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Polygraph Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Polygrapher PT

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$25.85 - $33.28/hr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Interviews and conducts polygraph examinations for applicants seeking employment with the city's police department and/or have access to criminal offender record information ...

Polygrapher PT

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$1.6K - $2.1K/wk

Essential Job Functions Interviews and conducts polygraph examinations for applicants seeking employment with the city's police department and/or have access to criminal offender record information ...

New

Polygrapher PT

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$25.85 - $33.28/hr

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Interviews and conducts polygraph examinations for applicants seeking employment with the city's police department and/or have access to criminal offender record information ...

Must be willing to undergo a polygraph examination Qualifications Education: * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Mathematics or equivalent experience Qualifications: * Python development OR ...

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$33K

$67.7K

$116.5K

How much do polygraph examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for polygraph examiner in the United States is $67,665.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $85,500.00 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 cities are hiring for Polygraph Examiner jobs?

Cities with the most Polygraph Examiner job openings:

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

The most popular types of Polygraph Examiner jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Polygraph Examiner jobs?

The top employers for Polygraph Examiner jobs are:

What states have the most Polygraph Examiner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Polygraph Examiner jobs include:

Infographic showing various Polygraph Examiner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,665 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Polygrapher PT

City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$25.85 - $33.28/hr

Part-time

PTO

Posted 5 days ago


City Of Portsmouth (Virginia) rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

663rd of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB Under general supervision, this position interviews and conducts polygraph examinations. Reports to a Police Sergeant. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Interviews and conducts polygraph examinations for applicants seeking employment with the city's police department and/or have access to criminal offender record information; conducts interviews to resolve or clarify discrepancies; develops interrogation format specific to applicant to determine if responses are truthful or deceptive; analyzes and interprets results using polygraph charts and prepares comprehensive written reports to summarize findings.

Performs routine maintenance and upkeep of polygraph instruments and tape recordings; uses polygraph equipment and techniques to determine the validity of responses; analyzes interviewee's physical status such as gestures, breathing patterns, agitation, and mannerism in response to background, and criminal, professional or personal inquiries, testifies in court, completes official reports or documentation of results and safeguards and maintains files in filing system. Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by supervisor based on current workload and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Knowledge of Job: Knowledge of interviewing and interrogation methods, techniques and laws. Knowledge of polygraph principles, practices, and equipment and the physiology and psychological principles involved in polygraph examinations. Knowledge of the basic mechanics and functions of polygraph instruments and the physiological phenomena they record.

Knowledge of court procedures and current rules of evidence. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; analyze the results of the examination and make a determination that the examinee is truthful or deceptive. Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities.

Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interacts within department and division, and with co- workers and the general public. Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties and responsibilities as described under "Essential Job Functions." Dependability: Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines

Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, city policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas. Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to city policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness.

Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests. Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations.

Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same.

Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with city policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons within the department. Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and departmental benefit

Contributes to maintaining high morale among all department employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staffers and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the general public so as to maintain good will toward the department and project a good departmental image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the city.

Interacts effectively with fellow employees, applicants, Human Resource Staff, Chief of Police and other department members. Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology.

Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establish a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time.

Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines and events. Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the city and various regulatory agencies.

Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace. Creativity: Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the division and the department.

Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change. Human Relations: Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members.

Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately. Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff. Education, Experience & Special Requirements EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Communications, Criminology, Journalism, Psychology, Criminal Justice or a related field and 4-5 years of experience as a Polygraph Examiner.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must have a certificate of completion of instruction provided by a polygraph school accredited by the American Polygraph Association. An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check. Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state and federal criminal history check; and a sex offender registry check.

Individuals in this position cannot be listed as having a founded child abuse or neglect complaint. Physical Demands MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS Physical Requirements- Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines which include computer, adding machine, calculators, copiers, facsimile machines, telephones, etc. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Sedentary Work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for periods of time. Data Conception- Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things. Interpersonal Communications- Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information.

Includes giving instructions, assignments and/or directions to subordinates or assistants. Language Ability- Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, reports, records, forms, statistical summaries, policy manuals, etc. Requires the ability to prepare reports, correspondence, records, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style

Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence. Intelligence- Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatical form; deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Verbal Aptitude- Requires the ability to record and deliver information, explain procedures, and follow oral and written instructions.

Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of legal and professional terminology. Numerical Aptitude- Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, to add and subtract, multiply and divide. Must be able to utilize decimals and percentages; interpret graphs.

Form/Spatial Aptitude- Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape. Motor Coordination- Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using automated office equipment. Manual Dexterity- Requires the ability to handle and operate a variety of items; operate a multichannel polygraph instrument, office equipment, control knobs, switches, etc.

Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. Color Discrimination- Does not require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. Interpersonal Temperament- Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.

Must be adaptable to performing under minimal levels of stress when confronted with persons acting under stress. Physical Communication- Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTS The City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations. This is a class description and not an individual position description.

A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.


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