Polygraphist I/II

About the role

The Colorado Springs Police Department will consider applicants at both the Polygraphist I and Polygraphist II experience levels. If selected for this position at the Polygraphist I level, you must be able to attend and successfully complete a 10-week polygraph certification class within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct polygraph examinations for pre-employment, volunteers and reassignment screening.
• Conduct polygraph examinations of suspects, witnesses, and victims of criminal activity.
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday (8-hour days) with flexibility of a four day week (10-hour days) after the initial training period.
• Available to answer questions, conduct investigative polygraphs after hours when appropriate, and work overtime as necessary to meet operational needs.
• Subject to budget required furloughs to be implemented in the 2026 calendar year.

Requirements

• Polygraphist I: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study; preferably psychology, criminalistics, or other related field. Three years of full-time, professional experience in a related field.
• Polygraphist II: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a related area of study; preferably psychology, criminalistics, or other related field. Graduation from an institution accredited by the American Polygraph Association. Five years of full-time, professional experience in a related field, including experience investigating serious felony crimes, experience conducting interviews and interrogations, and three years of full-time responsible experience in polygraph examination.

Qualifications

• One year of relevant work experience may be substituted for one year of required education (OR) one year of academic coursework directly related to this position beyond the minimum requirement may be substituted for one year of required professional experience.
• Preferred qualifications include 10 years law enforcement experience, certification as a polygraphist from an APA accredited institution, specialized training related to investigations and interrogations, and bilingual in Spanish.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of polygraph instrumentation, components, and software.
• Awareness of legal and ethical guidelines governing polygraph use (e.g., federal rules, state laws, professional codes of conduct).
• Basic understanding of human physiology related to polygraph charts (respiration, cardiovascular activity, galvanic skin response).
• Basic understanding of psychological concepts such as stress responses and behavior indicators.
• Effective communication and rapport-building skills.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports.
• Ability to remain objective and maintain professional neutrality.
• Ability to manage examinee anxiety or discomfort appropriately.
• Ability to adhere strictly to established testing procedures.
• Ability to maintain calm in high-stress or emotionally charged situations.

Benefits

• Starting salary range for Polygraphist I: $31.75 - $38.12 per hour (non-exempt)
• Starting salary range for Polygraphist II: $34.61 - $41.55 per hour (exempt)

Pay

• Starting salary range for Polygraphist I: $31.75 - $38.12 per hour (non-exempt)
• Starting salary range for Polygraphist II: $34.61 - $41.55 per hour (exempt)

Schedule

• Monday through Friday (8-hour days) with flexibility of a four day week (10-hour days) after the initial training period.