Polygraph
Object number2011.127.415 a-g
Manufacturer
Lafayette Instrument Company
Dateafter 1947
OriginLafayette, IN
MediumMetal, wood, glass, plastic, paper
Credit LineGift of Pittsburgh Police Historical Association
DescriptionPolygraph machine with accessories.Dimensions7.5 x 15.25 x 16.75 in. (19.1 x 38.7 x 42.5 cm)Inscriptions(a)
On top are small plaques that read: "INFLATE / DEFLATE", "RECORD", and "RESPIRATE PULSE".
Paper tag on front "3 5710 POLYGRAPH 3 CHANNEL 240".
Marks(a)
Silver plate in bottom right corner reads: "LAFAYETTE INSTRUMENT CO. / LAFAYETTE, INDIANA"
(b)
White lettering reads: "MODEL 603 / SER. NO. 157 / 110 V AC 60 CYC."
Historical NotesThis is an early polygraph machine donated to the Pittsburgh Police Historical Collection by Joseph Modispacher, who was the first Pittsburgh Police polygraph operator in 1966. Previous to that the police had used the county examiner to conduct lie detector test. This machine was never used by the Pittsburgh Police, but is an example of an earlier more primative lie detector machine. Modispacher donated the machine he used from 1966 to 1976 to the History Center (2011.135). Part of the Pittsburgh Police Historical Association collection.
Previous owner
Joseph E. Modispacher
Related institution
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Terms
On View
Not on view
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