Hairdresser query about Commercial Lie Detector Tests in Sutton Coldfield

A hairdresser contacted us enquiring about commercial lie detector tests in Sutton Coldfield. Our West Midlands polygraph examiners responded to her.

Q: How can I get my employees to take lie detector tests regarding theft?

I’m writing to you to see if you may be able to help. I’ve read that you do commercial lie detector tests for employees and I’m in a bit of a situation.

I run a small hairdresser’s and employ only 3 staff. I honestly thought they were all trustworthy but now I’m not so sure. We use an expensive line of hair products and recently some of these are going missing. When I ask the staff about it they say they have only used the product on clients and deny taking any of them. I could understand this normally but due to COVID-19 restrictions we haven’t been as busy as usual, therefore the amount of product being used doesn’t make sense. I know I may sound like a bit of a miser but these products sell in the shop for £30 each, granted they are cheaper than that at cost but it’s not the point.

My business is struggling and I’m barely scraping by managing to keep them on, never mind having to replace expensive products. I don’t have commercial lie detector tests in my employment contracts but I’m wondering if there is any way I can get them to take one. I think I know who the culprit is but to single one person out is unfair, and what if I’m wrong?

S. W., Sutton Coldfield

Response from West Midlands polygraph examiner

It’s particularly hard for small businesses, dealing with theft in the workplace given the current economic climate.

What I suggest you do is send each employee a memo saying that you are amending their contracts to include periodic lie detector tests. Ask them to agree to the amendment by signing the memo. When you have done that you can book a test first for the employee you suspect of theft. You can give the impression that all of them are taking tests.

If you are wrong you can then book a further two tests for the remaining employees. We can either conduct the commercial lie detector tests in Sutton Coldfield on site, when the salon is closed, or at our controlled offices.  Bear in mind that these tests would have to be conducted in the same place at the same time.

Further advice

If you need further advice please call our free helpline on 07572 748364. You can speak to our customer service team in confidence. Mention that the West Midlands polygraph examiner has suggested you call for further advice.