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Employee Theft, Shrinkage & Internal Loss Polygraph Examinations

Specific-Issue Polygraph Examinations for Workplace Investigations.

Unexplained losses, inventory shrinkage, cash discrepancies and internal theft can be difficult to investigate fairly. The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience provides professionally conducted specific-issue polygraph examinations that may assist appropriately managed workplace investigations where there is a clearly defined allegation and informed consent.

Our service is not a standalone test. Every examination is conducted within a structured investigative framework, interpreted alongside witness evidence, documentary evidence, audit findings and other available information. We support HR directors, loss prevention managers, corporate security professionals, internal auditors, solicitors and corporate investigators managing internal loss investigations across the United Kingdom.

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Understanding Internal Loss

Employee theft, inventory shrinkage, cash discrepancies and the misuse of company property represent a recognised and persistent challenge for organisations of all sizes. Despite the implementation of robust security systems, access controls, CCTV surveillance, stock management processes and audit procedures, many businesses continue to experience losses that cannot be fully explained by administrative error or external factors.

Internal loss takes many forms. It may involve the direct theft of stock, merchandise or materials from warehouses, distribution centres, retail premises or production facilities. It may involve cash shortages at point of sale, unauthorised discounts, manipulated refunds or fraudulent returns. Losses may relate to the theft of tools, equipment, fuel, raw materials or finished products. In some organisations, the concern may involve procurement irregularities, supplier collusion, fictitious invoicing or the misappropriation of company resources.

Internal collusion — where two or more employees work together to conceal theft or manipulate processes — can be particularly difficult to identify and investigate. Employee theft represents a recognised component of overall business shrinkage and economic loss. When conventional investigative methods have been exhausted or have reached an impasse, a specific-issue polygraph examination may form one component of a wider investigation.

When a Polygraph Examination May Be Appropriate

Investigative Context and Suitability

A polygraph examination is not a first-resort investigative tool. It should only be considered where the circumstances genuinely warrant its use and where the conditions for a fair, professional and reliable examination can be met. The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience will only accept instructions where each of the following criteria is satisfied:

Clearly Defined Allegation

There is a clearly defined allegation relating to a specific incident or pattern of loss.

Conventional Enquiries Undertaken

Conventional enquiries have been undertaken and have been unable to resolve the matter.

Genuine Investigative Need

There is a genuine investigative need for the examination, not simply a desire to pressure or test employees.

Voluntary Participation

Participation is voluntary and the individual is free to decline without penalty or disadvantage.

Informed Consent

Informed consent is obtained and documented before any examination takes place.

Part of Wider Investigation

The examination forms one element of a wider investigation, not a standalone determination.

A polygraph examination is not a substitute for HR investigations, disciplinary procedures, investigative interviews, CCTV review, forensic accounting, internal or external audit, digital forensics, witness evidence or legal advice.

Typical Investigations

Areas Where Specific-Issue Examinations May Be Instructed

Inventory shrinkage
Warehouse theft
Cash discrepancies
Tool and equipment theft
Procurement irregularities
Refund fraud
Fuel theft
Theft of confidential information
Internal collusion
Distribution losses

The Investigative Process

From Consultation to Report

1

Consultation & Case Review

Confidential discussion of the matter, review of available evidence and assessment of suitability for polygraph examination.

2

Question Formulation

Development of clear, specific examination questions based on the defined allegation, agreed with the instructing party before the examination.

3

Polygraph Examination

Suitability screening, informed consent, structured pre-test interview and controlled physiological data collection using validated protocols.

4

Outcome & Reporting

Verbal outcome to the instructing party, followed by a structured confidential written report where instructed, suitable for investigation files.

Fairness, Consent and Professional Integrity

The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience is committed to ensuring that every polygraph examination is conducted fairly, professionally and in accordance with established ethical and procedural standards.

Voluntary Participation

Participation must be genuinely voluntary. No individual should be coerced, pressured or placed at a disadvantage for declining. Where The Centre identifies any indication that participation is not genuinely voluntary, the instruction will be declined.

Impartiality & Independence

The examiner approaches each examination without prejudice. The Centre maintains complete professional independence. Findings reflect the examiner’s objective interpretation of the data, regardless of who has instructed the examination.

Suitability & Proportionality

Before any examination is confirmed, a suitability assessment is conducted. Every examination addresses a clearly defined issue. Findings are interpreted alongside other available evidence and are never used as a sole basis for decision-making.

Why Organisations Instruct The Centre

Over 25 Years’ Experience

Founded and led by Dr Keith Ashcroft, a Chartered Psychologist with over 25 years of experience in investigative psychology, credibility assessment and forensic polygraph examination.

Specific-Issue Examinations

Every examination addresses a clearly defined allegation or investigative question, ensuring relevance, focus and reliability.

Professional Reporting

Structured, confidential written reports suitable for inclusion within investigation files, disciplinary records and legal proceedings as directed by the instructing party.

UK-Wide Appointments

Examinations conducted at suitable premises throughout the United Kingdom. Instructions accepted from employers, HR professionals, solicitors, loss prevention specialists and corporate investigators.

Professional Standards & Credentials

All examinations are conducted in accordance with recognised professional standards and ethical guidelines, ensuring scientific rigour and procedural integrity.

APA Standards Compliant
Accredited Examiner
Chartered Psychologist & Scientist
Professional Indemnity Insured

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about employee theft polygraph examinations and internal loss investigations.

Can employers require employees to take a polygraph examination?
No. All polygraph examinations conducted by The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience must be undertaken on a genuinely voluntary basis. No individual should be coerced, threatened, pressured or placed at a disadvantage for declining to participate. Employers considering requesting a polygraph examination within an employment context should obtain independent legal advice regarding the implications.
Is participation in an employee theft polygraph voluntary?
Yes. Voluntary participation is a fundamental requirement of every polygraph examination conducted by The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience. If The Centre identifies any indication that an individual’s participation is not genuinely voluntary, the instruction will be declined. Employees must be free to decline without penalty or disadvantage.
Is employee consent required before a polygraph examination?
Yes. Informed consent is a fundamental requirement. Before any examination takes place, the examinee must understand the purpose of the examination, the process involved, the nature of the questions to be asked, how findings will be used and reported, and their right to withdraw at any time. Written consent is obtained and documented as part of the examination record.
Can a polygraph examination replace a workplace investigation?
No. A polygraph examination is not a substitute for a properly conducted workplace investigation. It should form one component of a wider investigative process, interpreted alongside other evidence including CCTV, audit findings, forensic accounting, witness statements, digital forensics and documentary evidence. The Centre will only accept instructions where the examination is being used as part of a genuine investigative process.
Can solicitors instruct employee theft polygraph examinations?
Yes. Solicitors, barristers and legal representatives may instruct polygraph examinations on behalf of employers, employees or other parties to assist with case preparation, litigation strategy or investigative decision-making. Arrangements for legal representatives to attend specific phases of the process should be discussed during the initial consultation.
Are employee polygraph examination results confidential?
Yes. All enquiries, instructions and examination findings are handled with the highest level of professional discretion. Case details, examination results and client identities are held in strict confidence, subject to applicable law, professional obligations and data protection requirements. Enhanced confidentiality arrangements may be agreed in advance where the sensitivity of the investigation requires additional protocols.
What happens if an employee declines to take part in a polygraph?
An employee’s decision to decline participation should not be treated as an indication of guilt. There are many legitimate reasons why an individual may choose not to participate, including personal preference, anxiety, medical conditions or legal advice. Employers should ensure that declining participation does not result in adverse consequences. The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience will only conduct examinations where participation is genuinely voluntary.
Can polygraph examinations be used after a disciplinary investigation?
Polygraph examinations may be considered at various stages of an investigation, including after initial disciplinary enquiries have been conducted. However, the suitability and timing of an examination should be discussed during the initial consultation to ensure that it is proportionate and appropriately integrated within the wider investigation. Early consultation is recommended wherever possible.
What industries use employee polygraph examinations for theft and loss?
Employee polygraph examinations may be instructed across a wide range of sectors including retail, logistics, warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, hospitality, financial services, construction, pharmaceutical, energy, aviation, food and beverage, and facilities management. Suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis during the initial consultation.
How long does an employee theft polygraph examination take?
A full polygraph examination typically requires between two and four hours, depending upon the complexity of the matter, the pre-test consultation, the number of issues being tested and the post-test procedures. Complex investigations involving multiple issues or requiring extensive pre-test consultation may require additional time. The anticipated duration is discussed during the initial consultation.

Discuss Your Investigation in Confidence

If your organisation is managing an internal investigation into employee theft, inventory shrinkage or unexplained losses and would benefit from a professionally conducted specific-issue polygraph examination, contact The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience for a confidential consultation.

All consultations are confidential and without obligation.

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