Centre for Forensic Neuroscience
Lie Detector Test Preston
The Centre for Forensic Neuroscience provides confidential polygraph examinations, also known as lie detector tests, for clients in Preston and across Lancashire. Examinations are led by Dr Keith Ashcroft, Principal Forensic Polygraph Examiner, and may assist in private relationship matters, workplace investigations, legal instructions, therapeutic disclosure work and specific-issue credibility assessments.
Every case is discussed before an appointment is accepted. Questions are agreed in advance, no surprise questions are asked, and results are interpreted as investigative information rather than a substitute for wider evidence, legal advice, therapy or safeguarding processes.
Or call Dr Ashcroft’s team directly: +44 (0)7790 732828
Private Polygraph Examinations in Preston
Lie Detector Tests in Preston and Across Lancashire
Polygraph enquiries are considered from clients in Preston, Fulwood, Leyland, Chorley, Blackburn, Blackpool, Lancaster, Burnley, Southport, Wigan, Manchester and the wider North West. Where a matter is suitable, examinations may be arranged at an appropriate professional venue, subject to availability, suitability, travel, venue requirements and the nature of the instruction.
In accordance with APA recommendations, examinations are not conducted in domestic settings.
How the Preston Polygraph Process Works
A transparent, step-by-step process. Every examinee understands the procedure before any testing begins.
Confidential Enquiry
A brief discussion is used to understand the issue, the purpose of the examination and whether a polygraph is suitable.
Scope and Question Formulation
The relevant issue is narrowed into clear, testable questions. Questions are discussed before the examination and surprise questions are not used. Learn more about question formulation.
Pre-Test Interview
The examinee has the opportunity to understand the procedure, discuss the questions and confirm informed consent. Learn how to prepare for a polygraph examination.
Polygraph Examination
Physiological data is recorded using recognised polygraph procedures while agreed questions are presented. Non-invasive sensors measure respiration, electrodermal activity and cardiovascular parameters.
Results and Reporting
Results are explained in context. A written report may be provided where appropriate, depending on the instruction and agreed scope. Results should be interpreted as investigative information alongside other evidence.
Common Reasons for Lie Detector Test Enquiries in Preston
The following are examples of enquiries we may be able to assist with, where the matter is suitable for a polygraph examination.
Relationship and Infidelity Concerns
A polygraph may assist in specific-issue relationship matters where both the scope and questions can be clearly defined. It is not a substitute for counselling or legal advice.
Learn MoreLegal and Solicitor-Led Enquiries
Solicitors and barristers may instruct the Centre for credibility assessments in criminal, civil, family and immigration matters. A polygraph should not be treated as a substitute for legal advice.
Learn MoreTheft or Workplace Investigations
Polygraph examinations for private-sector employees under investigation for allegations relating to theft, fraud, misconduct or breaches of trust.
Learn MoreFalse Allegations
A polygraph can provide additional investigative information where an individual wishes to address a specific false allegation. Results are not a substitute for the court’s assessment of evidence.
Learn MoreTherapeutic Disclosure
Referrals from therapists for clinical and therapeutic polygraph examinations, including disclosure, sobriety monitoring and behavioural accountability in addiction and recovery contexts.
Learn MoreSafeguarding and Risk Concerns
Polygraph examinations may assist safeguarding professionals where a credibility assessment can provide additional investigative information. This is not a substitute for safeguarding procedures.
Learn MorePreparation & Process
A transparent, step-by-step psychological assessment framework. We ensure all examinees fully understand the process, promoting maximum reliability.
Pre-Test Consultation
We review background case facts, confirm medical and psychological suitability, and explicitly discuss privacy, confidentiality, and consent boundaries before any testing begins.
The Pre-Test Interview
The most critical and comprehensive phase. The examiner thoroughly discusses every question to be asked during the exam. No surprise questions are ever asked.
Data Collection
Specialized, non-invasive sensors are attached to record biometric data (respiration, electrodermal activity, cardiovascular parameters) while the exact agreed-upon questions are asked.
Analysis & Report
The examiner analyzes physiological charts using sophisticated forensic scoring algorithms. A comprehensive, confidential written report is subsequently produced.
Examinee Preparation Checklist
Unsure if you qualify?
Take our secure, 2-minute eligibility questionnaire to find out.
Fees and Suitability
How Fees Are Quoted
Fees are quoted individually because the cost of a polygraph examination can depend on the issue to be investigated, the complexity of the question formulation, venue requirements, travel, reporting requirements and whether the instruction is private, legal, therapeutic or workplace-related.
A confidential discussion is recommended before any appointment is confirmed so that suitability, scope and cost can be explained clearly.
Fees are typically from £650 inclusive, depending on the issue, venue, travel and reporting requirements.
Examination Venues in Lancashire
Examinations are conducted in a suitable, private and controlled professional environment. We arrange neutral professional venues in Preston and across Lancashire.
In accordance with American Polygraph Association recommendations, we do not conduct examinations in domestic (home) settings, as it is rarely possible to control the environment to a satisfactory degree.
The venue, date and time are agreed between Dr Ashcroft and the instructing party during the initial consultation.
To receive a fee estimate, please contact Dr Keith Ashcroft with a brief outline of the matter, preferred location and timescale.
Request a Confidential QuoteProfessional Standards and Limitations
Named, Qualified Examiner
Every polygraph examination in Preston is conducted personally by Dr Keith Ashcroft, Principal Forensic Polygraph Examiner. Dr Ashcroft is trained at American Polygraph Association–accredited and British Accreditation Council academies.
Professional Memberships
Member in good standing of the American Polygraph Association, National Polygraph Association (USA), Director of the UK Polygraph Association, American Association of Police Polygraphists, the Society for Psychophysiological Research, and the Society of Forensic Interviewers.
Ethical Boundaries
All examinations must be voluntary. The Centre reserves the right to decline any instruction, and does not accept cases where coercion, threats or punitive motives are suspected. We are independent, impartial and objective.
Accuracy and Limitations
Research has reported high accuracy rates for properly conducted single-issue polygraph examinations, particularly where validated methods are used by a qualified examiner. However, polygraph results should be interpreted as investigative information and considered alongside the wider context, available evidence and professional judgement.
Preston Polygraph: Frequently Asked Questions
Discuss a Lie Detector Test in Preston
If you are considering a polygraph examination in Preston or Lancashire, contact Dr Keith Ashcroft for a confidential discussion about suitability, scope, question formulation, fees and next steps.