By Alan Saquella, Assistant Professor
In the rapidly evolving world of security, law enforcement, and investigative sciences, professionals are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to supplement tried-and-true methodologies. One emerging innovation is behavioral assessment software, designed to enhance both pre-employment screening and investigative interviewing. Acting as a form of modern human intelligence collection, these tools enable examiners and investigators to gather deeper insights directly from candidates and subjects, revealing behavioral cues and risk indicators that might otherwise remain hidden (Vrij, 2008).
Importantly, behavioral assessment software is not intended to replace polygraph or other traditional investigative methods. Instead, it functions as a complementary resource—one that provides examiners with more data, sharper focus, and increased efficiency (National Research Council, 2003).
Why Polygraph Examiners Benefit
Polygraph examiners in particular stand to gain from these tools. By capturing behavioral insights in advance of a polygraph or by helping to narrow down suspects in complex investigations, examiners are positioned for success before the first question is even asked.
For example, one company in this space, Verensics, has developed software platforms that integrate structured questioning with behavioral analysis. These assessments can highlight areas of potential concern, such as undisclosed criminal activity, drug use, or workplace misconduct, well before the subject ever sits for the polygraph. Examiners then walk into sessions already equipped with key information, which enhances both efficiency and accuracy (Kukucka et al., 2020).
Two Distinct Uses
Behavioral assessment software typically supports two main applications:
1. Pre-Employment Screening – A scalable solution that helps assess job applicants before the polygraph, giving examiners richer data and organizations an early look into potential red flags.
2. Investigative Interviewing – A way to screen large groups of individuals in the wake of incidents, allowing investigators to quickly identify persons of interest and focus resources where they are most needed.
Both applications rely on behavioral science, structured questioning, and data-driven analysis to provide actionable insights. While each serves a different purpose, together they represent a comprehensive approach to modern investigative interviewing (Inbau et al., 2013).
Pre-Employment Screening: Adding Depth Before Polygraph
Hiring in law enforcement, corrections, intelligence, and other sensitive fields has never been more challenging. Agencies are struggling to attract and retain qualified candidates while ensuring that new hires meet the highest ethical and professional standards (U.S. Department of Justice, 2019). The polygraph has long played a critical role in this process, but examiners often begin sessions with limited background information.
Behavioral assessment software helps fill this gap. Applicants complete an online structured interview before arriving for the polygraph, with responses analyzed and compiled into a report. This report highlights areas that may warrant closer examination, such as prior misconduct, substance use, or integrity concerns.
For polygraph examiners, the result is a clear advantage. Instead of walking in with only a file of paperwork, they already know which areas may require deeper questioning. This transforms the polygraph into a more targeted, efficient, and effective process (Grubin, 2010).
In addition, because the software covers a wide range of topics and situational scenarios, examiners can use the information to develop tailor-made polygraph examinations. By focusing on specific disclosures or personal risk factors, examiners craft more relevant questions and avoid wasting time on generic ones.
Investigative Applications: Narrowing Large Pools
Investigators are often tasked with cases involving large numbers of potential suspects or witnesses—internal thefts, insider threats, harassment claims, or misconduct within correctional facilities. Interviewing every individual is often impractical and sometimes impossible.
Here, behavioral assessment software serves as a triage tool. Using carefully structured, computer-based interviews, investigators can screen large groups quickly and remotely. The software then flags individuals whose responses raise red flags, narrowing the pool to a manageable number (Borum et al., 2011).
Consider an internal theft in a corrections facility. Instead of interviewing dozens or hundreds of staff members, investigators can deploy a behavioral assessment across the workforce. Within days, those with concerning responses are identified and prioritized for further inquiry. From there, polygraph examinations or in-depth interviews can be scheduled for the smaller group, ensuring resources are deployed where they are most likely to make an impact.
The Science Behind the Software
Behavioral assessment software is grounded in established behavioral science and structured interview methodology. It is not based on trick questions, vague personality tests, or artificial intelligence guesses. Instead, it leverages validated interviewing techniques designed to elicit disclosure and produce consistent, comparable data across individuals (Meissner et al., 2017).
For examiners and investigators, this means actionable intelligence rather than broad personality profiles. The outputs can guide questioning, inform decision-making, and focus investigative resources. Importantly, the reports are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing workflows, including the polygraph process.
Complementing, Not Replacing, the Polygraph
Some professionals may initially wonder whether behavioral assessment tools are intended to replace human-led polygraph examinations. The answer is clear: they are not substitutes but supplements. The polygraph remains the gold standard for verification, backed by science, examiner expertise, and established practice (Handler et al., 2021).
What behavioral assessment software provides is a head start. Pre-employment screenings ensure examiners enter sessions with richer data. Investigative screenings make sure polygraph resources are applied strategically, focusing on the right individuals. In both cases, the polygraph remains the decisive tool for confirming or disproving disclosures.
Real-World Applications
Behavioral assessment software is already in use across sectors such as corrections, law enforcement, intelligence, and corporate security. Examples include:
- Correctional Officer Hiring: Agencies use assessments to identify integrity issues before committing to costly background checks and polygraphs.
- Corporate Investigations: Businesses deploy software after theft or misconduct claims to quickly narrow potential suspects.
- Government Agencies: Sensitive hiring programs use the technology to provide polygraph examiners with applicant disclosures in advance, resulting in shorter and more focused exams.
Each application demonstrates the same principle: these tools enhance, rather than replace, the trusted methods of skilled investigators and examiners.
Looking Ahead
As technology advances, behavioral assessment software will play an increasingly vital role in modern investigative practices. For polygraph examiners and investigators, adopting such tools is not about abandoning tradition but about strengthening it with science-based resources.
In a climate where hiring standards must remain uncompromising and investigative resources are limited, behavioral assessment software offers a practical, scalable solution. Combined with polygraph examinations, it provides organizations with a more complete and efficient strategy for ensuring integrity, safety, and accountability (Office of Personnel Management, 2020).
Final Thoughts
Experienced examiners know that the success of an interview or polygraph often hinges on the information gathered beforehand. Behavioral assessment software delivers that advantage—whether through pre-employment disclosures or investigative screenings. By equipping professionals with actionable insights and helping direct resources where they matter most, these tools enhance the value and effectiveness of the polygraph rather than competing with it.
As the field continues to evolve, behavioral assessment software represents the next step in investigative interviewing: a future where technology and tradition work hand in hand to achieve the highest standards of truth, trust, and justice.
About the Author
Alan Saquella, CPP, is the former Director of Security at Cox Communications and a Board-Certified Protection Professional. He currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s College of Business, Security, and Intelligence, consults with Verensics on investigative interviewing, and is a national speaker and trainer in security and investigative practices. Alan is an active member of the American Polygraph Association, ASIS International, and InfraGard.
