FORMATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS IN THE SECURITY AND DEFENSE SECTOR OF UKRAINE IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE

Authors

  • Lyudmyla Snihur Military Academy (Odesa), Odesa, Ukraine Author
  • Dmytro Zdebskyi Odesa State University of Internal Affairs, Odesa, Ukraine Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2217.2025.63.35-42

Keywords:

professional competence, competence formation, polygraph examiner training, international practice standards, National Polygraph School

Abstract

B a c k g r o u n d . This article addresses the development of professional competence of polygraph examiners in Ukraine's security and defense sector in accordance with international practice standards. The process of polygraph examiner training is examined, with emphasis on the importance of applying valid polygraph research methodologies and quality control as key factors of professionalization, along with the integration of international experience to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of polygraph examinations.

M e t h o d s . The study employed a comprehensive set of methods, including theoretical analysis of regulatory legal acts and scientific sources; the concrete-historical method to investigate the dynamics of polygraph examiner training; generalization of foreign experience, particularly the practices of the American Polygraph Association; and empirical approaches to assess professional competence in accordance with international standards.

R e s u l t s . Based on the research, a model for developing the professional competence of polygraph examiners was formulated, grounded in international standards (ASTM, APA), the national classifier of professions (Amendment No. 10 to DK 003:2010), the Dreyfus model, and Albert Bandura's self-efficacy theory. Five competence levels were identified: novice, beginner, competent, experienced, and expert, each characterized by criteria such as education, experience, number of field examinations, self-efficacy, and professional autonomy. The proposed tables enable a qualitative assessment of professional development and planning for qualification improvement.

C o n c l u s i o n s . The professional competence of polygraph examiners is crucial for the effectiveness of Ukraine's security sector. Its formation is based on theoretical and practical training, professional experience, adherence to valid methodologies, and quality control. The proposed competency model by levels (from novice to expert) adapts the Dreyfus model and international standards (ASTM, APA). It enables the standardization of certification, professional development, and qualification enhancement. The establishment of a National Polygraph School will ensure systematic training and quality of polygraph examinations under conditions of military threats. 

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Administration of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. (2022, December 10). On approval of methodological recommendations for conducting interviews using the polygraph in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. Order No 100/0/8-22-OD) [in Ukrainian].

ASTM International. (2019a). Standard guide for conducting quality control reviews of psychophysiological detection of deception examinations (ASTM E2031-19). ASTM International.

ASTM International. (2019b). Standard practice for a quality control system for an organization that conducts psychophysiological detection of deception (ASTM E2064-19). ASTM International.

ASTM International. (2019d). Standard practice for post-conviction sex offender testing (ASTM E2163-19). ASTM International.

ASTM International. (2014). Standard practice for minimum basic education and training of individuals involved in psychophysiological detection of deception (ASTM E2000-5). ASTM International.

Ball, H. O. (1994). On the psychological foundations of readiness for professional work. In I. A. Zyazyun (Ed.). Psychological and pedagogical problems of professional education (pp. 48–56) [in Ukrainian].

Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191–215.

Bandura, A., & National Inst of Mental Health. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action: A social cognitive theory. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Dreyfus, H., & Dreyfus, S. (1988). Mind over machine (2nd ed.), 36–51. Free Press.

Dreyfus, S. E., & Dreyfus, H. L. (1980). A five-stage model of the mental activities involved in directed skill acquisition. California University, Berkeley, Operations Research Center.

Education Accreditation Committee. (2022, April 2). Education accreditation standards (Version 2.06).

Gougler, M., Nelson, R., Handler, M., Krapohl, D., Shaw, P., & Bierman, L. (2011). Meta-analytic survey of criterion accuracy of validated polygraph techniques. Polygraph, 40(4), 194–305.

Karamushka, L. M. et al. (2021). Psychological and organizational determinants of ensuring psychological health of personnel in educational institutions under conditions of social tension. Viktoriia Kundelska [in Ukrainian].

Melʹnyk, N. I. (2017). The phenomenon of "professional competence" in Ukrainian and European pedagogical theory: A comparative aspect. Pedagogical Education: Theory and Practice. Psychology. Pedagogy, 28, 54–60 [in Ukrainian].

Mississippi Code Annotated. (1972). Polygraph examiner internship rules and regulations, §73-29-9. Mississippi Board of Polygraph Examiners.

Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. (2021, October 25). On approval of Amendment No. 10 to the National Classifier DK 003:2010. Order No. 810 [in Ukrainian]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/rada/show/v0810930-21#Text

Ministry of Justice of Ukraine. (2015, March 3). On approval of the Regulation on the Central Expert Qualification Commission under the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine and certification of forensic experts. Order No. 301/5 [in Ukrainian]. https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/z0249-15#Text

Motlyakh, O. (2022). Polygraphology. Osvita Ukrainy [in Ukrainian].

Motlyakh, O. I., & Shapovalov, V. O. (2022). The essence of polygraph test formats and requirements for their application. Law Journal of the National Academy of Internal Affairs, 12(1), 77–86.

National Research Council. (2003). The polygraph and lie detection. The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10420

Tsilmak, O. M. (2009). Components of the structure of competencies. Science and Education: Scientific and Practical Journal of the Southern Scientific Center of the Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, 1–2, 128–134 [in Ukrainian].

U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. (1983). Scientific validity of polygraph testing: A research review and evaluation – A technical memorandum (OTA-TM-H-15). U.S. Government Printing Office.

Zdebskyi, D. (2023). Use of the polygraph under martial law in Ukraine. Bulletin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Military and Special Sciences, 55(3), 28–33 [in Ukrainian]. https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2217.2023.55.28-33

Zdebskyi, D. V., & Ismaylov, K. Y. (2024). On the issue of implementing the U.S. legal experience of polygraph use into the legal system of Ukraine. Legal Journal of Donbas, 1, 32–38 [in Ukrainian]. https://doi.org/10.32782/2523-4269-2024-86-32-38

Zubovskyi, D. S. (2017). The experience of Japan in conducting psychophysiological studies using the polygraph. Scientific Bulletin of the National Academy of Internal Affairs, 2(103), 355–366 [in Ukrainian].

Published

2025-09-29

Issue

Section

Psychology

How to Cite

Snihur, L., & Zdebskyi, D. (2025). FORMATION OF THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF POLYGRAPH EXAMINERS IN THE SECURITY AND DEFENSE SECTOR OF UKRAINE IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF PRACTICE. Bulletin of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Military-Special Sciences, 3(63), 35-42. https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2217.2025.63.35-42