US Special Operations Command Independent Evaluation Validates the CVSA^®

In March 2005, the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) initiated an independent evaluation of both CVSA and Polygraph users.  The evaluation was conducted by an independent research team led by a Ph.D. researcher.  Below are the results of the SOCOM Evaluation: 

General Information about respondents: 

• Respondents consisted of a cross-section of Law Enforcement, Public Safety and Military officials
• The evaluation was conducted nationally and consisted of both CVSA and Polygraph users
• The average professional experience of the respondents was 22.87 years
• The average professional experience with the CVSA and/or Polygraph was 5+ years

Findings regarding Polygraph: 

• The majority of agencies preferred the CVSA to the polygraph
• Agencies that discontinued the use of polygraph did so an average of 10 years prior to the evaluation
• Only 15% still used the polygraph, 85% had found the CVSA to be superior to the polygraph
• Various reasons the polygraph was discontinued included:

- The polygraph is unreliable – 20%

- The use of countermeasure to defeat the polygraph – 70%

- The newer CVSA technology is more effective – 50%

- Polygraph equipment and examiners is too expensive – 35%

- Polygraph Examiners can not meet operational schedule – 50%

Findings regarding the CVSA: 

• Average agency use of the CVSA was 7 years, beginning in 1998
• CVSA is reliable and its findings can be independently confirmed – 80%
• Less expensive to own and operate than polygraph – 65%
• Easier to train and maintain examiners – 50%
• Ease of usage – 50%
• No requirement for examinee cooperation – 50%
• Primary uses – Criminal investigations and background investigations
• Covert investigations – polygraph can not be used in this manner

Findings regarding CVSA Reliability: 

• Average Reliability Rate (ability of accurately detect truth or deception) is 91.38%
• Reliability range is 80% - 100%

SOCOM Evaluation Conclusion: 

• The CVSA can save valuable time in Military Tactical Situations
• The use of the CVSA will save lives in Military Tactical Situations and enhance Force Protection Operations
• The CVSA is not threat to the Polygraph

  - The CVSA is a complimentary tool to the polygraph

  - The CVSA should be used in conjunction with the polygraph