Polygraph​/Background Examiner

The Department of Public Safety is recruiting to fill a Polygraph/Background Examiner position within the Parole and Probation Division in Reno. The incumbent conducts polygraph examinations of parolees, probationers, and lifetime supervision offenders as well as maintenance polygraphs for sex offenders and pre-employment background investigation polygraphs for Department of Public Safety employment candidates. They complete polygraphs as directed by NRS, Department policies and SOP's, and Division Directives;

reviewing case information and/or meeting with officers or other investigative personnel to identify topics/issues to be covered during the polygraph examination. Based on issues and or topics identified, they will determine the appropriate polygraph technique and what questions to ask during the examination. The incumbent will act in a professional manner and represent the Department positively and impartially. At the conclusion of the polygraph examination, they will complete reports in a timely fashion based on established policies and procedures.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, business or public administration, or related field, and one year of professional experience in a law enforcement, social or behavioral services environment conducting background investigations and/or offender interviews to elicit responses pertaining to background history; writing and presenting comprehensive reports of findings; and managing a caseload;

OR an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, social work, public or business administration or related field, and two years of professional experience as described above; OR graduation from high school or equivalent education and three years of professional experience as described above; OR current licensure as a Polygraph Examiner; OR two years of experience as a Polygraph/Background Examiner Trainee in Nevada State service;

OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Review case information and/or meet with investigative personnel to identify issues to be covered in the examination process; determine appropriate polygraph technique to be used and write preliminary questions using case information.

Explain examination procedures to examinee, including information concerning legal rights; obtain signature on consent forms according to established policies; ask general questions of examinee regarding physiological conditions, medications and other health factors to determine fitness for examinations and/or impact on examination results; conduct preliminary interview and record information, formalize and review questions with examinee and modify as necessary.

Conduct polygraph examinations designed to disclose information regarding current offenses or conditions of the examinee’s parole, probation and/or lifetime supervision including any amendments or special conditions; ask questions to determine truth or deception using polygraph instruments; ask probing questions based on verbal and/or physical responses from examinee and/or testing instruments; score polygraph examination and determine results; advise examinee of results; when results indicate a deceptive response, interview examinee for further clarification;

document and write a report of findings to finalize examination results and distribute to requesting entity.

Calibrate polygraph instruments to ensure accurate test results; operate and maintain sound and video recording equipment.

Provide expert testimony in court and at hearings concerning the validity of information provided by suspects, witnesses and others involved in criminal proceedings.

Receive, review and/or research preemployment background application packets; gather and assess information and facts; determine the validity of documents received; ensure required documentation is received and complete; contact employment candidates to request missing information; research criminal history and traffic violation information from various law enforcement and judicial agencies and databases; ensure fingerprint records requests are submitted for processing and results are obtained;

ensure background application packets comply with federal and State statutes and regulations and department policies and procedures.

Conduct interviews with appropriate individuals detailed in the employment candidates’ personal history statement and hard copy and electronic background application packets; discuss sensitive information; ask clarifying questions; follow up on unanswered questions or conflicting statements; maintain accurate and detailed interview notes.

Prepare comprehensive fact-based reports, memorandums and supplemental documents; identify distracting factors, chronological statements of facts, documentation obtained, findings and conclusions for consideration by the hiring manager and/or…