Published 2 February 2026
Why do people steal?
In looking for people to hire, look for the three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don’t have the first, the other two will kill you.
— Warren Buffett
Think about it this way… hiring a person with no integrity but intelligence and energy will fail dismally because they only use their intelligence and energy with no honesty or moral principles. This will not only cost you money but the reputation of your whole organisation.
It is a known fact that as economic hardships increase people are looking at other ways and means to supplement their declining income.
Why?
- Thrill — There is a sense of excitement for many.
- Mental illness / Kleptomania — It is not uncommon for people that steal to suffer from some form of depression.
- Peer Pressure — Many young people brag about things that they stole. There may be a feeling that if I do not steal, others will think I am a prude or a nerd.
- Anger — Stealing is a way that someone perceives to get back at someone.
- To Support an Addiction — An addiction to drugs, alcohol, or gambling often leads someone to live outside of their means.
- Necessity — If a person is poor and he or she needs necessities such as food, clothing, food for children, stealing may be a temptation.
- Greed — often the sole reason someone steals.
- Mindless behaviour — A person may take something because they believe the item was worthless or abandoned. The question for this type of behaviour is whether there was an intent to steal.
- Accident — There are instances where a person accidentally takes an item — the person did not have the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.
Socrates says that no one knowingly commits an evil action, evil is turned into good in the mind. The thief convinces himself that he has a right to the object he desires. He needs it more than the other does. It is rightfully his.
Whatever the motive — no business can afford this criminal behaviour.
If you own a business, put this on the top of your agenda.
You must take a pro‑active approach to prevent employee theft
Let us help you. — Together we can make a difference —
- Vetting of all staff
- Comprehensive background screening
- Criminal record status
- Pre‑employment polygraph screening tests
Published 16 January 2026
The importance of choosing a professional polygraph examiner
Choosing a professional polygraph examiner isn’t just a preference — it’s a safeguard for truth, fairness, and the integrity of any investigation.
When the stakes involve reputations, employment, internal disputes, or sensitive allegations, the quality of the examiner directly shapes the reliability of the outcome.
1. Proper training and scientific competence
A qualified examiner understands:
- How to construct valid, legally defensible question sets
- How to apply standardized testing formats
- How to interpret physiological data accurately
- How to avoid contamination, bias, or leading questions
Polygraph accuracy depends heavily on the examiner’s skill. Poor technique can invalidate an entire test.
2. Ethical standards and professional conduct
Professional examiners follow strict codes of ethics:
- No coercion
- No manipulation
- No shortcuts
- Respect for the examinee’s rights and dignity
This protects both the employer and the individual being tested.
3. Legally defensible reports
A professional examiner produces:
- Clear, unbiased, and well‑structured reports
- Documentation that can withstand scrutiny
- Findings that align with recognized professional standards
This is crucial when results may influence disciplinary action, arbitration, or legal proceedings.
4. Protection against false outcomes
An unqualified examiner increases the risk of:
- False positives (innocent people appearing deceptive)
- False negatives (guilty individuals passing)
- Misinterpretation of data
- Procedural errors that invalidate the test
A professional examiner minimizes these risks through rigorous methodology.
5. Trust and credibility
When staff, unions, attorneys, or management question the process, the examiner’s credentials become the foundation of trust. A professional examiner:
- Enhances transparency
- Strengthens cooperation
- Reduces disputes
- Supports a fair investigative environment
6. Experience with sensitive workplace dynamics
Skilled examiners understand:
- Trauma‑informed interviewing
- Cultural and linguistic nuances
- Workplace politics and power dynamics
- How to maintain neutrality in emotionally charged situations
This ensures the process remains respectful and objective.