Services
Criminal Cases
Assists private attorneys and public defenders with issue verification
Family/Domestic Cases
Assists family law attorneys in custody, child or spousal abuse allegations, and other family/domestic issue verification
Pre-Employment
Testing is limited to law enforcement, corrections, 911 dispatchers, certain government employees, and private security applicants.
Sex Offender Testing
Maintenance/Monitoring exams, sexual history exams, specific issue exams.
Relationship Testing
Relationship testing is for couples encountering trust issues. A $250 non-refundable deposit is required to schedule an appointment. The balance of $250 is due at the time of appointment. The total cost is $500.
About the Examiner
With over 16 years of experience as a nationally certified polygraph examiner, South Sound Polygraph LLC is Western Washington's top choice for polygraph services.
Mark retired as a Detective Sergeant with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department in 2019, with over 29 years of experience in law enforcement. During his last 16 years of service, Mark was assigned to the criminal investigation bureau - major crimes unit.
At South Sound Polygraph, we are trained and certified in using sophisticated investigative, interviewing, and polygraph testing techniques.
Since establishing South Sound Polygraph in 2018, Mark has conducted polygraph testing for criminal defense and family law attorneys in the Seattle-Tacoma Metro region. Additionally, Mark conducts pre-employment / credibility assessment examinations for multiple public safety agencies throughout Western Washington and the State of Alaska.
Mark is a contract examiner for the Washington State Department of Corrections (DOC), DSHS - Special Commitment Center, U.S. Federal Probation, and Public Safety Testing.
After three decades of experience in criminal justice and 16 years of experience investigating major crimes, I offer a unique insight into the needs and requirements of law enforcement, attorneys, therapists, psychologists, and other individuals when conducting testing.
Affiliations
AmericanPolygraph Association
National Polygraph Association
NW Polygraph Association
Frequently Asked Questions:
How accurate is a polygraph?
There have been several published scientific studies on the accuracy of polygraph testing. A polygraph examiner is only as accurate as the technique used. South Sound Polygraph only uses validated techniques that exceed the average “aggregated decision accuracy” for multi-issue screening tests (85%) and single-issue diagnostic techniques (89%), as summarized in the APA’s “Meta-Analytic Survey of Criterion Accuracy of Validated Polygraph Techniques.” Anyone claiming excessive accuracy is selling you an imaginary product.
What if I’m nervous, anxious, or have a “guilty conscience ” personality?
Your suitability will be assessed prior to the examination. Being a nervous person or having a guilty conscience does not affect the overall results. After reviewing the process, issues, and exam questions, most people are quite comfortable taking the exam. It is common and expected that almost everyone will feel somewhat anxious before taking a polygraph examination.
What will happen during my polygraph examination?
An interview will be conducted to review the relevant information in preparation for the examination. Every question that will be asked during the examination will be reviewed. After the examination, the charts will be evaluated and scored. The results will be reviewed with you, and any questions will be answered.
How long does the polygraph exam take?
A typical polygraph examination will include a Pre-Test Interview, the actual exam, a test data analysis phase, and a Post-Test Interview. The polygraph process generally lasts 90 minutes to 2-hours from beginning to end.
What is the best way to prepare for a polygraph test?
Get a good night's sleep the night before your test. Maintain your regular routine prior to the test (i.e., drink coffee, eat breakfast, etc.). Take your prescribed medications as directed by your physician. Discuss any concerns or ask your polygraph examiner any questions at any time during the process.
How soon can I get scheduled?
Polygraph testing is by appointment only. Please call or email to schedule an appointment. Every effort will be made to accommodate your schedule and conduct the exam promptly.
How long will it take to get the results?
Generally, the final results and a written report will be provided within 24 hours of the exam. If your exam is in conjunction with an attorney or a public safety agency, the results and the written report will be forwarded to the attorney or agency requesting the exam.
CONTACT
Location:
555 Andover Park W, Suite 200
Tukwila, WA 98188
Phone:
253.985.3494