Personality tests have been around for a long time, but it wasn't until it became illegal for employers to use polygraphs that we began to see the widespread use of personality tests.

They used polygraphs.

Other cases, concerning the ability of employers to use drug tests and polygraphs, are expected to make their way to the Supreme Court in coming years.

About 5 percent of companies now use polygraphs, and many are expected to switch to written integrity tests.

Hertfordshire police has been using polygraphs, which monitor heart rate, brain activity, sweating and blood pressure, during questioning to help decide whether to charge suspects.

On July 5, 2008, it was announced that the BPD will begin using polygraphs as a part of the hiring process to become an officer with the department.

Legislation that would prevent employers from using polygraphs, or lie detectors, to screen job applicants was approved today by the Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee and sent to the Senate floor for a vote.

Government agencies, such as the Department of Defense, Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and even the Department of Energy currently use polygraphs.

Ordinarily, Mr. Tracer said, the decision to use polygraphs requires approval by polygraph specialists at N.I.S. headquarters.

Using polygraphs to attempt to catch leaks, it claims, could lead to whistleblower intimidation and the possible loss of jobs by innocent people due to faulty tests.