Polygraphist I​/II

Job Title:

Polygraphist I/II

The Colorado Springs Police Department will consider applicants at both the Polygraphist I and Polygraphist II experience levels. If selected for this position at the Polygraphist I level, you must be able to attend and successfully complete a 10-week polygraph certification class within 6 months of hire. Starting salary range for Polygraphist I: $31.75 - $38.12 per hour (nonexempt). Starting salary range for Polygraphist II: $34.61 - $41.55 per hour (exempt).

About the job:
Conduct polygraph examinations for pre-employment, volunteers and reassignment screening. You will also be responsible for conducting polygraph examinations of suspects, witnesses, and victims of criminal activity.

Work Schedule:

Monday through Friday (8-hour days) with flexibility of a four day week (10-hour days) after the initial training period. This position requires you to be available to answer questions, conduct investigative polygraphs after hours when appropriate, and work overtime as necessary to meet operational needs.

This position is subject to budget required furloughs to be implemented in the 2026 calendar year. Come explore the possibilities a career with the City of Colorado Springs can offer! We're an accredited pay equity employer! Your starting pay will be within the posted hiring range based on your years of experience and education. As an employee with the City of Colorado Springs, there is Room to Grow!

See the full potential of growth for this position here: 2026 Salary Schedule. As a Polygraphist I/II, you will:
Administer polygraph examinations and evaluate results to determine participant's truthful or deceptive responses. Formulate questions utilizing established techniques, rules, regulations, and formats. Interrogate participants who failed the examination; obtain confessions, admissions and any other vital information pertinent to criminal investigations. Prepare a variety of written and verbal reports interpreting polygraph examination results; submit to City staff and outside agencies as requested and appropriate.

Prepare, maintain, and update a variety of files and records associated with polygraph examinations and results; ensure compliance with applicable federal and state guidelines. Conduct pre-employment screenings for some City departments and for reassignment of department personnel to certain internal units. Ensure that polygraph equipment is functioning properly. Testify in court as an expert witness regarding polygraph examination results. Remains current on job-specific issues through meetings, classes, conferences, and publications.

Defends and explains polygraph office competence, procedures, opinions and techniques to various levels of authority. Maintain professional skills and certification, and meet continuing education requirements. Prepares monthly and quarterly statistical reports. Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of polygraph instrumentation, components, and software. Awareness of legal and ethical guidelines governing polygraph use (e.g., federal rules, state laws, professional codes of conduct). Basic understanding of human physiology related to polygraph charts (respiration, cardiovascular activity, galvanic skin response). Basic understanding of psychological concepts such as stress responses and behavior indicators. Ability to conduct structured pre-test interviews. Effective communication and rapport-building skills.

Ability to prepare comprehensive reports. Ability to remain objective and maintain professional neutrality. Ability to manage examinee anxiety or discomfort appropriately. Ability to adhere strictly to established testing procedures. Ability to maintain calm in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.

Polygraphist I:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study; preferably psychology, criminalistics, or other related field. Three years of full-time, professional experience in a related field. Possess and maintain a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver's license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges. Within six months of hire, graduate from an institution accredited by the American Polygraph Association with certification as a Polygraphist.

Polygraphist II:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study; preferably psychology, criminalistics, or other related field. Graduation from an institution accredited by the American Polygraph Association. Five years of full-time, professional experience in a related field, including experience investigating serious felony crimes, experience conducting interviews and interrogations, and three years of full-time responsible experience in polygraph examination.

Possess and maintain a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver's license not subject to restriction…