Polygraph operators is a high-demand career in Canada. These professionals work with law enforcement agencies to solve crimes. While polygraph operators are not front-line workers, they play significant roles in a guilty conviction. This is a demanding job that requires focus, time, skill, and control.
There is much more to being a polygraph operator than just operating a polygraph machine. First, you have the setup, which is sometimes drawn-out, depending on the suspect’s mood. The blood pressure cuff must be situated perfectly on the suspect’s upper arm. Placing the cuff too low or too high on the arm will deliver false readings. Even worse, the suspect refuses to cooperate with the polygraph operator.
And, do not forget about the infrared photoelectric plethysmograph and pneumograph. The plethysmograph is secured above the flange on the middle finger. The pneumograph is secured around the suspect’s abdomen. All of these components must be secured properly to render fair results.
Conducting a polygraph on an unwilling suspect only complicates matters for the operator who’s goal is to render fair, accurate, and impartial results. With so many technological devices, complicated readings, and am anxious suspect, there are so many things that could go wrong at any given moment.
Polygraph machines are very commonly utilized by law enforcement, federal marshals, and national security. They are also utilized to determine guilt on different levels. For example, a man who is believed to be having an extramarital affair agrees to undergo a polygraph exam.
Polygraph machines are utilized in all kinds of scenarios. They are utilized in the workplace to combat employee theft and property damage, the insurance industry to ensure a more thorough claim investigation, and the education industry to combat cheating on state exams.
The Stressors Of A Polygraph Examiner
There is no doubt, polygraph examiners are some of the most stressed-out workers. Each polygraph takes between 1-1/2 to 2 hours to complete. The setup alone takes at least 30 minutes, depending on the subject’s mood.
It would be difficult to find a willing polygraph participant in Canada. Just the mere thought of being connected to so many unfamiliar gadgets is enough to cause the subject anxiety. It is also difficult to forget about how the examiner likes to scrutinize the subject’s every move. And, last but not least, the results, which will probably be very disappointing in many cases.
If you have nothing to fear, your polygraph will go off without a hitch.
While it may be difficult to believe, the polygraph operator is also under pressure to achieve accurate, fair, and just results. A polygraph is a drawn-out process that involves the compilation of some very important data, such as intermittent blood pressure, perspiration, and heart rate readings.
It is important to not forget the graph, you know the paper with all the scribbles? Only a skilled polygraph operator will know what these markings represent. These markings play a significant role in the polygraph process. They help the examiner determine if the subject is being deceitful or truthful. Of course, it is not this simple because slight movement could render the same result as an untruth.
Only a qualified examiner will know what each line represents, ruling out fear, movement, and stress.
Financial Loss Prevention
Polygraph examiners are prone to mishaps, especially when they are working under difficult circumstances. There is the risk of a false reading, incorrect setup, malfunction, improper placement of sensors, and unprofessional response.
Just a minor mishap could end in catastrophe for the polygraph examiner and the client. While the issue may go unnoticed for some time, it will most likely surface at some point. Fortunately, most criminal convictions are not based on polygraph results alone. Generally, this data is combined with eyewitness testimony and DNA evidence.
A false reading may not send an innocent person to prison, but it will negatively impact all parties. Even though the polygraph examiner did not set out to intentionally sabotage the case, it was a negligent act, nonetheless.
These professionals know they work in a high-risk industry, which is why they did not hesitate to obtain Professional Liability Insurance (PLI) right from the get-go. PLI protects polygraph examiners and other professionals from the devastating impact of a negligence claim.
Bridging The Gap Between Canadian Polygraph Examiners And Insurers
ProfessionalsCoverage brings Canada’s most influential professionals and insurers together within minutes, not hours or days, minutes. When uninsured professionals are ready to change their insurance status, a short delay is unacceptable, which is where ProfessionalsCoverage comes into play.
Polygraph examiners sometimes find themselves in some difficult situations. It is not enough to have a broad range of risks looming over your head 24/7. Add an unruly subject to the mix and you are ready to head for the hills. Instead of running from your risk exposures, contact ProfessionalsCoverage to request a free PLI quote.
Once you are insured, your stress will subside and you may decide that your career is not that bad after all.
Disability Insurance
You biggest asset in life is your earning ability. If you are unable to work, you will need to rely on either your savings or borrow money to sustain your lifestyle. When these unfortunate circumstances occur, dependents and spouses are also impacted financially and emotionally.
Disability insurance coverage will provide you a monthly income benefit, usually totaling 70% to 80% of your income, when you are unable to work for a period of time due to injury or illness.
Types of disability insurance
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (LTD)
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Key Person Disability Insurance
- Self Employed Disability Insurance
- Mortgage Disability Insurance
- Temporary Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Disability Insurance
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FAQ before purchasing liability insurance
- How much professional liability insurance do I need?
- How do I get a liability insurance policy?
- What does professional liability insurance cover?
- What is the difference between claims made & occurrence form of coverage?
- When will I need to be insured?
- What other professions need this type of insurance?
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- How does the claims process work if I get sued because of my professional services?
- What is the cost of professional liability insurance?
- How do I apply for a professional liability insurance policy?
- How do I qualify for coverage as a professional service provider?
- What is the purpose of getting insured as a professional?
- How long will it take to get an insurance quote for my business?