Tennessee Polygraph Association Logo

Welcome to the Tennessee Polygraph Association! Be sure to contact us should you have any questions.

Mission Statement

  1. The purpose of the organization shall be to scientifically determine and verify the truth, fairly, impartially, and objectively, thereby providing an accurate, reliable means for protection of the innocent.
  2. To provide and maintain standards of ethics, qualifications, and Education for Polygraph Examiners licensed in the State of TN. while promoting valid and ethical polygraph practices
  3. To provide and foster an opportunity for Polygraph Examiners to exchange experiences, ideas and techniques for the betterment of the profession.
  4. To promote understanding and acceptance of the polygraph technique.

Purpose

The purpose of this Association shall be to:

  1. Provide ways and means for Polygraph Examiners of this state to unite in continuous efforts.
  2. Promote and encourage the dissemination of new ideas, methods and techniques which will enable the Polygraph Examiner to improve his/her skills and proficiency in the use of the Polygraph.
  3. Strive for the highest degree of proficiency and ethics in the administration of Polygraph Examinations and to encourage Polygraph Examiners to conduct themselves at all times in a manner which will lend dignity, integrity, credit and strength to the Polygraph Association.
  4. Encourage the Polygraph Examiners to participate in training programs, seminars, etc., that might be available to them.
  5. Uphold and defend the Tennessee Polygraph Association and to make recommendations concerning any future changes that members of this association might feel beneficial to the Polygraph profession.
  6. Promote adherence to the code of ethics as adopted by the Tennessee Polygraph Association and proposed licensing act for the State of Tennessee and the Polygraph Commission.

Qualifications for Membership:

  1. Must be a citizen of the United States.
  2. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  3. Must be a high school graduate or equivalent.
  4. Is of good moral character.
  5. Must be a graduate of a polygraph school recognized and approved by either the American Association of Police Polygraphers or the American Polygraph Association.
  6. Must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
  7. Must be an active polygraph examiner at the time of application for membership or retired from the polygraph association.

TPA Membership Application

Officers

Contact Information for the Current Officers of the Tennesse Polygraph Association. Contact us with any questions about the TPA.

President

Jeff White
jawhite86@yahoo.com

Vice President

Scott Jones
osj515@gmail.com

Meetings and Training Events

Listing of upcoming meetings or training opportunities sponsored by the Tennessee Polygraph Association or other related organizations.

TPA Training Seminar

Dates
March 17 - 20, 2025

This seminar will be located at the LeConte Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN, and it will provide 32 hours of continuing education credits.

Members

Gary Anders
Eye Witness Polygraph
(865) 274-8206
garyanders37918@yahoo.com
Knoxville, TN
Michael Coltogirone
All Told Polygraph
(615) 962-9036
mcolt@alltoldpolygraph.com
Murfreesboro, TN
Tommy Cox
Accurate & Precise Polygraph Services
(615) 366-1757
appolygraph@gmail.com
www.accurateandprecisepolygraph.com
Nashville, TN
David Doyle
R.I.S.E. Credibility Assessment
(731) 924-4036
ddoyle593@gmail.com
Paris, TN
Steve Duncan
(706) 506-0830
sduncan071@gmail.com
Southeastern Region, U.S.
Jay Hayes
Douglas County Sheriff Office (GA)
(678) 873-8629
jayhayes586@gmail.com
Scott Jones
Complete Truth Polygraph Services
(615) 766-2737
osj515@gmail.com
www.completetruthpolygraph.com
Nashville, TN
Ed McMullen
West TN Polygraph Services
(731) 202-2838
www.westtnpoly.com/
Kenrick Short
TN Valley Authority
(423) 779-7830
kshort@tva.gov
Chattanooga, TN
Joseph Stainback IV
Applied Polygraph Testing
(865) 719-7294
jrstainback@gmail.com
www.appliedpolygraph.net/
Knoxville, TN
Lori Warren
Warren Polygraph & Consulting Services, LLC
(423) 597-2070
lwarrenpolygraph@outlook.com
Julie Webb
Julie Webb Polygraph Services
(931) 249-4585
jwebbpolygraph@gmail.com
Clarksville, TN
Jeff White
(615) 308-1980
jawhite86@yahoo.com
Brian Williams
Central Tennessee Investigations
(931) 260-2733
forensics_mt@yahoo.com
Cookeville, TN
Wayne Wilson
AW Polygraph Services
(276) 200-0051
awpolygraphservices@gmail.com
Tri-Cities Area, TN

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Polygraph?
Who is a Polygraph Examiner?
How does a Polygraph work?
What does the Polygraph record?
Does a polygraph detect lies?
Can an employer use a polygraph to test an employee suspected of causing an economic loss?
How accurate is a polygraph?
How many questions may be asked?
Will I know what questions are on the test?
Can I be forced to take a polygraph exam?
How long does a polygraph exam take?
Should I stop taking my medication before the test?
Choosing a Polygraphist

What is a Polygraph?

A polygraph is a device that makes a permanent recording of various physiological changes taking place within the body of the test subject as a result of certain psychological stimuli.

Who is a Polygraph Examiner?

A person who purports to be able to detect deception or verify the truth of statements through the use of instrumentation or by the means of mechanical devise; and has graduated from an American Polygraph Association approved basic polygraph examiner course of instruction or approved by the Tennessee Polygraph Commission.

How does a Polygraph work?

The polygraph records physiological responses of an individual attached to a polygraph instrument.

What does the Polygraph record?

A polygraph records, breathing, heart rate, blood pressure and galvanic skin resistance.

Does a polygraph detect lies?

No, a polygraph records physiological responses through series of questions presented to an individual by a qualified polygraph examiner using a validated testing format. The epoligrapher is then able to examine the chart data and render a diagnostic opinion as to the veracity of the subject being tested.

Can an employer use a polygraph to test an employee suspected of causing an economic loss?

Yes, if the employer has reasonable suspicion. The employer must be able to articulate the reasonable suspicion, and reduce it to writing, access alone does not constitute reasonable suspicion. Additional information can be found in the Federal Register/Vol. 53, No. 204 / Friday, October 21, 1988 Rules and Regulations pages 41497 through 41510 (Employee Polygraph Protection Act). An employer may not take any personnel action based solely upon the results of a polygraph examination.

How accurate is a polygraph?

The American Polygraph Association says the polygraph is 85% to 95% for specific issue investigations. There are studies on record that suggest polygraph is even more accurate.

How many questions may be asked?

Question numbers are determined by the format being utilized by the examiner.

Will I know what questions are on the test?

Yes, all questions are reviewed with the examinee prior to any polygraph testing. Each question requires an answer of either “Yes” or “No”.

Can I be forced to take a polygraph exam?

No, polygraph exams are always voluntary.

How long does a polygraph exam take?

A polygraph test is a three phase test; the pre test, chart collection phase, and the post test. Examinations require a minimum of sixty minutes, but often take longer.

Should I stop taking my medication before the test?

No.

Choosing a Polygraphist

In the state of Tennessee, there are literally hundreds of persons who offer lie detection services and choosing one can be very difficult. The best way to determine the polygraphists' credibility is to assess their reputation in the area where they do business. Obtain the services of a polygraphist who will render an objective opinion and who is respected for this ability.

The following are some things to look for when engaging the services of a qualified polygraphist.

  1. Make sure the individual is a certified graduate from a polygraph school which has been accredited by the American Polygraph Association or the American Association Police Polygraphers.
  2. Make sure the individual is a member of at least one or more of the National Professional Polygraph Associations.
  3. Request a Curriculum Vitae from the individual which will outline the polygraphists’ education and work history.
  4. Make sure that the individual is keeping abreast of the latest in polygraph technology by attending on a regular basis seminars and/or classes related to polygraph.
  5. Do not be afraid to ask questions about the individual’s qualifications and references.
  6. Check with the State of Tennessee Polygraph Commission and Licensing Board to ensure your polygraph examiner is licensed to conduct polygraphs in the State of Tennessee.

Do not get caught up in the myth that cheapest is always best. It takes a great deal of time and effort to properly conduct a polygraph examination. Prices will vary, but just remember you usually will get what you pay for.

Reputation, education, certification, membership and credibility are the key elements in the selection an expert polygraphist.