1

Polygraph Examiner Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... Polygraph Examiner, Recruiter, School Resource Officer, Strategic Planner, SWAT Team, Task Force Officer (ATF, DEA, FBI), Traffic Unit, Training Officer, and Technical Rescue Team. Desire to be a ...

Polygraph Examiner information

See Michigan salary details

$28.8K

$59K

$101.5K

How much do polygraph examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for polygraph examiner in Michigan is $58,977.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,700.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a polygraph examiner?

A polygraph examiner conducts polygraph tests, also known as lie detector tests. Polygraph machines are used in law enforcement and criminal justice fields to screen applicants and conduct investigations. Polygraph examiners must be able to administer tests and interpret the results ethically and legally. They may also be called into courtrooms or during related investigations and must be able to explain the test results.

What are some common challenges faced by polygraph examiners during examinations?

Polygraph examiners often encounter challenges such as examinee anxiety, attempts at countermeasures, and the need to remain impartial during emotionally charged interviews. Managing rapport with examinees while upholding strict procedural standards is crucial. Additionally, examiners must accurately interpret physiological data and clearly communicate findings to investigative teams, which requires a balance of technical expertise and interpersonal skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a polygraph examiner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Polygraph Examiner, you need a background in criminal justice or psychology, successful completion of accredited polygraph training, and often law enforcement experience. Familiarity with polygraph instruments, data analysis software, and relevant certifications (such as APA or AAPP membership) is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain impartial help examiners gain trust and accurately interpret results. These qualifications ensure both the integrity and effectiveness of polygraph examinations in legal and investigative contexts.

What is the difference between Polygraph Examiner vs Polygraph Technician?

AspectPolygraph ExaminerPolygraph Technician
CredentialsTypically requires certification in polygraphy, often from a recognized certifying body, and sometimes a background in law enforcement or psychologyUsually needs technical training or certification in polygraph equipment operation but less emphasis on certification in polygraphy
Work EnvironmentConducts lie detection examinations, interacts directly with examinees, often in law enforcement or security settingsPrepares, maintains, and operates polygraph equipment, often working behind the scenes in labs or field settings
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by law enforcement agencies, government, or private firms for lie detectionEmployed by polygraph service providers, law enforcement support units, or research institutions

In summary, Polygraph Examiners focus on conducting lie detection tests and require certification and direct interaction with examinees, while Polygraph Technicians handle the technical aspects of polygraph equipment, supporting the examiners' work.

How long does it take to be a certified polygraph examiner?

Becoming a certified polygraph examiner typically requires completing a specialized training program that lasts from several weeks to a few months, followed by passing certification exams. Candidates often need to have a background in law enforcement, psychology, or related fields, and must meet state or national certification requirements, which may include ongoing education and practical experience.

Is a polygraph examiner a good career?

A polygraph examiner conducts lie detector tests, often working in law enforcement, security, or private sectors. The role requires specialized training, certification, and attention to detail, with job prospects influenced by demand in criminal investigations and security screening. It can be a stable career for those interested in forensic or investigative work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Polygraph Examiner jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Polygraph Examiner jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Polygraph Examiner jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Polygraph Examiner job openings:

Infographic showing various Polygraph Examiner job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,977 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Public Safety Officer (PSO)

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

City of Kalamazoo
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

$55K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description/Distinguishing Features *THIS POSTING IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. NO APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED WITHIN THIS POSTING* If you are interested in submitting a job interest card to receive email notification when we post the position, please email KDPSHiring@kalamazoocity.org or complete the following: 1. Select "Menu" (top left corner) 2

Select "Job Descriptions and Subscribe to Email Job Alerts" 3. In Search bar, enter "Public Safety Officer" 4. Select Public Safety Officer (PSO)(PO-02) 5.

Select green Subscribe button (top right corner) 6. Enter your first/last name and email address 7. Submit **$15,000 HIRING BONUS FOR LATERAL TRANSFER POLICE OFFICERS AND FIREFIGHTERS.** Please see the Certified Process that is open on our website for more information

Public Safety Officers (PSOs) protect and serve the community by responding to calls for service involving police, fire, and medical emergencies in a professional and caring manner, to enhance the quality of life for all people in the City of Kalamazoo. KDPS offers a meaningful career that promotes balance between life and career and has opportunities for professional development and advancement through promotion. Seeking a career that leaves room for life.

KDPS has a schedule for you. Balance Life and Career: PSOs assigned to patrol work 12-hour shifts. During a 28-day rotation, PSOs are scheduled to work 14 days and have 14 days off.

Our unique schedule encourages a healthy balance between life and career with ample time off. Workdays vary during a 28-day rotation, creating two weekends off every month and a run of seven days off in a row, starting on a Friday. This stretch of days commonly referred to as the '7-day' allows PSOs to reset, take a trip, or complete a project every month.

Have a special skill or interest. KDPS has a specialty assignment for you. Professional Development: KDPS offers one badge, but endless career opportunities.

PSOs can pursue more than forty professional growth tracks to include: Aviation Unit, Bike Response Unit, Bomb Squad, Crime Reduction Team, Crisis Negotiator, Community Police Officer, Community Service Team, Court Officer, Crowd Management Team, Detective, Equipment Operator, Explorer Advisor, Field Training Officer, Fifth District Technical Team, Fire Marshal, Hazmat Team, Honor Guard, K9 Team, KVET (Drug) Investigator, Lab Specialist/Technician, Motorcycle Unit, Peer Fitness Trainer, Peer Support Team, Pipe and Drum Unit, Polygraph Examiner, Recruiter, School Resource Officer, Strategic Planner, SWAT Team, Task Force Officer (ATF, DEA, FBI), Traffic Unit, Training Officer, and Technical Rescue Team. Desire to be a leader. KDPS has a leadership role for you.

Career Advancement: PSOs can advance through the ranks to include Sergeant, Lieutenant, Executive Lieutenant, Captain, Inspector, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and Chief. KDPS provides training at each level to enhance PSOs leadership abilities. Starting wages listed below are effective January 1, 2026.

Starting wages will vary depending on the Recruit's training and experience. **As of 1/1/2026, Public Safety Officer top pay is $92,907.36 Recruits (no experience) and Police Academy Graduates: $55,779.36 + overtime opportunities Experienced Police Officers (full or part time/MCOLES certified or able to be certified through RPTE program) and/or Fire Fighter I & II (full time and licensed MFR): $62,418.72 (less than 1 year of service) $66,066.00 (1 year to less than 2 years of service) $69,101.76 (2 years to less than 3 years of service) $72,181.20 (3 years or more of completed service) Paid to Train: From the date of hire, Recruits are paid fulltime hourly wages to attend all basic training including the Police Academy, Fire Academy, MFR Academy, Advanced Police Academy, and Field Training Officer Program. All tuition, fees, uniforms, and equipment are provided/paid for by KDPS

Additional training for future assignments is also provided from KDPS staff and outside vendors. Residency Bonus: Recruits receive an annual $5,000 residency bonus for living within the City of Kalamazoo; Restrictions apply. Military On-the-Job Training Benefits: Military on-the-job training benefits are available while attending the Police Academy, Fire Academy, MFR Academy, Advanced Police Academy, and Field Training.

Additionally, military personnel may buy back up to three years of credited service toward a full pension. Student Loan Forgiveness Program: KDPS is an eligible employer for the federal student loan forgiveness program. Lateral Transfer Hiring Bonus: Certified police officers and fulltime firefighters with MFR licensure are eligible for a $15,000 lateral transfer hiring incentive.

KDPS also allows reciprocal service time under Public Act 88. Defined-Benefit Pension Plan: Recruits are eligible for a normal retirement benefit after 25 years of credited service (4.5% employee contribution). Additional Benefits: Spanish language bonus, longevity payments, shift differential pay (starting at 12 pm), 13 paid holidays, assignment bonuses, and more

To learn more about KDPS and to view our Annual Report, visit our website at: https://kalamazoopublicsafety.org/ Enter "contracts" in the search box Examples of Duties PSOs perform a wide range of duties specifically related to providing police, fire, and medical services in the City of Kalamazoo. Some of the duties are listed below. However, the list is not exhaustive of every duty that a PSO may be required to perform: Responds to calls for service that require police, fire, or medically trained professionals

Police: Patrols an assigned zone, responds to calls for service to include high risk situations and those involving mental health crisis, enforces traffic laws, conducts criminal investigations, and makes lawful arrests. Fire: Responds to working fires, investigates fire alarms and smoke, provides vehicle extrication, conducts traffic control during vehicle crash investigations, and mitigates hazardous material incidents. Medical: Responds to medical calls for service including heart attacks and trauma, assists advanced life support services in rendering medical care, renders CPR and other lifesaving medical interventions as needed, and monitors patient status during the course of care.

Collaborates with the community to solve problems and build trust. Performs any other duty assigned by command or required by policy to further the organizational needs of KDPS. Essential Qualifications Applicants must be 21 years old, possess Character Fitness (good moral character), have a valid driver's license, be a U.S

citizen, and meet all MCOLES licensing requirements found at https://www.michigan.gov/mcoles/standard-training/licensing-standards-for-michigan-law-enforcement-officers . Applicants must pass each step of the KDPS hiring process which includes: Initial Application/Questionnaire MCOLES Testing Initial Interview Background Investigation Chiefs' Interview Psychological/Medical/Drug Screening Applicants must qualify for and be able to obtain all basic academy training certifications provided by the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, the Firefighters Training Council, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Applicants must qualify for and maintain licensure with the governing body for each discipline: Police (MCOLES), Fire (Bureau of Fire Services), and EMS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)

Acceptable Training and Experience Minimum of High School Diploma; Associate or higher preferred, or any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the essential knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the functions of the job. The City of Kalamazoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization where different perspectives and experiences are welcomed and encouraged.

Studies have shown that women and people of color, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all of the qualifications listed. The City of Kalamazoo is most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one from a less traditional background. If you have transferable experience, please tell us about it.

This approach will give each current and potential employee the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute to the City of Kalamazoo.