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Polygraph Examiner Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Wausau, WI ยท On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Polygraph examination results will not be the sole determinant of employment with the City of Wausau Police Department. Certification from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board is required ...

Police Officer

Wausau, WI ยท On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

Polygraph examination results will not be the sole determinant of employment with the City of Wausau Police Department. Certification from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board is required ...

Police Officer

Grafton, WI ยท On-site

$75K - $87K/yr

... polygraph examination and an in-depth background investigation, in accordance with LES 2.01(f). This is an open/active process to fill a current vacancy. Strong preference will be given to lateral ...

Police Officer

Grafton, WI ยท On-site

$75K - $87K/yr

... polygraph examination and an in-depth background investigation, in accordance with LES 2.01(f). This is an open/active process to fill a current vacancy. Strong preference will be given to lateral ...

Pass a physical agility test, written examination, oral interviews, thorough background investigation, polygraph test (if applicable), medical exam including a drug screen and a psychological ...

Patrol Officer

Waukesha, WI ยท On-site

$17 - $23/hr

Pass a physical agility test, written examination, oral interviews, thorough background investigation, polygraph test (if applicable), medical exam including a drug screen and a psychological ...

Patrol Officer

Waukesha, WI ยท On-site

$72K - $102K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Pass a physical agility test, written examination, oral interviews, thorough background investigation, polygraph test (if applicable), medical exam including a drug screen and a psychological ...

Polygraph Examiner information

See Wisconsin salary details

$33.3K

$68.3K

$117.6K

How much do polygraph examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for polygraph examiner in Wisconsin is $68,298.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,800.00 and $86,300.00 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.

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.

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 federal certification requirements, which may include ongoing training and practical experience.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Polygraph Examiner jobs in Wisconsin? For Polygraph Examiner jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Polygraph Examiner job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,298 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Police Officer

City of Wausau, WI

Wausau, WI โ€ข On-site

$59K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary : $59,841.60 - $87,360.00 Annually
Location : 515 Grand Avenue, Wausau, WI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 202600540
Department: Police
Division: Patrol Division
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 9/6/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Purpose of the Position
The Wausau Police Department believes strongly in our mission. The Wausau Police Department strives for excellence in policing by partnering with the community to enhance the quality of life. To accomplish this mission, it is imperative we find people who have the right character traits to work in our community as police officers. Professionalism, Integrity, Accountability, and Respect are the values at the core of our agency. We have more than 40,000 calls for service annually and we utilize our philosophy of community oriented policing to foster relationships and find solutions for problems in our community. Because of the wide variety of assistance police officers must provide within the community along with the complexity of policing, the law enforcement profession presents more challenges than ever. Officers must be able to adapt quickly and problem solve effectively. Education and training are vital to the success of our organization. The Wausau Police Department will consider hire of candidates who have not been through the Police Academy. The Wausau Police Department will send the right candidate through the Police Academy upon hire. Anyone who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of people in our community can apply now!
City of Wausau Police Department Website:
City of Wausau Police Department Facebook page:
City of Wausau Police Department Showcase Video:
PURPOSE OF POSITION:The purpose of this position is general duty police work involving protection of life and property, enforcement of laws, crime investigation, and service to the public. The employee has a significant impact of the quality of life through community partnership, strategic police patrols, and thorough investigations.
The City of Wausau is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss accommodations with the employer.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  1. Patrols police sector in squad car, police bicycle, or on foot to prevent or discover the commission of crime and traffic violations.
  2. Enforces City of Wausau ordinances and the laws of the State of Wisconsin.
  3. Operates a police vehicle in normal and emergency mode, day and night conditions, and during times of inclement weather and congested traffic.
  4. Responds to citizen calls for service and provide assistance as necessary.
  5. Investigates crime and other incidents, identify, collect and preserve evidence, identify and interview witnesses, issues citations and arrest criminals.
  6. Exercises independent judgment in determining reasonable suspicion to detain, probable cause to search and arrest, and use of force.
  7. Maintains working knowledge of criminal law as well as current police procedures.
  8. Investigates juvenile complaints and communicate with juveniles and parents/guardians.
  9. Prepares written documentation of police activities.
  10. Communicates police action in criminal and civil court proceedings.
  11. Problem solves with community members, business owners, and other city employees.
  12. Maintains City of Wausau core values.
  13. Efficiently operates computer systems for a variety of tasks
  14. Performs basic CPR and first aid as needed.

Additional Duties & Responsibilities
  • Perform special assignments as assigned by supervisor.
  • Attend and participate in neighborhood group meetings.
  • Speak in front of citizen groups.

Minimum Requirements
  • United States Citizenship
  • Minimum age 21
  • High School Diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum of 40 credits from an accredited university, college, or technical school if candidate has not graduated from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy.
  • Minimum of 60 credits from an accredited university, college, or technical school if candidate has graduated from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy.
  • Ability to obtain and possess a valid Driver's License issued by the state of Wisconsin
  • Have no criminal convictions which would limit the ability to possess a firearm

Candidates will be required to participate in a polygraph examination containing potential subject areas of excessive physical force against others, illegal drug use, commission of crimes, lying, and lying about anything in the polygraph screening booklet. Polygraph examination results will not be the sole determinant of employment with the City of Wausau Police Department.
Certification from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Standards Board is required within one (1) year of employment.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to read, interpret and explain City of Wausau ordinances and Wisconsin State Statutes.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with citizens, co-workers, supervisors, and others from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ability to operate equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments, such as computer keyboard/terminal, police radio, telephone, firearms and restraint devices.
  • Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing semi-skilled movements such as self-defense, firearms use, operation of a motor vehicle, data entry and assembling.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch.
  • Ability to run, jump, push, pull, drive safely at high speeds and in adverse conditions.
  • Ability to physically apprehend and subdue suspects.
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
  • Ability to recognize and identify similarities or differences between characteristics of colors, forms, sounds, tastes, odors and textures associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.
  • Ability to remain calm, composed, undistracted and in full control of cognitive abilities while functioning appropriately in hostile, dangerous or fearful situations that require force, up to and including deadly force.
  • Ability to use discretion effectively to determine a proper course of action consistent with a community-oriented, problem-solving approach to policing.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of employment.
  • Ability to adequately use and properly care for firearms and other police equipment.

Physical and Working EnvironmentRegular exposure to disagreeable and environmental conditions. Exposed to one or more particularly disagreeable elements such as continuous high noise level, considerable dust, heat, and humidity. Personal protective equipment regularly used. Regular travel throughout City.
Ability to work under mildly unsafe and uncomfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors such as potential violence, machinery and disease can cause discomfort and where there is a risk of injury.
Additional Information
IMPORTANT! All applications must completely filled out and have a Resume attached in the "Attachments" section of the application. Applications that are not complete and do not have the required attachment will not be considered.
When completing References section, include 3 professional references with current and valid email addresses.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
The selection procedure may consist of any or all of the following: Initial Interview, FTO (Field Training Officer) Review, Initial Command Interview, Background Investigation, Final Command Interview, Polygraph Examination, Police & Fire Commission Interview, Psychological Evaluation, and Physical Examination with Alcohol/Drug Screening. Other procedures may be included as necessary.
NOTICE REGARDING POLYGRAPH EXAMINATION:The Polygraph Examination include the potential subject areas of excessive physical force against another, illegal drug use, commission of crimes, lying, and lying about anything in the polygraph screening booklet. Polygraph examination results will not be the sole determinant of employment with the City of Wausau Police Department.
SALARY INFORMATION:
Per the current agreement between the City of Wausau and the Professional Police Association. current rates are $28.77 - $42.00 per hour. Please see page 31 of the current labor agreement for more information:
LATERAL ENTRY FOR POLICE OFFICERS:
Upon receipt of a request for lateral entry submitted to the Police Chief, with a copy to the Human Resources Director, if the requester has no less than three years of continuous employment as a full-time law enforcement officer, the Police Chief may approve the request at his or her sole discretion. If approved, the candidate will receive a full year salary credit for his/her past full-time law enforcement years of service and thereafter advance accordingly. The following compensation will be established commensurate with the chart provided in Appendix A, with the award of service credit incorporated therein.
For the purpose of Appendix A, the term "Years of service" for the lateral entry program shall be defined as full-time law enforcement experience. Years of service shall be recognized at the time of hire, used for all actions under Appendix A after completion of Field Training, and annotated in the Lateral Officer's initial appointment letter.
If approved, the candidate will also receive a full year of vacation credit for his/her past full-time law enforcement years of service up to six years and thereafter advance accordingly. The candidate will be subject to an 18-month probationary period, beginning at his/her date of hire.
RESIDENCY INFORMATION:Per Article 32 of the Wausau Professional Police Association Labor Agreement, all law enforcement personnel must reside within thirty (30) miles of the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Wausau. Such residence must be established within six months after the completion of the 18 month probationary period. Failure to do this will result in loss of employment.
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
The City of Wausau will make arrangements to furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary and reasonable to afford an individual with a disability the opportunity to participate in the recruitment process. Please notify the Human Resources Department or phone (715) 261-6630 to request special accommodations prior to the application deadline.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS:Wisconsin Statutes, Sections 19.36 (7), 64.09 (5), and 64.11 (7) require public employers to treat the following items as a public record: Each applicant's application, records, recommendations and qualifications except as provided in Section 19.36 (7), Wis. Stats. that allows the identity of an applicant to remain confidential if the applicant requests in writing that the City not provide access to this information.
If you choose not to have this information become a public record, you must make such a request in writing to the Human Resources Department. If you become a finalist for the position, your identity may be disclosed as required by law.
The City of Wausau offers competitive salaries and a range of excellent benefits as follows:
  • State of Wisconsin Retirement Plan
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Flexible Spending for Health and Dependent Care
  • Annual Biometric Health Screenings - free to all employees on a health plan
  • Wellness Programs
  • Optional Life Insurance
  • Optional Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Optional Critical Illness Insurance
  • Optional Accident Insurance
  • 457 Deferred Compensation Plans
  • Employee Assistance Program - Available to all employees and family members at no cost to the employee
  • Paid Leaves
    • Vacation - earned by years of service
    • 10 Holidays
    • Personal Holiday - 2 paid days on an annual basis
    • Perfect Attendance - paid hours for perfect attendance
    • Sick Leave - hours accumulate on a bi-weekly basis
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Longevity Pay

01
Are you a United States Citizen?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Are you at least twenty-one (21) years old?
  • Yes, I am 21 years of age or older.
  • No, I am under the age of 21.

03
If you are not at least 21 years old at the time you are completing this application, please indicate when you will be 21 years old (answer should be formatted mm/dd/yyyy)
04
What is the highest level of education that you have received?
  • Some High School
  • High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
  • Skills Certificate/Technical Diploma
  • Some College/No Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Bachelor Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Doctorate Degree

05
How many college credits from an accredited university, college, or technical school do you currently have?
06
Have you graduated from the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Academy?
  • Yes
  • Currently in Academy
  • No

07
Do you have a criminal conviction which would limit your ability to possess a firearm?
  • Yes
  • No

08
Do you possess, or have the ability to possess, a valid driver's license issued by the state of Wisconsin?
  • Yes, I have a valid WI driver's license
  • I have a valid driver's licensed issued by a state other than WI and have the ability to obtain a valid WI driver's license
  • No, I do not have the ability to obtain a vali