensic Examination”;

• the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC), Civil Procedure Code (CvPC), and Code of Administrative Procedures (CAP) of Ukraine;

• the Instruction on the Appointment and Conduct of Forensic Examinations and Scientific-Methodological Recommendations (Order of the Ministry of Justice dated 08.10.1998 No. 53/5);

• DSTU 8692:2016 — Polygraphs. Technical requirements;

• DSTU 9266:2023 — Forensic psychological examination. Use of polygraph. General requirements.

In their work, experts are guided by:

• the Methodology for conducting forensic psychological examinations using a computerized polygraph (Register of the Ministry of Justice No. 14.1.84);

• methodological recommendations on the use of computerized polygraphs for certain types of forensic psychological research.

Grounds and materials for appointing an examination

Grounds: a court ruling / resolution of a pre-trial investigation authority / contract with an expert or expert institution (for other clients).
Materials: must allow the expert to study the circumstances of the event and assess the fundamental applicability of the polygraph to the case tasks.

How to formulate questions for the expert

The expert assists in:

• reviewing the preliminary list of questions for completeness and correctness;

• aligning the capabilities of the methodology (and permissible number of questions) with the case tasks.

Questions must be on a single topic, clear and unambiguous, without double interpretation.

Procedure: stages of a forensic polygraph examination

Mandatory substantive modules

1) Psychological assessment
Study of individual psychological characteristics and the current mental state of the examined person.

2) Obtaining initial explanations
Recording the authentic explanations of the examined person for accurate construction of relevant test questions. This ensures the principles of objectivity and completeness (Article 3 of the Law “On Forensic Examination”).

3) Pre-test interview
Conducted in accordance with the selected methodology, taking into account the results of the psychological assessment.

4) Polygraph testing
Performed in strict compliance with DSTU 9266:2023 and DSTU 8692:2016: at least six recording channels (respiration, cardiovascular indicators, electrodermal activity, motor activity, etc.), valid calibration/verification, and regulated durations of response and test series.

Validity, limits, and ethics of application

• Only two groups of methodologies are permitted: CIT (Concealed Information Test) and CQT (Comparison Question Technique).

• Participation is strictly voluntary (informed consent).

• In case of pressure, malaise, or medication influence, testing is postponed; otherwise, the polygrams are considered invalid.

• The common term “lie detector” reflects the nature of the device; correct interpretation is performed only by a certified expert using an approved methodology.

Repeat examinations and audits of third-party conclusions are possible in accordance with procedural rules.

When to contact VAP

If a case requires objective answers, engage VAP experts.
We conduct forensic psychological examinations using a lie detector (polygraph) in compliance with DSTU 9266:2023 and DSTU 8692:2016 — from case material analysis to court-defensible expert conclusions.

What we handle

• Assessment of the applicability of the polygraph to case tasks; assistance in formulating questions for the court/investigation.

• Conducting examinations (CIT or CQT) by certified experts listed in the Ministry of Justice Register.

• Expert conclusions with explanations for the court; audits of third-party conclusions when necessary.

VAP contacts:
Email: vap.ua2014@gmail.com
Phone: +38 068 043 77 77
Address: 10a Mykhaila Stelmakha St., Kyiv, 02000

The All-Ukrainian Association of Polygraph Examiners is the largest professional association of experts in Ukraine.
We provide courts with an objective tool for establishing the truth and guarantee a correct and transparent examination procedure.