NEMESIS
Investigation - Polygraph - Criminal Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about our polygraph testing, criminal analysis, and investigation services.
Choose the service you have a question about to be directed to the appropriate section.
What is a polygraph exam?
The polygraph exam, often wrongly nicknamed "lie detector test," is a device that measures and records several physiological reactions of the human body in order to detect deception.
Lie detector and polygraph, are they the same thing?
In fact, lie detector is the popular term for the polygraph, which is so named because it records several physiological parameters using a computerized device.
How long does a polygraph take?
The appointment lasts approximately 3 hours. However, the person is only connected to the device for approximately 30 minutes. The remainder of the appointment includes administrative measures (verification of the subject's physical and mental fitness, reading and signing the consent form), the pre-test interview, and the post-test interview.
Can I be forced to take a lie detector test?
No. The polygraph examination is completely voluntary. The examiner requires the subject's cooperation throughout the test. Therefore, the person being tested must remain willing and submit to the procedure of their own free will.
If for any reason you no longer wish to take the test, you can leave at any time.
How many questions can be asked during a polygraph exam?
For the test to meet industry standards and be reliable, the number of questions asked should be limited to three or four. These questions should also cover a single topic for so-called "diagnostic" tests (crime, infidelity, allegations, etc.) or a maximum of four topics for screening tests (often for pre-employment testing situations).
How are the questions asked determined?
Questions must be clear and precise, address specific behaviors, and leave no room for interpretation. Formulating polygraph questions is a crucial step, as any ambiguity can skew the results. It can sometimes take a polygraph examiner nearly an hour to develop the three or four correct questions for a test, even if they may seem simple and obvious to a novice.
Under what circumstances can a polygraph be useful?
A polygraph exam (lie detector test) can be useful in many different situations:
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For the suspect of a crime.
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To establish or reestablish the credibility of a witness.
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In cases of insurance fraud (theft, fire, disability) or CNESST.
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In cases of infidelity.
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In cases of allegations of sexual misconduct.
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In family disputes (theft, succession/inheritance, various intra-family conflicts).
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For sensitive pre-employment screening.
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For pre-marital verification.
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In cases of alimony disputes.
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For allegations of undeclared work.
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In cases of immigration issues.
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To confirm or deny an alibi.
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For cases of disputes related to intellectual property.
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In cases of high-level sports competitions (doping, cheating).
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For cases of alleged damage to reputation.
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For business issues (theft, fraud, misconduct, drugs, etc.).
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Etc.
If I am extremely nervous during the polygraph, could that cause me to fail the test?
The candidate's stress level is not an obstacle to taking a polygraph and in no way influences the chances of success or failure. Everyone gets nervous before a polygraph test. The examiner is perfectly capable of differentiating a candidate's general nervousness from their physiological reactions related to lying. This is an integral part of their daily work.
I have high blood pressure, could this affect my chances of passing the polygraph?
No. Although blood pressure is one of the parameters measured, high blood pressure does not affect the test results. Whether your blood pressure is low, within normal limits, or high, lying will cause it to temporarily rise. The polygraph examiner does not evaluate your blood pressure readings, but rather the fluctuations in your blood pressure during the test.
I take several types of medications. Can this affect my polygraph results?
No. Inform the examiner of any medications you are taking so they can be taken into account. However, taking medication does not affect the results of a polygraph test. If you are taking medication, continue your treatment as normal. Do not stop taking your medication or change your dosage before the test.
Is the polygraph reliable?
The polygraph is a completely reliable tool when administered by a qualified professional and built according to recognized protocols. Like the majority of scientific diagnostic tests (x-rays, screening, scans, ultrasounds, pregnancy tests, blood projection analysis, graphology, etc.), the polygraph has a margin of error. However, the polygraph tests offered today have a reliability of around 89 to 94%, which is quite acceptable and comparable to several investigative or diagnostic techniques.
What are the benefits of taking a polygraph test?
There are many benefits to taking what's commonly known as a lie detector test. Depending on the situation, a successful test can help you reestablish your credibility, demonstrate your honesty, resolve conflicts, and demonstrate that you have nothing to hide.
How to prepare for a polygraph?
We invite you to read the detailed article we wrote on this subject on our blog section (available in French only).
Is the polygraph admissible in court?
The admissibility of polygraphs in court varies depending on the jurisdiction and the context. Generally, the test results are not admissible in criminal court, but they are in civil court. In criminal cases, although they cannot be admitted as evidence in court, polygraph tests can still be very useful before a hearing.
As a lawyer, how can a polygraph test contribute to my legal strategy?
Polygraph testing can be extremely useful for lawyers. It can be used to verify the veracity of a potential client's statements before agreeing to represent them, to prepare a client for an official test conducted by a police force, to establish the credibility of a witness, and can be used as a tool for persuasion and negotiation.
Is the polygraph easy to defeat?
No. Polygraph examiners are trained to detect any attempt at manipulation, whether physical, mental, or pharmacological. While some techniques taught online may have been effective for certain tests conducted many years ago, they are now outdated and useless in regards to the instruments and techniques used today.
How much does a polygraph test cost?
The price depends on the complexity of the case and the associated issues (court testimony, high-profile case, etc.).
The cost of a polygraph test at Némésis ranges from $595 for an infidelity test to $795 for a criminal diagnostic test. Prices are before taxes, and travel fees may apply for tests required more than 100 km from our offices located in Piedmont, in the Laurentians region.
Can I get an appointment for a lie detector test quickly?
Absolutely. Typically, you can get an appointment for a polygraph test in less than a week.
Are your services offered elsewhere than in the Laurentides?
Yes, we can travel anywhere in the province of Quebec. However, travel fees apply for tests to be performed more than 100 km from our Piedmont offices. Accommodation fees may also apply for tests to be performed more than 300 km from our offices.
Can I be accompanied during the test?
It all depends on the situation. However, it is normally not recommended to be accompanied during the test and the interview, particularly for reasons of confidentiality and especially because the physiological reactions demonstrated during the test can be greatly influenced by the presence of a third person in the room. We invite you to ask us this question when making the appointment. We will then be better able to answer this question after evaluating the situation and the objective of the test. Please note that someone can wait for you in our waiting room if necessary.
What is a private investigator?
A private investigator is a professional who specializes in information gathering, surveillance, and evidence gathering for individuals, businesses, or attorneys. Their role is to obtain reliable and legal facts to help resolve disputes, personal matters, or business matters.
What areas of investigation do you work in?
We operate in particular in the following areas:
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Location of people
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Search for missing persons
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Marital investigations (infidelity, child custody)
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Unresolved cases (cold cases)
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Fraud and financial embezzlement
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Surveillance
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Insurance and CNESST
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Background checks
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Pre-employment investigations
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Pre-rental investigations
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Legal defense assistance
How does a private investigation take place?
After an initial interview to fully understand your needs, we develop a tailored strategy. The investigation may include online and database research, field observations, document collection, interviews, and witness statements, among other things. We keep you regularly informed of our progress and provide you with a detailed report at the end of the process.
Are your methods legal?
Yes, all our methods strictly comply with current legislation, including the Private Security Act, the Personal Information Protection Act, and the Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms. We operate within the legal framework to ensure the validity of the evidence collected.
How long does an investigation last?
The length of an investigation obviously varies depending on the complexity of the case. Some investigations can be resolved in a day (for pre-employment and pre-rental investigations, for example), while others require several weeks of work.
How much does a private investigation cost?
It goes without saying that the cost of an investigation depends on the nature and duration of the investigation. After an initial assessment of your needs, we will provide you with a free, clear, and detailed quote. To give you an idea of the rates to expect, a private investigator at Némésis costs approximately $90/hour, and this rate can be lower depending on the number of hours of work required. A pre-employment investigation costs between $65 and $90 depending on the options chosen, and a pre-rental investigation costs approximately $85.
Can I track the progress of my investigation?
Yes, we provide regular progress monitoring to our clients and remain available to answer their questions throughout the mission.
Can the results of the investigation be used in court?
Yes, the investigation reports and evidence we provide can be presented in court if necessary.
Will my identity be protected?
Absolutely. Confidentiality is our priority. Your personal information and survey results are strictly confidential and will only be shared with you.
I am a lawyer, how could you support me in my professional activities?
For lawyers, working with a private investigator is a valuable tool. It saves substantial time, allowing you to delegate sensitive and time-consuming tasks. It also frees you from logistical constraints (travel, surveillance, lengthy interviews) so you can focus on legal strategy.
Concretely, a private investigator can take care of the following elements for his clients :
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Collection and analysis of evidence.
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Location of people.
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Hearing of witnesses and collection of sworn statements.
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Alibis verification.
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Investigative analysis (examination of evidence, findings of police investigators, analysis of testimonies, etc.).
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Counter-investigation (flaws, credibility, contaminated evidence, inconsistencies, etc.).
How can I contact you for an investigation?
You can contact us by email, phone, text message, or through our online contact form . The initial consultation is free and will help us understand the issue, assess your needs, and propose a strategy and associated pricing.
Who are your criminal analysis consulting services aimed at?
Our services are intended for police forces and law firms wishing to benefit from specialized expertise in criminal analysis and profiling (victimology, geographic, chronological, psychological and behavioral profile), for the resolution of unsolved cases (cold cases) or serial crimes and the optimization of complex investigations.
Why use an external consultant for criminal analysis?
The advantages are numerous:
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Save time and increase efficiency: delegating certain tasks to an external resource frees up investigators for other operational priorities.
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Multidisciplinary expertise: obtain a fresh perspective offered by an investigator with varied skills (profiling, polygraphy, criminal analysis and investigation).
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Budget savings: using an external consultant allows you to avoid the costs associated with recruiting, training, and providing benefits for permanent employees through a flexible approach. Services are tailored to the specific needs of the moment, allowing for flexible and strategic resource management.
How does the collaboration between the lawyer or the police force and the consultant take place?
For each file worked on collaboratively, the work proceeds following a logical and strategic sequence:
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In-depth analysis of the case: careful examination of all available data (available investigation reports, autopsy report, crime scene assessment, analysis of witness statements, etc.).
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Profiling and targeted analyses: establishment of behavioral, geographic and victimological profiles to guide the investigation.
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Concrete recommendations: proposals for strategic actions, targeting or removing suspects, suggestions for interrogations or surveillance.
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Polygraph tests: carrying out tests as needed, in collaboration with existing teams.
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Continuous monitoring: regular support and reassessment of options depending on the progress of the case.
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Simultaneous management: possibility of analyzing several cases to ensure the continuity of ongoing investigations.
Are the analyses and recommendations confidential?
Yes. All information, analyses, and recommendations are treated with the strictest confidentiality, in compliance with applicable ethical and legal rules. An agreement to this effect is signed at the beginning of the mandate.
Do you have the necessary accreditations and are you members of professional orders?
Yes, I hold the following certifications and training:
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Graduated in criminology and psychology from the University of Ottawa - 2006.
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AEC in Private Security Investigation from Alma College, Qc.
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Criminal Profiling Certification - Heritage University, Washington, USA.
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Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Certification - Florida, USA.
I am also a member of the following associations:
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Member of the International Association of Crime Analysts.
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Member of the American Polygraph Association.
I also hold an investigative agent license and an investigative agency license from the Quebec Private Security Bureau.
How can I contact you to obtain your criminal profiler and analyst services?
You can contact us by email, phone, text message, or through our online contact form . The initial consultation is free and will help us understand the issue, assess your needs, and propose a strategy and associated pricing.