American Polygraph Association

01/15/2026

The APA Awards and Nomination Committee is now accepting member nominations.

The 2026 Awards are as follows:

1-Cleve Backster Award: Honoring an individual or group that advances the polygraph profession through tireless dedication to standardization of polygraph principles and practices.

2-William & Robbie Bennett Memorial Award: Honoring unrelenting efforts and display of ability in the interest of the American Polygraph Association.

3-David L. Motsinger Horizon Award: In recognition of a new shining star in the profession who, early in their career demonstrates loyalty, professionalism and dedication to the polygraph profession (less than 10 years of polygraph experience).

4- John E. Reid Award: For distinguished achievement in polygraph research, teaching or writing.

5- Leonarde Keeler Award: For long and distinguished service to the polygraph profession.

The procedure for submitting a nominee is electronic. You can download the nomination form from the APA website, under the “member content” tab. The completed nomination form/s should be submitted via email to [email protected]. To be considered, nominations must be received at least 75 days prior to the annual seminar in Chicago, IL. The deadline for submissions is Monday, June 1st, 2026.

01/01/2026

Peace and Blessings to you and your family 💗💗

From the American Polygraph Association

12/25/2025

From our family to yours.....

Merry Christmas 🎁🎄🎀

12/22/2025

Happy Holidays from the American Polygraph Association. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, laughter and joy 🎄🎁🎀

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

From the American Polygraph Association

11/21/2025

***IN MEMORIAM***
Dr. John Charles Kircher
(February 1951 - November 2025)

The American Polygraph Association is saddened to announce the passing of Dr. John Charles Kircher, Professor Emeritus, University of Utah.

Dr. Kircher was an internationally recognized researcher who's body of work significantly contributed to advancements in the field of psychophysiology and credibility assessment. Dr. Kircher and his University of Utah Research Group were prior receipts of the APA's John E. Reid Award for distinguished achievements in Polygraph Research.

Dr. Kircher passed away surrounded by his family at his home in Timberlakes Utah. He was 74 years old.

11/15/2025

SAVE THE DATE !!

60th Annual Seminar
August 30 - September 4, 2026.
Historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel

We are so excited to be hosting the 60th APA Annual Seminar at the Palmer House Hotel in downtown Chicago, in 2026. This seminar will be one for the history book of Polygraph. The Seminar Committee is working hard on schedule, as well as planning fun and safe things to do around the hotel area at discounted rates for our attendees.

Stay tuned and see you soon!

Desiree Hurd
APA Seminar Chair

10/28/2025

Greetings from the editor's desk-

We are pleased to deliver to you the September October 2025 APA Magazine - Volume 58(5).

We feel the magazine is full of a number of interesting articles.

Please note the President Jamie McCloughan has issued a directive that the magazine will be published four times per year, going forward, to ensure time to collect sufficient content.

The new closing dates will be: December 31st, March 31st, June 30th, and September 30th. We will publish the magazine within the month following the closing date.

We hope you enjoy this magazine.

Mark Handler
editor

10/21/2025

We want to hear from you! 🫵🏻

Everyone should have received an e-mail with a link to a survey for suggestions for the Chicago Seminar in 2026. The APA is excited to be hosting the 60th Annual Seminar at the Palmer House August 30th - September 4th. The survey is for suggestions for topics and what our members want to see for training. If you have issues with the link or have long worded/multiple suggestions, feel free to e-mail [email protected].

The survey will close on November 9th, so get those suggestions in! We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Chicago!



Desiree Hurd – Seminar Chair

10/09/2025

The APA is looking forward to hosting everyone in Chicago for the 60th Annual Seminar at the Palmer House! We value the opinions of our members and would appreciate some input from all of you. Please submit suggestions on what you would like to see for training at the seminar, and we will try our hardest to get it to you! All responses will be anonymous. Please get your ideas submitted by 11/9/2025 for consideration.

Desiree Hurd,
APA Seminar Chair

10/09/2025

09/08/2025

The APA Needs Your Help!!

If you are interested in volunteering to serve on a Standing Committee, please complete the Committee Volunteer form on our website; www.polygraph.org. Simply click on the "Member Content" tab and select "APA Standing Committees" from the drop-down menu.

Email the completed form to the APA National Office ([email protected]) NLT September 18, 2025.

THE STANDING COMMITTEES ARE:
-Communications & Public Relations
-Ethics & Grievance
-Member Services
-Research & Development and Professional Development
-Education & Accreditation
-Standards & Specialized Testing
-Post Conviction S*x Offender Testing