Polygraph examiner

Polygraph examiners prepare individuals for polygraph testing, conduct the polygraph exam and interpret the results. They pay close attention to detail and use a range of instruments to monitor respiratory, sweat and cardiovascular responses to questions addressed during the process. Polygraph examiners write reports on the basis of the results and can provide courtroom testimony.

The following job titles also refer to polygraph examiner:

polygraph instructor
signals analyst
lie detector operator
polygraph operator
polygraphist
lie detector examiner
polygraph technician

High school diploma is generally required to work as polygraph examiner. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Polygraph examiner is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to polygraph examiner.

criminologist
genealogist
coroner
prosecutor
court jury coordinator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of polygraph examiner. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of polygraph examiner with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of polygraph examiner.

Forensic intelligence: The procedures and methodology of gathering and analysing forensic intelligence and data for investigative purposes.
Psychophysiology: The study that examines the relation between the mind and the body. In other words, this study investigates physical responses to thoughts and emotions.

These skills are necessary for the role of polygraph examiner.

Analyse legal evidence: Analyse evidence, such as evidence in criminal cases, legal documentation regarding a case, or other documentation that can be regarded as evidence, in order to obtain a clear image of the case and reach resolutions.
Comply with legal regulations: Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.
Use technology for forensics: Operate specialised tools used for forensic investigations.
Show confidence: Demonstrate degrees of maturity by fully understanding one’s own qualities and abilities which can serve as sources of confidence in different situations.
Observe human behaviour: Make detailed notes while observing how humans interact with and react to each other, objects, concepts, ideas, beliefs, and systems in order to uncover patterns and trends.
Assess character: Assess how a certain person will react, verbally or physically, in a specific situation or to a specific happening.
Conduct research interview: Use professional researching and interviewing methods and techniques to gather relevant data, facts or information, to gain new insights and to fully comprehend the message of the interviewee.
Observe confidentiality: Observe the set of rules establishing the nondisclosure of information except to another authorised person.
Manage tests: Develop, administer and evaluate a specific set of tests relevant to your activities or to the people who have to complete the tests.
Maintain professional administration: File and organise professional administration documents comprehensively, keep customer records, fill in forms or log books and prepare documents about company-related matter.
Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
Report analysis results: Produce research documents or give presentations to report the results of a conducted research and analysis project, indicating the analysis procedures and methods which led to the results, as well as potential interpretations of the results.
Document interviews: Record, write, and capture answers and information collected during interviews for processing and analysis using shorthand or technical equipment.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of polygraph examiner. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Criminology: The study of criminal behaviour, such as its causes and nature, its consequences, and control and prevention methods.
Interview techniques: The techniques for getting information out of people by asking the right questions in the right way and to make them feel comfortable.
Human physiology: The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.
Criminal law: Th legal rules, constitutions and regulations applicable for the punishement of offenders.
Investigation research methods: The methods and strategies used to conduct police, government intelligence or military investigation research, as well as the research regulations specific to the operation.
Psychology: The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of polygraph examiner. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

Create criminal profiles: Determine the psychological and social reasons people commit crimes in order to create typical criminal profile types that can be used by law enforcers in the future to solve crimes and find perpetrators.
Present evidence: Present evidence in a criminal or civil case to others, in a convincing and appropriate manner, in order to reach the right or most beneficial solution.
Provide testimony in court hearings: Provide testimony in court hearings regarding a variety of social matters and other events.
Promote human rights: Promote and respect human rights and diversity in light of the physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs of autonomous individuals, taking into account their opinions, beliefs and values, and the international and national codes of ethics, as well as the ethical implications of healthcare provision, ensuring their right to privacy and honouring for the confidentiality of healthcare information.
Assist police investigations: Assist in police investigations by providing them with specialised information as a professional involved in the case, or by providing witness accounts, in order to ensure the police have all relevant information for the case.
Interrogate individuals: Interview individuals in such a manner that they give information that could be of use in an investigation and that they possibly tried to conceal.
Profile people: Create a profile of someone, by outlining this person’s characteristics, personality, skills and motives, often by the use of information obtained from an interview or questionnaire.
Deal with aggressive behaviour: Respond promptly to adverse behaviour in a professional manner by taking appropriate and legal action to prevent further aggressiveness, such as verbal warning, lawful removal from the premises or apprehension of the person involved. Report details of adverse behaviour in line with the organisation’s procedures.

2634 – Psychologists

 

 

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References

1. Polygraph examiner – ESCO