Address by the President of Europolygraph at the Credibility Assessment Seminar in Sopot, Poland

As President and founder of Europolygraph, I stand before you not only as a representative of this association but as a staunch advocate for the advancement of forensic psychophysiology throughout our continent.

Europolygraph was born out of necessity: the urgent need to establish a professional organization that understands and respects Europe’s unique cultural, ethical, and methodological context.

For far too long, the polygraph field in Europe depended on external structures, particularly the American Polygraph Association, which has played an influential role in shaping global polygraph practice.

While we recognize the contributions of other associations, we must acknowledge that Europe needs its own professional representation.

We are a continent rich in cultural diversity, with legal systems and ethical frameworks that differ significantly from those in other parts of the world. The creation of Europolygraph was not just a decision; it was a necessity.

European polygraph examiners needed a body that could represent our interests, advocate for our professional standards, and offer training and certification that aligned with our values and the realities of our continent.

Historically, Europe has been a land of scientific innovation, and this legacy is reflected in the development of the polygraph.

From the early contributions of figures like Vittorio Benussi, who studied respiration as an indicator of deception, to Angelo Mosso, who explored the links between blood circulation and emotional stress, Europe has played a central role in the evolution of our discipline.

Benussi’s research on changes in breathing patterns while lying and Mosso’s pioneering work on physiological responses to stress laid the foundations of the modern polygraph.

However, our contributions have not been limited solely to scientific and technical fields. Europe has also developed a distinct ethical and cultural approach to the use of the polygraph. Here, polygraph practice is firmly rooted in respect for human rights and personal dignity.

The framework within which we operate is shaped by our values, and this is something that distinguishes European polygraphy from other practices worldwide. In Europe, the application of the polygraph is not just about detecting deception but also about protecting individuals’ fundamental rights.

One of Europolygraph’s main roles is to ensure that polygraph examiners across Europe adhere to the highest ethical standards while receiving rigorous technical training.

The creation of the European Polygraph Academy has been instrumental in this process. Through our blended learning model, we have been able to offer a comprehensive training program that combines theoretical education with practical experience.

The use of online platforms allows us to reach students across Europe, while mandatory internships ensure that they gain practical experience in real-life settings.

Our blended learning approach has proven particularly resilient in the face of global challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when traditional in-person learning was disrupted, Europolygraph’s courses continued uninterrupted.

Our students were able to advance in their training, and many of them have since completed their education, now contributing to the polygraph field across the continent.

This demonstrates the effectiveness of our educational model and our commitment to ensuring that the profession continues to grow, even in difficult times.

Looking ahead, Europolygraph is actively working to further elevate the status of polygraph examiners in Europe.

We are in negotiations with several leading European universities to establish formal recognition of our training programs.

By 2025, we expect our courses to be fully accredited by these institutions, offering our students the opportunity to obtain university-level certifications in polygraphy.

This will not only enhance the credibility of our profession but also offer polygraph examiners a clear and prestigious career path.

While Europolygraph is deeply rooted in the values and traditions of Europe, we are also forward-looking. We understand that the polygraph, like all tools, must evolve to meet the demands of the future. This is why we have established a partnership with Stoelting Co., a leader in advanced polygraph technology assisted by artificial intelligence.

Through this collaboration, we ensure that European polygraph examiners have access to the best tools available today, keeping us at the forefront of the global field.

On another front, we believe that Europe has the potential to innovate even further. This is why Europolygraph encourages European entrepreneurs to take on the challenge of developing the first polygraph in the European Economic Community.

We believe this is an important step toward establishing Europe as a leader not only in polygraph practice but also in polygraph technology innovation. Our association is fully committed to supporting this effort, and we believe that Europe has the talent and expertise needed to achieve this goal.

The future of polygraphy in Europe is bright, but it depends on our ability to work together. Collaboration between polygraph examiners, researchers, and educators is essential if we are to continue advancing this discipline.

The agreement between Europolygraph and the Polish Society of Polygraph Examination is an excellent example of how such collaboration can strengthen the profession across Europe.

Together, we will continue to share knowledge, improve our practices, and uphold the highest standards of truth and justice.

Europolygraph remains committed to promoting polygraphy as a tool not only to detect deception but also to serve justice and protect individuals’ rights.

Our mission is not only to train competent examiners but also to foster a culture of integrity and ethical responsibility across the continent.

This seminar is a testament to the collective efforts of our colleagues in Poland and across Europe, and I am confident that it will lead to many fruitful discussions and new ideas.

In conclusion, I would once again like to express my gratitude to the Polish Society of Polygraph Examination for organizing this seminar.

Although I cannot be with you in person on this occasion, my commitment—and Europolygraph’s commitment—to the polygraph community in Europe remains unwavering.

I wish you all a highly successful seminar, filled with innovative ideas and enriching discussions.

Thank you very much, and I look forward to seeing you soon.