Personnel Testing

A pre-employment polygraph (lie detector) examination is the only method that allows employers to obtain essential information about a prospective employee in the shortest possible time and with minimal cost. Such testing helps significantly reduce risks at an early stage, as well as potential losses associated with dishonesty or professional unsuitability of a future employee.

The examination typically focuses on the following areas:

• Verification of the accuracy of the information provided;
• Criminal background – identifying previous convictions, connections with criminal circles, and involvement in offenses, including crimes unknown to official authorities;
• Previous employment – identifying violations or misconduct committed at former workplaces;
• Harmful habits – attitude toward alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc.;
• Other issues relevant to the client requesting the examination.

The following may be considered risk factors:

• False information provided in an application form or resume;
• Submission of forged or inaccurate documents;
• The real (hidden) reasons for leaving previous jobs;
• The real (hidden) reasons for seeking employment, including possible recruitment by competitors, criminal organizations, corporate raiders, or intentions to commit theft or fraud;
• Commission of various offenses, including crimes unknown to official authorities;
• Insufficient professional competence or negligent performance of duties at previous workplaces;
• Conflict-prone behavior and involvement in workplace conflicts, including acting as an organizer or instigator;
• Bribery, receiving kickbacks, abuse of authority, or misuse of working hours for personal gain at previous jobs;
• Unauthorized disclosure of confidential information at previous workplaces;
• Alcohol or drug dependency, including past use of narcotic or psychotropic substances;
• Health-related issues, including mental health conditions;
• Registration with medical institutions or the presence of socially dangerous diseases;
• Significant financial liabilities or debts;
• Gambling addiction;
• Concealment of criminal or administrative offenses, including those unknown to official authorities;
• Concealment of ongoing or previous criminal investigations or court proceedings;
• Intentions to cause damage to the company;
• Ownership of a parallel business that may interfere with full commitment to work;
• Other relevant risk factors.

The purpose of periodic polygraph examinations is to identify unlawful actions committed during the course of employment and to prevent such actions in the future. Actions that may harm the company include theft of money or goods, misappropriation of company property, unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, concealed operation of a parallel business using one’s official position, disloyal treatment of clients or colleagues, and many other forms of misconduct.

In addition to the above, any personnel screening has a strong preventive effect on the entire workforce.

An unexpected personnel polygraph examination, even if it reveals no serious violations, encourages employees to work more responsibly and efficiently over the long term, discouraging actions that could harm the employer.

Periodic personnel screenings are recommended once or twice a year.