WAYS TO OBSTRUCT POLYGRAPH TEST

Poligrafska metoda je doživela svoj razcvet predvsem na kriminalistično– preiskovalnem področju, kjer je bila vseskozi del različnih polemik med njenimi zagovorniki in nasprotniki. V večini držav se je zasidrala v predkazenskem postopku, kjer jo preiskovalci uporabljajo kot orodje za usmerjanje svojih preiskav. V prvem tematskem delu diplomske naloge so predstavljeni osnovna terminologija, zgodovinski razvoj poligrafa in proces poligrafskega testiranja. Prav tako so omenjeni različni poligrafski testi in spomin kot pomemben element za razumevanje procesov, ki se dogajajo v človeku med poligrafskim testiranjem. Nato sta predstavljena slovenska zakonodaja v zvezi s poligrafom in njegov zgodovinski razvoj v Republiki Sloveniji. V tem poglavju je razvitost poligrafske metode v Republiki Slovenji primerjana še z drugimi državami, ponujen je tudi vpogled v nekatere dileme pravnega in etičnega vidika poligrafske preiskave. V drugem tematskem delu so najprej splošno prikazani nekateri načini obstrukcije poligrafskega testiranja, nato pa je podrobneje obravnavanih šest glavnih načinov obstrukcije: mentalna, fizična in psihološka obstrukcija, vpliv medikamentov in psihoaktivnih substanc, fizična izčrpanost in deprivacija spanja. Ti načini so testirani ter primerjani so njihovi vplivi na poligrafsko metodo. Vpliva deprivacije spanja in fizične izčrpanosti na poligrafsko metodo sta na koncu prikazana še s pomočjo izkustvene metode.The polygraphic method is most commonly used in criminal investigation where it has always been a source of polemics between its proponents and its critics. In most countries, the method has found its place in the pre-trial investigation process, serving as a tool that guides further investigation. The first part of the thesis presents the basic terminology, development of polygraph through history, and the process of polygraphic examination. It also addresses different polygraph tests and memory as a vital element behind understanding the processes that occur in the test subjects during polygraph examination. We present Slovenian legislation related to polygraph and its historical development in Republic of Slovenia. In the same part, we compare the advancement of the polygraphic method in other countries and offer an insight into some of the dilemmas concerning the legal and ethical issues related to polygraph examination. In the second part, an overview of some manners of obstructing the polygraph examination are offered. After a general outline we examine six main manners of obstructions: mental, physical, and psychological obstruction, effect of medicaments, physical exhaustion, and sleep deprivation. These are further tested and compared in terms of their influence on the polygraphic method. The effect of sleep deprivation and physical exhaustion on the polygraphic method are finally demonstrated with the use of empirical examples