POLYGRAPH EXAMINER
Recruitment #26-001450-0001
| Department | MSP - Criminal Investigation Bureau |
|---|---|
| Date Opened | 2/4/2026 2:05:00 PM |
| Filing Deadline | 3/4/2026 11:59:00 PM |
| Salary | $70,743.00 - $110,288.00/year |
| Employment Type |
Full-Time
|
| HR Analyst | Kirsten Clouse |
| Work Location |
Baltimore County
|
Introduction
It is important that all
experience be fully documented. Failure to ANSWER ALL SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS SPECIFICALLY AND
ACCURATELY may cause the candidate to be rejected.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE
APPLICATION COMPLETELY.
➢The application is part of the
examination process. Your answers will determine your eligibility to
participate in the next phase of the selection process.
➢ Clearly describe your
qualifications in detail. Credit cannot be given for education, training,
experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that you fail to indicate.
➢ Do not leave any answer
spaces blank; if a question does not apply, write "N/A".
➢ Although you may attach a
resume to further describe your qualification, it does not substitute for
completing the application form. An incomplete application form may result in
disqualification. Do NOT write "see resume" in your work history or
responses to supplemental questions.
➢ Failure to comply with
these instructions may result in disqualification.
➢ Read the Job Announcement
carefully for specific filing instructions, supplemental questions, and final
filing dates.
GRADE
ASTD17
LOCATION OF POSITION
Department of Maryland State Police
Criminal Enforcement Division – Polygraph Unit
MSP Headquarters
1201Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
Main Purpose of Job
POSITION DUTIES
Administers computerized
lifestyle pre-employment, criminal, and internal investigation polygraph
examinations for the Maryland State Police and allied agencies in accordance
with American Polygraph Association and American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) standards.
Conducts post-conviction polygraph examinations on sexual offenders who are on
parole or probation under the supervision of the Department of Public Safety
and Correctional Services.
Reviews criminal investigation files and reports to determine whether
investigative information in criminal cases meets the standard for
administering a polygraph examination. Provides investigative guidance to
investigators.
Performs polygraph pre-test interviews during which the examinee is provided an
explanation of the anatomy and physiology aspects of polygraph testing relating
to the autonomic nervous system, the physiology of lying, psychological aspects
of polygraph testing, and explanation of pneumograph, electrodermal, and
cardiovascular components that will be attached to the examinee during testing.
Properly attaches polygraph
components on an examinee's body so that data collected during the examination
can be analyzed appropriately and an opinion rendered.
Formulates and reviews appropriate polygraph test questions with the examinee,
including relevant, comparison, symptomatic, and irrelevant questions.
Collects polygraph charts during the in-test phase of the examination.
Uses standardized polygraph test techniques, procedures, and question formats
which have achieved a scientific database sufficient to support and demonstrate
validity and reliability and have been evaluated according to published methods
for that particular procedure and provides for numerical scoring and
quantification of the chart data and have not been modified without the support
of published validity and reliability studies for that particular modification.
Interprets, analyzes, and evaluates polygraph charts.
Renders a diagnostic opinion as to the veracity of the subject tested
Conducts posttest interviews and interrogations. Prepares detailed reports
with test result findings for discovery/prosecution in court proceedings.
Maintains a complete log and
file of all persons examined.
Testifies in court and administrative hearings as an expert witness.
Performs maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and calibrations of
computerized polygraph instruments.
Trains new polygraph examiners during minimum eight-week intradepartmental
internship.
Provides oral instructional presentations relating to polygraph as requested to
academy and in service training classes.
Adheres to the code of ethics and standards of practice established by the
American Polygraph Association and American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM).
Attends continuing education courses in the field of polygraph.
Evaluates processes and makes suggestions to decrease turnaround time and
improve operations within the Polygraph Unit.
Prepares weekly and monthly polygraph related statistical summaries and
reports.
Consults Department Legal Counsel Unit on issues relating to polygraph.
Consults Department Human Resources Division on issues related to
pre-employment applicant processing.
Provides polygraph advice and information to Department Command Staff and
administrators.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Department
personnel, allied agency personnel, and prosecutor office personnel.
Effectively communicates with defense counsel during criminal and internal polygraph
examinations.
Effectively communicates with a diverse group of people from ages 12 and
up during polygraph examinations.
Conducts polygraph examinations
at the request of the Governor's Office and Maryland Attorney General's Office
in matters relating to clemency hearings.
Ensures appropriate liability release forms are explained and signed by
appropriate individuals during adult and juvenile polygraph examinations.
Performs other related duties as assigned by the Commanding Officer.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: Five years of experience, three years of experience in criminal investigative work with a recognized law enforcement agency, including one year of experience administering Polygraph examinations and two years of additional experience in professional work in law enforcement.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and three years of experience in criminal investigative work with a recognized law enforcement agency, including one year of experience administering Polygraph examinations for the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a graduate degree from an accredited college or university for one of the three years of the required general criminal investigative experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Law Enforcement classifications or Criminal Investigator or Special Agent specialty codes in the Counter Intelligence or Special Investigations field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to
applicants who possess the following preferred qualifications. It is important
that you include clear and specific information on your application regarding
your qualifications.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Certified
to administer post-conviction sex offender polygraph examinations
2. Five
(5) years of experience administering polygraph examinations
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
1. Employees in this classification are required to meet mandatory standards for continuing education every two years, as determined by the American Polygraph Association. Employees who fail to obtain the required continuing education credits shall be subject to disciplinary action including demotion, suspension and dismissal.
2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
2. Employees in this classification are subject to call-in on a 24 hour basis and must provide a telephone or pager number where they can be reached.
3. Employees in this classification must have access to an automobile for use on official business in the event a State vehicle cannot be provided. Standard mileage allowance will be paid for use of a privately owned vehicle.
4. Employees in this classification are subject to substance abuse testing in accordance with Code of Maryland Regulation 17.04.09, Testing for Illegal Use of Drugs.
SELECTION PROCESS
Only candidates who meet the minimum
qualifications will be considered for this classification. Therefore, it is
essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your
application. Successful candidates will be placed on the Eligible List
categorized as BEST QUALIFIED, BETTER QUALIFIED OR QUALIFIED and remain
eligible for consideration for at least one (1) year from the date of
examination. The list will be used by the hiring agency to select
employees.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of
your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the
position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the
rating may be based on your application. Report all experience and
education that is related to this position. Applicants may be given a physical
examination and will be subject to an interview, background investigation,
polygraph examination and substance abuse testing.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Currently, applicants are limited to uploading one
file. As a result, it is strongly urged that those applying upload ALL required
and additional documents (undergraduate and graduate transcripts, resumes,
etc.) as one file. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit an
application via mail. The Maryland State Application Form can be found online.
Completed applications, required documentation and any
required addendums may be mailed to:
Maryland State Police
Human Resources Division
1201 Reisterstown Road
Pikesville, MD 21208
ATTN: Kirsten M. Clouse
*If you have any questions
about this recruitment, please contact the Maryland State Police at
410-653-4349.
*TTY Users: call via Maryland
Relay.
*We thank our Veterans for their
service to our country and encourage them to apply.
*As an equal opportunity
employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting
employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.
*Bilingual applicants are
encouraged to apply.
It is the
policy of the Maryland State Police to comply with all applicable federal and
state laws prohibiting employment discrimination and to provide equal
employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without
regard to age, ancestry, color, gender, identity and expression, genetic
information, marital status, mental or physical disability, national origin,
race, religious affiliation, belief or opinion, sex, sexual orientation or any
other protected status.
Click on a link below to apply for this position:
| Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. | Apply Online |
| View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. | This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here. |
| Apply via Paper Application. | You may also download and complete the Paper Application here. |



