THE 10 BEST Polygraph Services in PORTLAND, OR
| Business Name | Key Services | Best For | Address | Hours | PS Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fortify Polygraph, LLC | Criminal Defense Testing, PCSOT, Fidelity Exams | Comprehensive Testing Needs | 5933 NE Win Sivers Dr, Portland, OR 97220 | By Appointment | 4.8/5 |
| Portland Polygraph LLC | PCSOT Testing, Criminal Cases, Relationship Issues | Sex Offender Treatment Programs | Downtown Portland, OR | By Appointment | 4.6/5 |
| C.W. Bryant Polygraph Services | Criminal Cases, Personal Matters, Consultation Services | Law Enforcement Experience | Camas, WA / Clackamas, OR (serving Portland) | By Appointment | 4.7/5 |
| Advantage Polygraph Services | PCSOT Testing, Fidelity Exams, Criminal Defense | Professional Accuracy | Portland Metro & Vancouver, WA | By Appointment | 4.5/5 |
| Sudaisar Polygraph and Forensic Assessments | Mobile Services, PCSOT, Forensic Assessments | Flexible Location Options | Newberg, OR (mobile services to Portland) | By Appointment | 4.4/5 |
| Blue Line Polygraphs & Investigations | Criminal Cases, PCSOT, Private Investigations | Law Enforcement Background | PO Box 741, Albany, OR 97321 (serving Portland) | By Appointment | 4.3/5 |
| Lucinda J. Gardner | Attorney Referrals, Criminal Cases, PCSOT | Legal Professional Referrals | 10211 SW Barbur Blvd, Suite 203A, Portland, OR 97219 | Mon-Fri, By Appointment | 4.2/5 |
| Cornerstone Investigative Services | Private Investigations, Background Checks, Polygraph | Investigation Services | 650 NE Holladay St, Ste 1600, Portland, OR 97232 | Mon-Fri 9am-7pm | 4.4/5 |
| Couch Polygraph Services | Criminal Cases, PCSOT, Quality Control | State-Wide Coverage | Oregon (serving Portland metro) | By Appointment | 4.3/5 |
| James L. Scharmota | Criminal Defense, PCSOT, Civil Cases | Experienced Examinations | 10211 SW Barbur Blvd #201, Portland, OR 97219 | By Appointment | 4.1/5 |
#1. Fortify Polygraph, LLC – Best for Comprehensive Testing Needs
Key Highlights:
- Uses latest Lafayette computerized polygraph instruments with over 90% accuracy rates
- Chief examiner performed more than 2,000 examinations for multiple Oregon counties
- Offers contracts with federal parole and probation services
Fortify Polygraph stands out as a top choice in Portland for anyone needing reliable polygraph services. The company serves Portland and surrounding areas in both Oregon and Washington. Their chief examiner, Chris Pfanner, brings extensive training from prestigious institutions including the Reid Technique programs and advanced interview techniques.
The business specializes in multiple testing types including criminal defense, pre-trial examinations, and post-conviction sex offender testing. They have conducted over 50 examinations in ten different Oregon detention facilities. Their testing accuracy exceeds 90%, which is backed by Oregon Polygraph Licensing Board oversight and regulations.
Clients appreciate the professional approach and patient demeanor of the examiners. The company requires scheduling by phone and typically allocates two hours for complete examinations. They maintain strict confidentiality and provide detailed reports. For public clients, a $100 deposit reserves appointment slots.
#2. Portland Polygraph LLC – Best for Sex Offender Treatment Programs
Key Highlights:
- Three Oregon licensed polygraph examiners on staff
- All examiners are APA PCSOT certified specialists
- Extensive experience with treatment provider partnerships
Portland Polygraph LLC brings specialized expertise to the polygraph field with their team of three licensed examiners. Every examiner holds American Polygraph Association Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing certification. This makes them particularly valuable for individuals in treatment programs requiring regular polygraph monitoring.
The company offers comprehensive services including fidelity polygraphs for relationship issues, criminal defense testing, and specialized PCSOT examinations. They work closely with parole officers, probation departments, and therapists across the Portland metro area. Their downtown location provides convenient access for clients throughout the city.
The business model focuses on fostering peace of mind through professional, accurate testing. They offer online booking options and consultation services. Clients can learn about their various polygraph services through their website before scheduling appointments. The examiners understand the anxiety associated with polygraph testing and work to create a comfortable environment.
#3. C.W. Bryant Polygraph Services – Best for Law Enforcement Experience
Key Highlights:
- Over 28 years of experience with Oregon State Police
- Conducted thousands of polygraph examinations since 1994
- Served on Oregon Polygraph Licensing Advisory Committee
C.W. Bryant brings unmatched law enforcement experience to the private polygraph sector. After retiring from a distinguished career with the Oregon State Police spanning over 28 years, he established offices serving the Portland metro area, Camas, and Bend. His extensive background makes him highly respected among prosecutors, defense attorneys, and law enforcement throughout the region.
Mr. Bryant completed his initial polygraph training at Western Oregon University Polygraph School in 1994. Since then, he has attended hundreds of hours in advanced polygraph courses. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Oregon State University and has made public presentations about polygraph, including at the University of Oregon Law School.
The service uses the latest Lafayette computerized polygraph system with validated evaluation techniques. He is fully licensed in Oregon and available for polygraph work in Washington. Services include examinations on criminal and personal cases, consultations and reviews, and certified post-conviction sex offender testing. Confidential audio and video recording of examinations is available upon request.
#4. Advantage Polygraph Services – Best for Professional Accuracy
Key Highlights:
- Examiner Rick Buckner retired after 35 years with Clark County Sheriff’s Department
- 20 years as Major Crimes Detective experience
- Graduate of Northeastern Counter Drug Training Center Polygraph School
Advantage Polygraph Services offers expertise backed by decades of law enforcement experience. Rick Buckner spent 35 years with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, with 20 of those years dedicated to major crimes investigation. This background provides clients with confidence in the accuracy and professionalism of their examinations.
The company serves both the Portland metro area and Vancouver, Washington. Polygraph examinations conducted properly average 90% to 92% accuracy rates, as supported by research. Rick offers only polygraph services, avoiding unreliable alternatives like voice stress analysis that the U.S. Government has determined to be ineffective.
Services include fidelity testing for marital infidelity and domestic issues, post-conviction sex offender testing (PCSOT), and criminal defense examinations. Advantage Polygraph is certified by national polygraph associations (APA and AAPP) for PCSOT work. Rick’s approach focuses on helping clients feel comfortable before, during, and after the examination process.
#5. Sudaisar Polygraph and Forensic Assessments – Best for Flexible Location Options
Key Highlights:
- Mobile business model traveling throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California
- Over 22 years of police investigator experience
- Authorized sales representative for Lafayette Instrument Company polygraph equipment
Sudaisar Polygraph and Forensic Assessments brings flexibility to polygraph services through their mobile business model. While based in the Portland metro area with office space in Newberg, they travel extensively throughout multiple states. This makes them ideal for clients who need polygraph services at convenient locations.
Scott Sudaisar leads the company with distinguished credentials including more than 22 years as a police investigator and 10 years as a polygraph examiner. Law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, and private attorneys routinely call upon him for complex, high-profile, and politically sensitive cases throughout Oregon and in federal court.
Services include PCSOT and post-conviction domestic violence treatment testing, infidelity and relationship examinations (only when requested by therapists), trial preparation, and investigation assistance. They offer competitive and reasonable pricing with flat rate quotes. Payment is collected before examinations begin to ensure unbiased testing.
#6. Blue Line Polygraphs & Investigations – Best for Law Enforcement Background
Key Highlights:
- Founder Glenn Fairall served Albany Police Department from 1992 to 2017
- Completed over 1,000 felony criminal investigations
- Recognized expert witness in child abuse and firearms cases
Blue Line Polygraphs & Investigations combines polygraph expertise with comprehensive private investigation services. Glenn Fairall, the founder, brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience, including many years as Albany Police Department’s longest-tenured major crimes detective. This extensive background provides clients with expert-level service.
The company offers polygraph examinations for city, state, and federal agencies, as well as private clients. Services include PCSOT testing, assistance with criminal investigations, corporate internal theft and embezzlement investigations, and drug testing verification. They handle any criminal or civil matter where attorneys request polygraph examinations for their clients.
All examiners use validated testing techniques supported by American Polygraph Association research standards. Standard examinations take anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours, broken into pre-test interview, polygraph examination, and post-test interview. The examiners are experienced in detecting countermeasures and non-cooperation attempts.
#7. Lucinda J. Gardner – Best for Legal Professional Referrals
Key Highlights:
- Over 17 years in the polygraph profession
- Conducted more than 8,000 polygraph examinations
- On preferred provider lists for all major Oregon counties
Lucinda J. Gardner has built a reputation as a highly experienced polygraph examiner with over 17 years in the profession. She has conducted more than 8,000 polygraph examinations throughout her career. Her extensive experience makes her a preferred provider for all major counties in Oregon.
She previously served for several years on the DPSST (Department of Public Safety Standards and Training) licensing board. Attorneys frequently refer clients to her for polygraph services. She specializes in performing polygraph examinations for persons referred by parole and probation officers and those represented by attorneys in active criminal cases.
The business operates from a Portland location and focuses primarily on professional referrals rather than general public walk-ins. This specialization ensures that examinations are conducted within proper legal and therapeutic contexts. Clients appreciate her awareness of heart conditions and other medical factors that may affect polygraph readings.
#8. Cornerstone Investigative Services – Best for Investigation Services
Key Highlights:
- Licensed and insured with free telephone consultations
- Staff intimately familiar with Portland metro and Oregon outlying areas
- Provides online file sharing and email invoicing for convenience
Cornerstone Investigative Services offers a full range of private investigation services including polygraph examinations. Located in downtown Portland at 650 NE Holladay Street, they provide cost-effective and results-oriented investigations. The company is led by Duane Larson and maintains regular business hours Monday through Friday from 9am to 7pm.
Their staff of licensed professional investigators brings established connections and years of investigative experience. While investigations often begin in Oregon, their work has taken them into Washington and across the country. They treat all clients, whether individuals, corporations, insurance companies, or law firms, with the same attention to detail and thoroughness.
Services include person locates, background investigations, surveillance, and open-source and social media research. Every case is tailored to maximize efficiency and provide the most direct path to successful conclusion. They offer modern conveniences like online file sharing and email invoicing, eliminating the need for clients to leave home.
#9. Couch Polygraph Services – Best for State-Wide Coverage
Key Highlights:
- Licensed to serve the entire state of Oregon
- Specializes in criminal cases and quality control
- Offers comprehensive PCSOT testing services
Couch Polygraph Services provides truth verification services throughout Oregon with expertise in criminal cases, post-conviction sex offender testing, private matters, and quality control examinations. Their statewide licensing allows them to serve Portland and surrounding communities with equal professionalism and expertise.
The company focuses on maintaining high standards in polygraph examination quality. They work with criminal defense attorneys, prosecution teams, and parole and probation departments. Their commitment to quality control ensures that examinations meet Oregon state licensing requirements and professional standards.
Services are available by appointment, allowing flexibility in scheduling for clients throughout the Portland metro area. The business understands that polygraph examinations can be stressful and works to provide clear communication about the process. They maintain strict confidentiality protocols for all examinations conducted.
#10. James L. Scharmota – Best for Experienced Examinations
Key Highlights:
- Long-standing presence in Portland polygraph community
- Located in Southwest Portland for easy access
- Handles criminal defense and civil cases
James L. Scharmota operates as a licensed polygraph examiner at 10211 SW Barbur Boulevard in Portland. His practice focuses on providing polygraph services for criminal defense, post-conviction sex offender testing, and civil cases. The location provides convenient access for clients throughout Southwest Portland and surrounding areas.
The business operates by appointment, ensuring dedicated time for each examination. James works with both private attorneys and court-appointed counsel on cases requiring polygraph verification. His experience spans multiple types of examinations, from specific issue tests to complex multi-issue cases.
Services include consultation before testing, thorough pre-test interviews, and detailed post-test discussions. The practice maintains professional standards required by Oregon licensing boards. Clients seeking polygraph services for legal cases often find value in working with an examiner experienced in courtroom proceedings and legal requirements.
How Much Does a Polygraph Test Cost in Portland?
Polygraph test costs in Portland typically range from $400 to $600 for a standard examination. The exact price depends on several factors including the type of test needed and the complexity of the issues being examined. Most examiners charge flat rates that include the pre-test interview, the actual polygraph examination, and the post-test discussion.
Post-conviction sex offender testing (PCSOT) often costs more due to the specialized nature and extended time requirements. These examinations can range from $450 to $700. Many examiners offer contract pricing for government agencies, attorneys, and treatment providers who need regular services. This can reduce costs significantly for ongoing testing needs.
Some polygraph services require a deposit to reserve appointment times, typically around $100 which applies toward the total cost. Payment is usually expected before or immediately after the examination. Most examiners accept cash, credit cards, and cashier’s checks. It’s important to discuss pricing upfront when scheduling your appointment.
How Long Does a Polygraph Examination Take?
A complete polygraph examination typically takes between two to three hours from start to finish. This includes time for the pre-test interview, the actual polygraph test, breaks, and the post-test discussion. The actual time hooked up to the polygraph machine is usually only 20 to 30 minutes, but the surrounding procedures are equally important.
The pre-test interview is a crucial part of the process where the examiner explains the procedure and reviews all questions with you. This helps reduce anxiety and ensures you understand exactly what will be asked. The examiner will go over each question word for word before starting the actual test. This preparation time alone can take 30 to 60 minutes.
After the polygraph test is completed, the examiner needs time to analyze the results and discuss them with you. Most examiners can determine results within minutes after the test ends. However, preparing detailed written reports may take additional time. You should plan to allocate at least two full hours for your appointment and avoid scheduling anything immediately afterward.
Are Polygraph Test Results Admissible in Oregon Courts?
Polygraph test results are generally not admissible as evidence in Oregon state courts or federal courts. However, there are important exceptions to this rule. If both the prosecution and defense agree in advance, polygraph results can sometimes be admitted into court. This agreement must be made before the test is administered.
While results may not be used directly in court, polygraph examinations still serve valuable purposes in legal cases. Defense attorneys often use polygraph results to convince prosecutors that their case is flawed or that charges should be dismissed. A passed polygraph can sometimes prevent charges from being filed in the first place.
Polygraph results can also be useful in post-conviction situations, particularly for sex offender treatment and monitoring programs. Courts frequently order polygraph testing as a condition of probation or parole. These examinations help treatment providers and supervision officers monitor compliance and progress. Additionally, confessions or incriminating statements made during polygraph examinations may be admissible in court even if the polygraph results themselves are not.