Layered Voice Analysis A Prime Tool of Obama’s New National Security Army The tool will be used to interrogate millions of white people to ascertain whether they could be a racist threat or might intend to carry out a racist crime. It is intended to prevent racist crime by incarcerating potential or would-be racial criminals in the new Re-education Labor Camps.
Voice-stress analysis, an alternative to the polygraph as a method for lie detection, is already widely used in police and insurance fraud investigations. Now, however, it is being touted as a powerful and effective tool for an array array of new applicatio applications ns — everythi everything ng from the screenin screening g of potential terrorists in the nation's airports to catching wayward spouses in messy marital disputes. Despite its booming popularity, a number of federally sponsored studies have found little or no scientific evidence to support the notion that existing voice-stress technologies are capable of consistently detecting lies and deceptions.
Photo by Joe Angeles / WUSTL Photo The Truster hand-held "Emotion Reader" is one of many commercial products
"We tested one of the more popular voice- that claim to detect lies and stress lie detection technologies and got deception using voice-stress dismal results, both in the system's ability to analysis. detect people actually engaged in deception Download and in its ability to exclude those not attempting to be deceptive," said Mitchell S. Sommers, an associate professor of psychology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. "In our evaluation, voice-stress analysis detected some instances of deception deception,, but its ability ability to do so was consisten consistently tly less than chance chance — you could have gotten better results by flipping a coin," Sommers said. Sommers' research was supported by and conducted in conjunction with the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (DODPI), located in Fort Jackson, S.C. Findings were presented at the World Congress of International Conference of Psychophysiology in July 2002. An academic paper on the study is under review for journal publication. Sommers' study assessed the ability of Vericator, a computer-based system that evaluates credibility through slight variations in a person's speech, to detect deception in a number of different scenarios. Participants were questioned using different forms of interrogation and under conditions inducing various levels of stress. In one scenario, for example, participants were questioned about a mock crime that they had witnessed but voice analysis correctly identified deception in only about 24 percent of individuals who were being deceptive. It also incorrectly identified deception among 18 percent of nondeceivers. In another experiment, Sommers induced high levels of stress by having participants play a video game that got increasingly difficult. Although none of the participants in this study were deceptive, Vericator still indicated that about 20 percent of the individuals were lying. "Voice-stress analysis is fairly effective in identifying certain variations in stress levels in human speech, but high levels of stress do not necessarily correlate with deception," Sommers said. "It may someday be possible to refine voice-stress analysis so that it is capable of distinguishing among various sources of stress and accurately identifying those that are directly related to deception. However, all the research that I've seen thus far
suggests that it's wishful thinking, at best, to suggest that current voicestress analysis systems are capable or reliably detecting deception." In theory, voice-stress analysis works by measuring slight inaudible fluctuations in the human voice known as "micro-tremors." Voice-stress analysis systems, which generally include a microphone, tape recorder and related computer analysis equipment, are designed to recognize microtremor patterns that indicate when a speaker delivers words under stress, and specifically when those moments of stress are generated by an attempt to lie or deceive. Voice patterns are analyzed, graphed and displayed on a computer screen. Various distributors of voice-stress analysis systems suggest that recent advances in the technology, such as layered voice-stress analysis, have elevated voice-stress lie detection to new levels of dependability and effectiveness. Some suggest that the dismal performance of voice-stress analysis lie detection in recent federal studies can be attributed to improper test conditions or to tests being conducted using outdated and inferior versions of the technology. Still, while many governmental investigative, military and law enforcement agencies have expressed an eagerness to find a credible new means of lie detection, study after study has failed to yield strong scientific evidence in support of the technology.
Other reports, research on validity of voice-stress analysis lie detection:
"A review of the literature revealed that there have been no scientific studies conducted, to date, to measure the validity of the computer stress analyzed to detect deception," concluded a November 2003 study by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. "It has been argued that the computer stress analyzer is more cost effective, convenient, and more user friendly than the traditional polygraph equipment, however, one question still remains unanswered: how reliable is the equipment in its actual ability to detect, measure, and display changes in voice frequency? Has it ever been scientifically measured? The answer to this question is 'no.'" Similar conclusions were reached in "Voice Stress Devices and the Detection of Lies," an overview of current voice-stress technologies written
by Donald J. Krapohl, Andrew H. Ryan and Kendall W. Shull; and published in Policy Review, the official publication of the International Chiefs of Police National Law Enforcement Policy Center. The American Polygraph Association offers an online overview on understanding "Truth v. Myth" when it comes to comparing voice stress and polygraph technologies. technologies. Selected news coverage of voice-stress lie detection technologies/controversies:
"Called Ex-Sense Pro, the V software measures voice for a variety of parameters including deception, excitement, stress, mental effort, concentration, hesitation, anger, love and lust," according to a Jan. 16, 2004, article in the engineering trade journal EE Times. Times. "It may sound like a joke from a secret agent television parody like 'Get Smart' or an Austin Powers movie, but the time has arrived for 'Voice Analysis Eyeglasses.' And it's no laughing matter," according to a Jan. 25, 2004, article on the Israeli21c news site. An Associated Press story from the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics show suggests the "truth specs" will be available in early 2004 at a cost of $400-$500. Voice-stress analysis technology, an anti-fraud weapon said to be used in secret by some U.S. insurers, may soon get a public debut in New Mexico, according to an article in the Oct. 20, 2003, issue of National Underwrite Underwriterr, an insurance industry trade journal. Daniel Hays, associate editor, reports that the state superintendent of insurance is considering the use of voicestress analysis in a national center processing insurance claims. "Police Use of Voice Stress Analysis Generates Controversy," by Margie Wylie, Newhouse News Service. "Court TV's" Christina Lewis asks: "Is this lie detector telling the truth?" A Jan. 10, 2004, newspaper article in the North California Times suggests voice-stress analysis offers a low-cost option for settling marital disputes. The article reports that a Chicago-based company has sold more than 5,000 "Handy Trusters" in the past year, although a spokesman for the company couldn't identify any scientific research that has been conducted to verify the company's claim of an "84 percent accuracy rate." An online
version of this news article carried a related advertisement for "Truster Lie Detector, Free shipping anywhere in the world, Portable and Accurate: http://trusters.com." http://trusters.com ." "A company called V-Entertainment is bringing voice-analysis technology to consumers. It's a technology that's been used in the security and defense fields for some time, but now it's available to you and me," according to an online news report by KLAS-TV, Las Vegas, Nev. Nev. Web links for several manufacturers/distributors of voice-stress liedetection systems:
The National Institute for Truth Verification (NITV), West Palm Beach, Fla., manufactures and distributes the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer ™ (CVSA™), which was introduced in 1988. The company's Web site suggests the system is used by more than 1,400 law enforcement clients. NEMESYSCO, based in Zuran, Israel, manufactures a wide range of NEMESYSCO, "layered voice analysis" lie detection systems for security, fraud detection, pre-employment screening and consumer entertainment use. Products range from high-end anti-terrorism screening systems to the $19.99 "LoveDetector for Pocket PC" — "a tool that can tell you whether the person you are talking to really loves or cares for you." NEMESYSCO suggests that it is the originator of technologies behind the The Vericator™ and The Truster™ brands of voice-stress analysis systems; but claims these technologies are now obsolete. V, located in New York and several other U.S. cities, is the exclusive distributor for North America of the NEMESYSCO Layered Voice Analysis technology (LVA), which V describes as the most sophisticated truth detection technology available today. V's Web site suggests markets for LVA technologies "include homeland security, law enforcement and the business community, including insurance and banking, wherever knowing whether someone is telling the truth matters." Layered Voice Analysis not only detects deception and truthfulness, but also: Inaccuracies, high stress, high thinking level, high excitement, and overall psychological state of the subject being interviewed.
• Our software does not profile/discriminate against any class of testsubject • Our software requires no special equipment (just a laptop and microphone) Vet Terrorist Intentions
Investigative Investigative Focus Discover Discover Hidden Uncover Insurance Tool Threats Fraud
Laptop Technology Requirements
1. Minimum of 512MB RAM 2. 2 USB Ports- minimum 3. Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP 4. Software: recommendation MSWord 5. Updated service pack. 6. Sound Card 7. IBM computers are not accepted (sound card issues)
LVA 6.50 Level I Training Overview LVA 6.50 Level I Training requires the participant to successfully complete a 40 hour classroom session. During this training, participants will have a combination of lecture, practice with hands-on applications and applied study. At the conclusion of Level I Training, all participants will be given a written examination, proficiency testing and be required to take an interview on-line and analyze it in the off-line mode. Class Schedule Monday –Thursday 8:30- 4:30 (or later) Friday 8:00 to 2:00 TRAINING ITINARY: Day 1: Introduction ………………………………… ………………………………………………… …………………….....2 …….....2 Hours LVA 6.50 and overview of On-line, Off-Line and Recorder Modes Overview Detecting Deceptions in the Human Voice LVA 6.50, Log-in and Main Screen…………………………………2 Hours Properly connecting Telephones/Microphones Telephones/Microphones
Features of the Main Screen Introduction to LVA 6.50 On-Line Mode……………………..……..4 Hours Overview and Introduction to On-Line Mode (live interview) Hands-On Use and Practice of the On-Line Mode Homework…………………………………………….…………...1-2 Hours Day 2: LVA 6.50 On-Line On-Line Mode………………………… Mode…………………………………………… ………………….4 .4 Hours Learning On-Line and System Messages Use of the Advanced Features Reading Your Results Hands-On Use of the On-Line Mode Introduction to LVA 6.50 Off-Line Mode…………………………...4 Hours How to Segment sound files Introduction to Interpretation of results Dealing with Mixed Segments Homework……………………………………………………………2 Hours Day 3: Off-Line Mode…………………….…………………………………8 Hours Homework Homework Overview Understanding how LVA 6.50 works technically Reading Results: Show Segments, Graphs, Final Report Marking Relevance Day 4: LVA 6.50 Off-Line………… Off-Line…………………………… …………………………………...……2 ………………...……2 Hours Homework review Off-Line Q&A Merge and submerge segments LVA 6.50 Advanced Recorder Feature………………………...…….2 Hours How to make a wave file from a sound source. Student Interviews with Live Individuals……...……………...……...4 Hours Off-Line analysis of Interviews Homework………………………………………………………...….2 Hours Day 5: Review of Student On-Line/Off-Line Interviews……………......…1.5 Hours Review: Creating Your Own Wave or Test File…………..…..…...2-3 Hours LVA 6.50 Information Saving and Retrieval Exporting and Importing Wave Files Written Examination………………… Examination………………………………… ………………………….....2 ………….....2-3 -3 Hours Proficiency Testing Off-Line TOTAL: 40+ HOURS
LVA 6.50 Level II Training Overview LVA 6.50 Level II Training requires the participant to successfully complete a 40 hour classroom session. During this training, participants will have a combination of lecture, practice with hands-on applications and applied study. At the conclusion of Level II Training, participants will be certified as Layered Voice Analysis operators. Class Schedule Monday –Thursday 8:30- 4:30 (or later) Friday 8:00 to 2:00 TRAINING ITINARY: Day 1: Introduction ………………………………… ………………………………………………… …………………….....1 …….....1 Hours LVA 6.50 and overview of On-line review…………………………..4 Hours Advanced Features Interpretation of readings LVA 6.50 Hidden Windows………… Windows……………………………… ………………………..……..3 …..……..3 Hours Hands-On Use and Practice of Hidden Windows Homework…………………………………………….…………...1-2 Hours Day 2: LVA 6.50 Off-Line Off-Line Mode………………………… Mode……………………………….…..……… …….…..……….8 .8 Hours Use of the Advanced Features Reading Your Results Advanced Analysis- Deception Patterns Dealing with Merge and Submerge Homework……………………………………………………………2 Hours Day 3: LVA 6.50 Off-Line Homework review ………………………...……1 Hours Neurolinguistics………………….……………………..…….………7 Hours Homework……………………………………………………………2 Hours Day 4: Student Interviews with Live Individuals……...……………...……...8 Hours Off-Line analysis of Interviews Homework………………………………………………………...….2 Hours Day 5: Review of Homework and Investigation Interpretations……......…2-3 Hours Review: Exporting and Importing Wave Files
Profile of a Successful Interview/Interviewer………..………….....2-3 Hours TOTAL: 40+ HOURS
Layered Voice Analysis 6.50 Pricing Schedule
Layered Layered Voice Voice Analy Analysis sis (LVA (LVA 6.50): 6.50): $14,500 $14,500 Includes: Training Level I and II for one individual (each training is 1 week long and both must be completed within one year) Software and installation Software will be installed on your Laptop (IBM not accepted) HASP (key to drive LVA 6.50 software), Microphone HASP renewal, technology support, updates on all new versions of Layered Voice Analysis software, and analysis support for one year after purchase date. o
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*You may also purchase a laptop from VAT as part of the package for $1000.00 (approximate). (approximate). Layered Voice Analysis Yearly License Renewal Fee: $1,500 Includes: o
HASP renewal, technology support, updates on all new versions of Layered Voice Analysis software, and analysis support for one year.
Additional Layered Voice Analysis Training: $1,500 per person/per week Includes: o
LVA 6.50 Training: Each Level is 1 week long. Training is in Madison, WI (expenses of travel are not included).
Case Analysis Hourly Rate (VAT offers case analysis on pre-recorded material) o
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Under 60 minutes of recording- $100 minimum Hourly Rate: to be determined
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