Background
Our client is definitely what you would call a “high value individual” operating a multi-national group of businesses and enjoying all of the trappings. His home was, to say the least, palatial, with its own helicopter pad, indoor gym and swimming pool, and extensive grounds including tennis courts.
When I arrived at the address, I was immediately aware of the CCTV camera mounted upon one of the stone pillars, which in turn supported a very impressive set of iron gates. I pulled up alongside the intercom fixed into the adjacent stone pillar and was about to speak into it when a voice echoed from within, welcoming me by name and inviting me to drive through the gateway. The iron gates slowly opened, and I followed the driveway up to the impressive portcullis entrance and into an inner courtyard.
First Impressions
I was met in the courtyard by an immaculately suited man, my first impression of whom was that he was ex-military, and he obviously enjoyed the gym from the way he stood and filled the chest and arms of the suit. He directed me where to park and then accompanied me to the main entrance. Standing in the doorway was a woman who identified herself as the client’s Personal Assistant.
The client had flown to Essex earlier that morning, and although no apology was proffered for his absence, his P.A. was extremely professional, quite clearly in charge in his absence, and had prepared a full briefing file.
The Concern
She explained that the client had full-time personal security wherever he travels and a permanent team of 6 security staff at his home. She stated that there had been certain concerns lately about the confidentiality of their staff and wanted three particular security members to take a polygraph test.
When I asked why only three of the security staff were to be tested, she detailed how professional she had been in checking on suspicions. The security team was professional and highly respected by their employer, who had recruited the team from a mixture of former UK, US, French, and South African government security and services personnel. They had worked for their employer for many years.
Unfortunately, I am unable to reveal what the security breach of confidentiality was or how the suspects were narrowed down to just three of the team, but what I can say is that the P.A. had done her homework and presented a very forceful case for suspecting one or all of the trio.
The Tests
It was interesting that all three employees had experience of being polygraph tested in the past, either by their government agency or service employers, and they were at least outwardly exhibiting support and trust in the polygraph process.
These guys were cut from the same cloth, regardless of their nationality. Each one was respectful with that air of confidence one has when you know your own capabilities. Interesting subjects to test.
The P.A. waited patiently for the final analysis of all three examinations and seemed strangely accepting of the outcome. All three men passed the test.
The Twist
I had in all honesty, expected at least one of the examinees to fail the test. I had seen the briefing files on all three and had a long briefing with the P.A., but that outcome didn’t accord with my suspicions. I went into meticulous detail with the P.A. to explain the validity of the result, but she offered no argument and was actually extremely grateful for my work.
As we walked to the front door, we were met again by the security officer who initially introduced me to her. Her parting words were that she would call and book the further tests once she had consulted with her employer.
A few days went by, and I had almost given up on hearing any more when the P.A. called again. Not to book a further test, but to express her gratitude for an excellent job. I was a little surprised at her reaction until she announced that the confidentiality leak had been resolved, with one of the three who had not been tested having resigned his position.
Conclusion
The case showed just how vital trust and confidentiality are when it comes to protecting high-value individuals. The polygraph tests cleared the three suspected staff, allowing the employer to see their loyalty was intact. In the end, the truth came out when the real source of the breach resigned. This outcome reinforced the value of testing in safeguarding reputations and security teams. If you need the same reassurance for your organisation, contact us today to arrange discreet and professional polygraph testing.
