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Q.: What is “Voice Stress Analysis”? A.: “Voice Stress Analysis” (Or V.S.A.) is a cutting edge technology designed to use the human voice to determine truth or deception in a test subject. It involves the use of a computer with special software that “reads” and charts the human voice. A trained examiner then examines those charts and determines a subject’s level of honesty. |
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Q.: How does “Voice Stress Analysis” work? A.: Science has proven that when a subject is being deceptive there are certain physiological changes that occur as a result of the stress created by lying. These changes can be read in numerous ways. There are changes in blood pressure, breathing rate, pulse, and electro-conductivity of the skin. The old-fashioned polygraph reads these changes and charts them for an examiner to read. Science has also shown that there are changes in the human muscles while this stress is created. These changes cause the muscles in the larynx to stop, or diminish, the production of naturally occurring “micro-tremors” in those muscles, thus lessening the amount of FM frequency the voice produces. These changes in the voice can be monitored by a “Voice Stress Analyzer” and a competent examiner can read the charts produced by the instrument and determine if a subject is being truthful or not. |
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Q.: Who uses V.S.A. technology? A.: V.S.A. technology is rapidly replacing the polygraph in law enforcement circles. Currently Missouri ranks second in the nation for the number of Voice Stress Analyzers and Certified Examiners. The instruments are used by the US Military forces fighting the war against terrorism, the Missouri State Water Patrol, The Missouri State Technical Assistance Team, the Missouri State Fire Marshall’s Office, Missouri Dept. of Corrections, as well as numerous city, county, state and federal agencies across the country. In addition, in the wake of the September 11th. tragedy, Congress provided President Bush with the Airport Security Federalization Act of 2001, which he signed into law. In this act there is a provision that airports will, “ Provide for the use of Voice Stress Analysis or other technologies to prevent a person who might pose a danger to air safety from boarding the aircraft of an air carrier…”. With one sweep of the pen Congress legitimized the use of voice stress analysis as a means of truth verification. No other form of truth verification device has received such a strong endorsement. Several states have also enacted legislation regulating the use of voice stress analysis on individuals without their consent. These laws only tend to support the government’s belief in the reliability of voice stress analysis as a form of truth verification. (Please contact us with questions, or check your local laws regarding this.) |
Q.: How long does an exam take?A.: A test generally takes between one to two hours. (Sporting events testing varies, but can be done much more quickly than other types of testing.) Back to Top |
Q.: Do I need to come to your office to take the exam?A.: No. We are completely mobile. We come to you. If you are being represented by an attorney, we prefer to give the exam at their office. This way your attorney can have the results and discuss with you what can then be done with them. Back to Top |
Q.: What is the accuracy rate of “Voice Stress Analysis”?A.: While there are no hard fast studies to give exact percentages it has been found that “Voice Stress Analysis”, when coupled with proper pre-test, and post-test interviews, is highly accurate (the figures most often cited are in the 95% to 98% range). So much so that “Voice Stress” technology is rapidly replacing the polygraph in law enforcement circles. There are several independent, un-biased, studies conducted regarding the accuracy of voice stress analysis. These studies have been conducted by the U.S. Air Force, several universities, and others. All of them show the high accuracy of the voice stress analyzer. Back to Top |
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Q.: Why use “Voice Stress Analysis” instead of polygraph? A.: There are several reasons for the use of “Voice Stress Analysis” instead of polygraph technology. One of the most obvious is cost. A standard polygraph starts at around $500, a standard V.S.A. costs considerably less. Another is time. The usual polygraph takes approximately three hours, while a V.S.A., when properly conducted, takes much less time. Along with this the V.S.A. is less intrusive to the test subject, involving only a microphone. The V.S.A. can be audio taped and then examined at a later time, making it possible to conduct an exam even when the instrument is not available, or from an old recording. There are no inconclusive tests. A person either shows to be truthful or deceptive. Also, the test subject does not need to be present for the V.S.A. An exam can actually be conducted via telephone if necessity requires it. Also of note is that certain people cannot take a polygraph due to health reasons, age, or drug / alcohol use. There have been no findings that these factors affect the use of the V.S.A. If a person can verbalize a yes or no response, and knows the difference between right and wrong, they can take a V.S.A |
Q.: Do you guarantee your results?A.: If you want to know if you can "buy" a passing test from us, the answer is NO. We guarantee that the results you get from us will be accurate and honest. Since only you know if you will be telling us the truth during the test, only you will know the outcome prior to testing. Rest assured, however, if you are innocent, our testing protocols will show that. Back to Top |
Q.: Who gets the results of my exam?A.: Because we are hired privately, by you, only you get to determine where the results go. Back to Top |
Q.: If I have been accused of a crime/indiscretion that I did not commit, what can you do for me?A.: We will give you a fair, unbiased, ACCURATE examination covering the issue(s) at hand. Then we will provide reports of our findings to assist in your case, and testify if necessary. Back to Top |
Q.: I have a concern over a family member's/loved one's honesty or faithfulness, can you help?A.: Yes!! All of this will be handled professionally and discreetly. (Please see our guidelines for testing.) |
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Q.: If I have an employee that I feel has been committing a theft from my business, can I have the employee tested? A.: In many cases the answer is yes. Martin and Associates rigidly follows the guidelines set out by the Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA). We will visit with you and make sure protocols are followed with the EPPA. |
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Q.: How much notice do you need to conduct examinations? A.: Depending on your location and our present scheduling, we generally can have someone to you within 24 hours, seven days a week to assist with your investigations. We have the largest network of examiners available all over the United States available to serve you. (Note: We do not add on fees if we choose to subcontract to another examiner. You pay only for the services you receive, not our referral service.) |
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Q.: What expenses am I responsible for if I retain your company? A.: We deal with expenses on a case by case basis. During your initial consultation, expenses (if any) will be discussed. You will know your fees (guaranteed) before you hire us. All reports, and other general costs are included in that fee based on the initial consultation. (Exception: Court testimony, if needed, is billed separately prior to appearances.) |
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Q.: If my company enters into a retainer fee with Martin and Associates, will we get a better rate for multiple tests? A.: Yes. We will do up to 5 exams in one day, which lowers your per test fee. |
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Q.: Why Should I use Martin and Associates for my truth verification needs? A.: Martin and Associates use only the cutting edge of technology in voice stress analysis. Greg Martin is one of only a handful of privately certified voice stress analysts in the U.S. Along with that, Mr. Martin has over 12 years of experience using voice stress technology. He is recognized in law enforcement circles as one of the best examiners in the industry, solving cases for both local and state agencies across the state using his interview and voice stress analyst skills. He has given interviews and public appearances describing the Voice Stress Analyzer and its’ use. He is a Certified Master Examiner and Regional Director on the Board of the National Association of Computer Voice Stress Analysts (NACVSA). Additionally, the instruments used by Martin and Associates are the exact same Voice Stress Analyzers used by the US military, the Federal Government, and local and state law enforcement agencies around the world. The instrument we use is sold only to government agencies and select private individuals. We are fortunate enough to be on that list. All examiners used by Martin and Associates meet these exact same standards. |
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With all these factors in mind, why trust anything other than the leading form of truth verification available? Why trust anyone other than a company leading the way in this technology? Trust Martin and Associates for all your truth verification needs. |
