Polygraph Examiner

LOCATION OF POSITION

Department of Maryland State Police
Criminal Enforcement Division – Polygraph Unit
MSP Headquarters
1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208

The position conducts pre‑employment polygraph examinations for sworn and civilian applicants of the Maryland State Police and allied agencies throughout Maryland in accordance with the Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commission mandate requiring police applicants to undergo pre‑employment truth verification testing.
The role also performs polygraph examinations for sensitive internal investigations, criminal investigations, and post‑conviction examinations on sexual offenders who are on parole or probation under the supervision of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Written reports of test results are prepared, and the examiner testifies as an expert witness in courts of law regarding polygraph related issues.

• Administer computerized lifestyle pre‑employment, criminal, and internal investigation polygraph examinations in accordance with American Polygraph Association and ASTM standards.
• Conduct post‑conviction examinations on sexual offenders in parole or probation status.
• Review criminal investigation files and reports to determine suitability for a polygraph examination and provide investigative guidance.
• Perform polygraph pre‑test interviews explaining the science and procedures to examinees.
• Attach polygraph components to examinees and formulate appropriate test questions.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret polygraph charts, rendering diagnostic opinions on veracity.
• Conduct posttest interviews and interrogations; prepare detailed reports for discovery/prosecution.
• Maintain comprehensive logs and files of all examined individuals.
• Testify as an expert witness in court and administrative hearings.
• Perform maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and calibrations of polygraph instruments.
• Train new examiners during the minimum eight‑week intradepartmental internship.
• Provide instructional presentations related to polygraph techniques to academy and in‑service training.
• Adhere to the code of ethics and standards of practice established by professional associations.
• Attend continuing education courses to maintain professional competence.
• Evaluate processes and recommend improvements to reduce turnaround time and improve operations.
• Prepare weekly and monthly polygraph‑related statistical summaries and reports.
• Consult Department Legal Counsel and Human Resources on polygraph and pre‑employment processing issues.
• Advise Department Command Staff and administrators on polygraph matters.
• Maintain effective working relationships with department personnel, allied agency personnel, and prosecutor office personnel.
• Communicate with defense counsel and diverse groups of people during examinations.
• Conduct polygraph examinations for clemency hearings at the request of the Governor’s Office and Maryland Attorney General’s Office.
• Ensure liability release forms are explained and signed by appropriate individuals during examinations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Commanding Officer.

• Five years of experience, including three years in criminal investigative work with a recognized law‑enforcement agency, one year of experience administering polygraph examinations, and two additional years of professional law‑enforcement experience.

• Candidates may substitute a Bachelor’s degree and the required experience, or a graduate degree for part of the required experience.
• U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in law‑enforcement or related specialties may be used as a substitute for the required experience, on a year‑for‑year basis.

• Certified to administer post‑conviction sex offender polygraph examinations.
• Five years of experience administering polygraph examinations.

• Employees must meet mandatory continuing education standards every two years as determined by the American Polygraph Association.
• Employees may be required to operate a motor vehicle and must possess a valid Maryland driver’s…