The Polygraph Examiners Course (PEC) at the Canadian Police College is a comprehensive training program designed to equip law enforcement, military, and intelligence professionals with the skills to conduct polygraph examinations. This course is crucial for personnel who handle sensitive investigations where determining truthfulness is essential. With the ability to detect deception, polygraph examiners play a key role in criminal, military, and intelligence investigations throughout Canada.
The Canadian Police College plays a pivotal role in training certified polygraph examiners for law enforcement, military, and intelligence agencies across Canada. Working closely with organizations such as the Canadian Association of Police Polygraphists and the American Association of Police Polygraphists, the college offers specialized courses, including the Polygraph Examiners Course (PEC), Investigative Phased Interviewing Course (IPIC), and Security Screening Interview Techniques Course (SSITC). While courses are primarily delivered in Ottawa, they can be offered at other locations on a case-by-case basis to meet specific needs.
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Overview of the Polygraph Examiners Course
The Polygraph Examiners Course (PEC) is a rigorous program that spans three distinct phases, providing participants with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and certification through supervised application. The course is designed to develop proficiency in operating polygraph equipment, analyzing physiological responses, and conducting examinations to assess the truthfulness of individuals involved in investigations.
Course Structure and Phases
- Academic Phase (10 weeks):
This phase covers theoretical concepts and practical exercises, preparing participants to understand the mechanical and scientific principles behind polygraph testing. Participants are required to memorize the Pre-Test Script, an essential step in ensuring consistent polygraph examinations. - Internship Phase (2 weeks):
Participants apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios under direct supervision. This hands-on training allows students to conduct polygraph tests in a controlled environment, refining their skills through guided practice. - Certification Phase (9 months):
During this phase, participants conduct polygraph examinations with indirect supervision. They continue to gain experience while being evaluated on their performance in real-world investigations. Successful completion of this phase results in certification as a polygraph examiner.
Practical Training and Delivery
The course is delivered in person at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa. It includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises conducted in a dedicated polygraph suite, equipped with state-of-the-art polygraph instruments. Class size is limited to 14 participants to ensure focused, hands-on training.
Participants learn to operate polygraph instruments, analyze physiological changes, and incorporate cognitive interviewing techniques to elicit information from subjects. By the end of the course, participants are fully capable of conducting thorough polygraph examinations and applying ethical interrogation techniques.
Polygraph in Canadian Investigations
Polygraph examinations are commonly used in Canada as an investigative tool to support law enforcement, military, and intelligence operations. The ability to assess truthfulness and detect deception plays a vital role in criminal investigations, such as cases involving fraud, espionage, and corruption. Polygraph testing is also used in security clearances for personnel who handle classified or sensitive information.
The Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) are examples of agencies that employ polygraph examiners trained by the Canadian Police College. In these settings, polygraph testing is used to verify statements, uncover deception, and prevent breaches of national security. Polygraph examiners may also work with civilian police forces, investigating serious crimes like homicide, sexual assault, and organized crime activities.
Eligibility and Requirements
The Polygraph Examiners Course is open to experienced investigators and interviewers employed by recognized domestic or international police, military, or intelligence agencies. Applicants must provide a letter of support from the head of their agency’s polygraph unit, as the course is only available to professionals involved in agencies with established polygraph programs.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants are expected to demonstrate several key competencies, including:
- The ability to operate and maintain polygraph instruments.
- Conducting pre-test interviews to set up examinations.
- Analyzing physiological data to distinguish between truthfulness and deception.
- Applying interrogation techniques to gather confessions or admissions from deceptive individuals.
- Preparing detailed reports and court briefs based on examination results.
Additionally, participants learn to identify factors that may affect polygraph results, such as drug or alcohol use, personality traits, and physical or emotional stress. Ethical considerations and legal implications of polygraph use are emphasized throughout the course.
Post-Course Certification and Career Opportunities
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates are certified as polygraph examiners. They are well-prepared to conduct polygraph examinations in a range of settings, from local police investigations to national security operations. The Canadian Police College has also partnered with Wilfrid Laurier University to offer transfer credits toward a Bachelor of Arts in Policing for course graduates, providing further educational and professional opportunities.
Conclusion
The Polygraph Examiners Course at the Canadian Police College is essential for professionals seeking to enhance their investigative capabilities in Canada’s law enforcement and security sectors. By training polygraph examiners to conduct ethical and scientifically sound tests, the course ensures that Canada’s police, military, and intelligence agencies have the tools they need to maintain the integrity of their investigations and uphold national security.
For more information or to apply for the Polygraph Examiners Course, visit the Canadian Police College website or contact the registrar via email at [email protected].
