The Truth Is
Always the Answer
Professional polygraph examinations for private individuals, attorneys, and families. Serving Chicago and all of Illinois.
About Kevin Shaughnessy
Decades of Service.
A Lifetime of Integrity.
Kevin Shaughnessy brings a career most examiners can only aspire to. As a retired Captain with the Illinois State Police and the retired Chief of Lemont Police Department, Kevin spent decades working at the intersection of investigation, interrogation, and truth.
His polygraph work was conducted exclusively in service to local government and criminal justice – a demanding environment where the stakes are real and error is not an option. Now, Kevin is focusing entirely on private practice, bringing that same discipline to individuals and families who deserve answers.
When you work with Kevin, you are not getting a technician reading from a manual. You are working with someone who has seen the full arc of a real investigation and knows exactly what truthful behavior looks like.
Schedule a ConsultationThe Science Behind the Examination
A Brief History of
the Polygraph
The Larson Polygraph, c.1921 – the first modern lie detector
Where It All Began
The polygraph was first developed in the early 1920s by John Augustus Larson, a medical student working with the Berkeley Police Department. His instrument was the first to continuously and simultaneously measure blood pressure, respiration, and galvanic skin response during questioning.
Over the following century the science evolved dramatically. Today’s computerized systems capture physiological data with a level of precision Larson could never have imagined.
The Lafayette LX6-S – today’s standard in professional polygraph
The Modern Standard
The Lafayette LX6-S represents the current state of the art in polygraph technology. Used by law enforcement agencies and certified private examiners worldwide, it analyzes respiratory activity, cardiovascular response, and electrodermal activity across multiple channels simultaneously.
Kevin Shaughnessy uses this modern equipment combined with established numerical scoring methods to deliver results you can rely on.
What We Offer
Private Polygraph
Examinations
Shaughnessy & Associates serves private clients exclusively. Whether you need clarity in a relationship, support for a legal matter, or simply verified peace of mind – Kevin provides a professional, confidential examination with a clear written report.
Relationship & Infidelity
For couples or individuals who need clarity around fidelity and trust. Conducted privately and without judgment.
Attorney-Requested Exams
Pre-trial exams, character examinations, and witness verification for attorneys building or supporting a case.
Personal Verification
Need to demonstrate your own truthfulness to family or a business partner? A personal polygraph provides documented results.
Family & Domestic Matters
From contested family disputes to inheritance concerns, polygraph provides clarity where statements alone fall short.
Business & Employment
Private business owners and partnerships can request voluntary examinations for internal matters, in full compliance with the EPPA.
Issue-Specific Testing
Have a situation that doesn’t fit a standard category? Kevin works with clients to design an appropriate examination for nearly any truthfulness question.
The Examination Process
Simple, Discreet,
Professional
Initial Consultation
A confidential conversation to understand your situation, define the specific questions to be tested, and confirm polygraph is the right fit.
Pre-Test Interview
Kevin conducts a thorough pre-test interview establishing a baseline and ensuring every question is clearly understood before testing begins.
The Examination
Physiological data is collected across multiple channels – respiratory, cardiovascular, and electrodermal – across a series of structured question sets.
Analysis & Report
Charts are scored using established numerical methods. You receive a clear written report detailing the results, conclusions, and supporting data.
Where We Serve
Chicago & All of
Illinois
Based in the southwest suburbs of Chicago, Shaughnessy & Associates serves clients throughout the greater Chicagoland area and across the state of Illinois. Kevin is also available for travel arrangements for clients outside the immediate area.
Why Shaughnessy & Associates
Experience You Can’t
Manufacture
Law Enforcement Pedigree
Kevin’s career as an Illinois State Police Captain and Police Chief gave him real-world experience reading people and understanding deception under pressure where accuracy matters most.
Complete Confidentiality
Your examination and its results are private. We never share information with third parties without your written consent.
Professional Written Reports
Every examination produces a detailed written report suitable for personal use, attorney review, or any other legitimate purpose.
Private Practice Only
Kevin’s government work is behind him. His full attention is now on private clients, which means you get his undivided expertise.
“After a career serving Illinois in law enforcement, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the truth can be – and how destructive a lie can become. My job now is to give private individuals the same professional standard of examination that criminal justice demanded of me.”Kevin Shaughnessy – Retired ISP Captain & Chief of Police
Get in Touch
Ready to Schedule
Your Examination?
All inquiries are handled personally and kept strictly confidential. Fill out the form below and Kevin will follow up to discuss your situation and schedule a time that works for you.