POLYGRAPH EXAMINER (MPA3)

UNCLASSIFIED POSITION IN THE FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Position Title: POLYGRAPHIST

FCSO – Background & Recruitment Division

The POLYGRAPHIST is responsible for administering and analyzing polygraph examinations for prospective FCSO sworn officers and professional staff as part of the agency's comprehensive background investigation process. The primary objective is to assess the truthfulness and suitability of applicants regarding their background, history, and adherence to departmental standards, ensuring the selection of individuals who uphold the highest levels of integrity and ethical conduct.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Administer Polygraph Examinations: Conduct pre-employment polygraph examinations in a professional, impartial, and ethical manner for all sworn and non-sworn applicants.
• Case Review and Preparation: Review applicant files, background investigation reports, and provided documentation to determine specific areas of focus for the examination.
• Question Formulation: Develop and tailor relevant and legally defensible test questions in accordance with established agency policies and professional polygraph standards (e.g., APA, AAPP).
• Pre-Test Interview: Conduct thorough pre-test interviews with examinees to establish rapport, ensure examinee suitability, explain the polygraph process and instrumentation, obtain necessary consent, and clarify areas of concern.
• Instrumentation Operation: Operate and maintain state-of-the-art computerized polygraph equipment, ensuring its proper function and calibration for accurate data collection.
• Chart Analysis and Interpretation: Analyze and interpret physiological data recordings (charts) to render an opinion on the truthfulness or deception of the examinee regarding the relevant issues.
• Post-Test Interview: Conduct post-test interviews and questioning, as necessary, following established investigative and ethical protocols.
• Documentation and Reporting: Prepare detailed, objective, and comprehensive written reports summarizing the examination process, results, analysis, and conclusions for the Background Investigations Unit and Command Staff.
• Confidentiality: Maintain absolute security and strict confidentiality of all case files, examination results, and sensitive information handled during the performance of duties.
• Quality Control: Stay current on all relevant case law, new polygraph techniques, instrumentation, and legal limitations of polygraphy by attending required training and seminars.

• Technical Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of the psycho-physiological aspects, theories, principles, and best practices of modern polygraph testing and chart analysis.
• Legal & Ethical: Thorough knowledge of the legal requirements, constitutional rights, and ethical standards (e.g., EPPA) governing the administration of polygraph examinations in a law enforcement context.
• Interviewing: Exceptional interview and interrogation skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, establish rapport quickly, and maintain composure with examinees who may be experiencing stress.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to critically evaluate evidence, synthesize background information, formulate appropriate test questions, and draw sound, objective conclusions from polygraph data.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to clearly convey complex findings in formal reports and communicate effectively with Command Staff, Human Resources, and investigators.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail in conducting examinations, analyzing data, and preparing official documentation.

• Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Behavioral Science, or a closely related field.
• Certification: Mandatory graduation from an accredited polygraph school recognized by the American Polygraph Association (APA) or the American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP).
• Experience: 5 years of progressively responsible experience as a certified polygraph examiner, preferably within a law enforcement, intelligence, or governmental agency setting.
• Background: Must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation, and drug screening.

• Work is typically performed in a private, secure office environment conducive to conducting highly confidential examinations.
• May be required to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings or weekends, to accommodate applicant schedules and organizational needs.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Conducts operational research, productivity analyses and management studies to assist in the management of departmental operations, programs, and services: compiles and/or monitors various administrative and statistical data pertaining to divisional operations; researches information pertinent to task or project; analyzes data and identifies trends; prepares or generates reports; makes recommendations for changes in policies and procedures to improve operations, provide more responsive service, and/or optimize the use of resources; and develops recommendations for changes in departmental policies and procedures; and provides technical assistance and information to management to aide decision making.

Assists the department managers with strategic and long-range planning for departmental operations: participates in planning efforts at the local and regional level; keeps Director apprised of developments at the state and federal level that impact the department; monitors pending legislation for impact on operations; oversee compliance with new legislation.

Responds to complaints and questions related to county or department operations, activities, or other issues: provides information, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution; and works with supervisors and managers to ensure effective coordination and cooperation across units.

Represents the director and department at various meetings, functions, and events: serves as a liaison to various civic or governmental organizations and committees, taskforces, boards, and commissions; confers regularly with officials from the state, authorities, and commissions; provides information about departmental operations; participates in discussions and decisions; and keeps the director apprised of activities.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
*All applicants must agree to and successfully pass a background investigation, drug screening and polygraph to be considered for employment with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.*

EXAMINATION:
The examination will consist of an evaluation of education and experience, accomplished by analysis of the application. Application must document that the applicant possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, education and experience as listed to be rated as qualified. If selected, an official, accredited college transcript is required, at time of employment, for all degrees/course work used to qualify for this position.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL BEFORE THEY ARE SUBMITTED. PLEASE REVIEW ALL APPLICATIONS FOR ACCURACY AND MAKE ALL CORRECTIONS BEFORE SUBMITTAL BECAUSE ERRORS CAN RESULT IN NOT MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT.

It is the policy of Fulton County that there will be equal opportunity for every citizen, employee and applicant, based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, genetics, age, disability or sexual orientation.