History

On the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Indiana Polygraph Association came into existence on April 27, 1971. Polygraphists had gathered for a training seminar. Wanting to provide meaningful training, for the exchange of ideas, and information relating the polygraph profession.

David L. Motsinger, Past President


The Indiana Polygraph Association has been in existence for forty years. Today, the association has over fifty active members from all across the state. The IPA also has several members from surrounding states. Several polygraph examiners have achieved the status of Life-Time Member for the many years they dedicated to the association. The polygraph examiners in the association practice either as a private examiner, law enforcement, or in a government capacity.

The IPA normally meets biannually in Indianapolis due to its central location for the membership. The meetings include either a one or two day seminar. The training is provided by a variety of speakers on the many aspects of the polygraph profession. This training is a large portion of the required continuing education requirement for a polygraph examiner. The meetings also provide an opportunity for discussion on current developments from around the state on polygraph and a time for examiners to exchange information.

In addition, it is also an occasion when examiners can meet with representatives from the Lafayette Instrument Company. This is the manufacturer where most of the local examiners have purchased their polygraph instrument. The members are given updated information and software. The representatives are present to assist in any instrumentation need that members may have.

Membership with the IPA requires that an individual be a polygraph examiner in good standing. This necessitates that an individual attend and meet the requirements to be a polygraph examiner at an accredited polygraph school. A background check is conducted on each individual before being voted as a member.

The IPA has grown from a few examiners who met in April 1971 as an informal group to a dedicated professional organization. During this time, many obstacles have been overcome and many changes have occurred. Standards have been developed and the instrumentation has changed from analog (mechanical) to the modern computer polygraph age. The Indiana Polygraph Association is committed to continuing the achievements made by our veteran members and the professional polygraph discipline.

Delmer A. Gross, Indiana State Police
IPA Secretary 2011