Wiley Handbook of Science and Technology for Homeland Security, 4 Volume Set

TRAINING FOR INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN LIE DETECTION ABILITY

MAUREEN O' SULLIVAN

University of San Francisco, San Francisco, California

MARK G. FRANK

University of Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York

CAROLYN M. HURLEY

University of Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York

1 INTRODUCTION

Catching terrorists is a multilayered process. Although technological sensors are both rapid and reliable, as in the use of thermographic or facial and body analysis programs (see Human Behavior and Deception Detection), there are points in the process of assessing deception where only a human lie detector can be used. This may occur after the automated system shows a “hit” on an individual, which subjects him or her to further scrutiny, or in other security domains where access to technology is limited or nonexistent. Given these situations, it is important to determine who should interview such potential terrorists. Should we train all security personnel to improve their basic abilities? Or, should we select those most amenable to training, because of their motivation, skill, or other characteristics? Or, should we select already expert lie catchers; and if we do, how do we find them?

The literature on how to increase lie detection accuracy through training has been sparse, although an increasing number of scientists are addressing this issue. This overview will enumerate some of the factors involved in designing a good training study and examine the current ...