Job Description

POLYGRAPH EXAMINER

JOB CODE 62380

Effective Date:	Rev. 09/03A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to prepare, administer, and evaluate polygraph examinations for the Police Department. Examinations are administered for pre-employment screening of Police employees, intra-departmental investigations, and criminal cases. Tests are often conducted for other jurisdictions, including out-of-state law enforcement agencies and court stipulated cases. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Lead Polygraph Examiner, and is subject to review by the Commander of the Police Employment Services Bureau.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conducts polygraph examinations;
• Discusses and formulates test questions with the subject;
• Analyzes the results of the test;
• Establishes test conditions based on such factors as the subject's physiology, current and past psychiatric conditions, illnesses, injuries, and prescribed medications;
• Submits written reports on test results;
• Testifies in court as an expert witness;
• Makes minor repairs and adjustments to the polygraph equipment;
• Maintains records and logs of examinations conducted;
• Determines if criminal cases meet standards for the administration of the polygraph test;
• Works with various law enforcement agencies and court systems in administering polygraph tests;
• Advises investigators about legal limitations, and individual rights regarding polygraphy;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Polygraph techniques.
• Polygraph chart analysis and interpretation.
• Interviewing and interrogation techniques.
• Police investigative techniques.
• Psychophysiological aspects of polygraphy.
• Legal limitations, mechanical and other technical aspects of polygraphy and applicable court cases.

Ability to:

• Communicate in English by phone or in person in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language.
• Review and check the work products of others to ensure conformance to standards.
• Exercise judgment through all phases of the polygraph examination and analysis.
• Work cooperatively with other City employees and employees of other law enforcement agencies.
• Produce written documents in English with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Completion of an approved polygraph course.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of experience in investigating work including one year of experience administering polygraph examinations. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum qualifications may be substituted.