Lie detector firm bookings soar because of Ashley Madison factor

THE number of suspicious spouses booking lie detector tests for their partners through a Salford firm’s high street service has soared by more than a third since the database of the adultery website Ashley Madison was leaked.

Testing firm BioClinics, whose joint venture with the British Polygraph Network makes the tests available in more than 100 locations across the UK, has seen a 36% increase in bookings concerning infidelity since customer data from the website which helps people arrange extra-marital affairs was made public last month.

Nichola McChrystal, founder and scientific director at BioClinics, said: “Since we launched the service in June we have taken many bookings, instigated for a wide variety of reasons.

“However, the data for August shows that bookings relating to infidelity rose dramatically by 36% compared with the figures for July.

“The Ashley Madison case is the most likely cause, as it has brought infidelity into sharper focus.”

The tests are conducted by fully-qualified members of the British and European Polygraph Association and the American Polygraph Association. They take between two and three hours to complete, and cost £650.

Suspicions of infidelity have triggered the most bookings overall.
 
The tests are also being taken to help individuals concerned about a range of other matters, including allegations of theft of jewellery and other valuables, drug-taking and domestic abuse.

In addition, companies are arranging tests in relation to alleged thefts from the workplace, to screen potential employees for links to drugs and alcohol, and to flush out candidates suspected of making false claims about their background and experience to secure a job.

McChrystal, whose company also offers accredited DNA, drug and alcohol testing services at its clinics, said: “Many people have come to our clinics because marriage guidance counselling has done little to reduce the disruption and upset caused by suspicions of infidelity.

“Some have terminated their relationships following admissions of guilt, while others have said they have continued with counselling and have reported that, now the truth is out in the open, the sessions are proving much more effective.

“In more than 95% of cases where the examination indicated deception, the individual has gone on to admit their guilt.

“In many cases, however, the examination showed innocence, and we have had extremely positive feedback about how this has allowed couples to move on and put their suspicions behind them.”

Don Cargill, co-founder and director of the British Polygraph Network, which provides the examiners, said: “This is the first time that polygraph testing has been available on the high street.

“The interviews are conducted in a low-profile, friendly and non-accusatory manner to verify the truth and remove doubts, often in matters which could not previously be resolved.”