IPEA - Bylaws and Standards
Update – October 2019
This is the formal translation of the Articles of Association and Objectives for the Israel
Polygraph Examiners Association (IPEA). This document serves as the legal "constitution" for the organization and its members.
Articles of Association
The Israel Polygraph Examiners Association (I.P.E.A.)
Includes three procedural appendices Including the Code of Professional Ethics and
Professional Guidelines Updated: May 2019
Chapter A: Interpretation
Definitions: In these Articles:
- "Articles as a Contract": The Articles, including appendices, have the status of a contract between the Association and its members, and among the members themselves.
- "The Association": The Israel Polygraph Examiners Association (I.P.E.A.).
- "Polygraph": An instrument that simultaneously measures and records physiological activities through multiple measurement channels.
- "Polygraph Examination": An exam intended to assess the veracity of a person's statements or detect information based on physiological reactions recorded by a polygraph.
- "Occupational Screening": Pre-employment or periodic polygraph examinations.
- "Examiner": A person trained to conduct polygraph exams whose full or part-time occupation is/was polygraphy.
- "Central Board": Members elected by the General Assembly to manage the Association's aVairs.
- "Internship (Apprenticeship)": A process following basic training where an examiner gains experience under a "Mentor" recognized by the Board.
Chapter B: Name
The name of the Association is: The Israeli Polygraph Examiners Association (I.P.E.A.)
(Hebrew: אגוד בודקי פוליגרף בישראל )
Chapter C: Objectives of the Association
The objectives of the Association are:
1. To promote the polygraph profession and deepen knowledge in the field.
2. To advance and protect the professional interests of examiners in general and members in particular.
3. To establish and enforce Code of Professional Ethics.
4. To set standards for education and professional knowledge.
5. To provide continuing education and training for current and future examiners.
6. To maintain contact and coordination with domestic and international bodies related to polygraphy.
7. To initiate research in polygraphy and related subjects.
8. To publish professional literature.
9. To work toward the legal regulation of the polygraph profession and anchor ethics in state law.
Chapter D: Membership
1. Eligibility for Membership
To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following "Conditions of Eligibility":
- Citizenship: Israeli citizen or resident.
- Age: At least 23 years old.
- Education: Holds an academic degree from a recognized institution of higher education.
- Training: Successfully completed adequate training (see Chapter E).
- Internship: Completed an approved internship and passed an admission interview.
- Experience: Performed at least 200 examinations in the three years prior to application (including at least 50 specific-issue and 50 screening exams).
- Integrity: No criminal record and deemed fit by the Board (character and behavior).
2. Special Membership Statuses
Candidate Member: An intern or someone meeting most criteria but lacking the full number of exams.
Frozen Status: A member who temporarily suspends membership (1–3 years).
Life Member: Recognized for decades of contribution (requires 2/3 majority vote).
Foreign Associate: Meets criteria but is not an Israeli citizen/resident.
Honorary Associate: Someone who has uniquely contributed to the profession or Association.
3. Termination of Membership
Membership ends upon:
- Death or resignation.
- Expulsion by the General Assembly for violating Articles or failing to pay dues.
- Expulsion by the Disciplinary Committee.
- Urgent temporary suspension by the Board during a criminal or disciplinary investigation.
Chapter E: Training and Internship
1. Adequate Training: Training performed within a state framework (Police, GSS), or a program recognized by the American Polygraph Association (APA), or a program run by an IPEA member pre-approved by the Board.
2. Mentors: To be a Mentor, a member must have at least 5 years of experience as an examiner and be in good standing.
3. Internship Period: One to three years, during which the intern must perform 200 exams under direct supervision.
4. Prohibition of Training: Members may not train individuals who do not meet the
Association's basic standards for education and character.
Chapter F: Institutions of the Association
1. General Assembly: The supreme body of the Association. Meets annually. Elects the Board, Audit Committee, and Disciplinary Committee every two years.
2. The Central Board: The executive body consisting of 5 members.
- Elects a Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer.
- Chairperson term limit: Two consecutive terms (unless re-elected by a 75% majority).
3. Audit Committee: An odd number of members who oversee financial conduct and ensure activities align with Association goals.
Chapter G: Ethics and Discipline
1. Code of Ethics: Binding for all members, candidates, and interns.
2. Disciplinary Committee: Consists of 3 to 9 members. It hears complaints against members for ethical violations.
3. Procedure:
- Complaints must be in writing.
- The accused has 14 days to respond.
- The Committee must reach a finding and determine a penalty within 60 days of receiving the complaint from the Board.
4. Penalties: May include warnings, fines, suspension, or expulsion.