Pre-Employment Polygraph Examinations: What Agencies Should Know
By Olympic Mountain Polygraph, LLC
Hiring the right personnel is one of the most critical responsibilities of any law enforcement agency. A pre-employment polygraph examination is designed to support that mission by helping ensure the integrity, suitability, and honesty of applicants entering positions of public trust. When conducted by a qualified, APA-certified examiner, polygraph screening can serve as a reliable component of an agency’s background investigation process.
Purpose of Pre-Employment Polygraph Testing
The goal of a pre-employment polygraph is not to label or disqualify an applicant—it is to verify the accuracy of information already provided during the hiring process. These examinations identify undisclosed criminal activity, drug history, integrity concerns, and any behavior incompatible with the expectations of the role being sought.
The polygraph is just one tool among many, but when applied ethically and scientifically, it can significantly strengthen an agency’s overall hiring confidence.
Examination Process
A pre-employment exam includes a structured pre-test interview, review of relevant application materials, validated question formulation, physiological data collection, and post-test analysis. All procedures must conform to the Standards of Practice established by the American Polygraph Association (APA), ensuring fairness, scientific reliability, and consistent methodology across all applicants.
At Olympic Mountain Polygraph, results are provided through a detailed written report summarizing the examiner’s professional opinion based on physiological data—not personal judgment or hiring recommendation.
Value to Law Enforcement and Corrections Agencies
A properly administered polygraph reduces uncertainty and can confirm when an applicant is presenting honest information. For agencies managing high-risk public-safety positions, confidence in the truth is not optional—it is foundational.
Polygraph examinations help maintain internal accountability and protect the integrity of the badge, the community, and the agency’s mission.
Professional Standards and Neutrality
All examinations conducted by Olympic Mountain Polygraph are confidential, impartial, and held to the highest professional standard. Every applicant receives the same respectful, consistent testing process, regardless of background or experience.
Scheduling and Coordination
Pre-employment examinations are scheduled by agency request and typically last two to three hours. Written results are delivered the same day unless otherwise arranged.
For scheduling or consultation, please contact:
Olympic Mountain Polygraph, LLC
360-239-3154 | Jeff@OlympicMountainPolygraph.com
Truth Verified. Trust Earned.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or interpretation of individual test results.
