Table of Contents
The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) is actively seeking a dedicated and skilled Polygraph Examiner to join our team. This critical role involves administering polygraph examinations for both pre-employment screenings and criminal investigations. The position reports to the Human Resources background investigation team and is a vital member of the KCSO Criminal Investigations unit.
About the King County Sheriff’s Office
With a workforce of over 1,200 employees, the King County Sheriff’s Office serves the law enforcement needs of more than half a million residents across unincorporated King County and twelve contract cities. We also provide law enforcement services to the Muckleshoot Tribe, Metro Transit, and the King County International Airport. Our mission is guided by the principles of Leadership, Integrity, Service, and Teamwork, and we are committed to meeting the needs of King County’s 2.2 million residents.
Key Responsibilities
As a Polygraph Examiner with the KCSO, you will be expected to:
- Administer polygraph exams using modern interviewing techniques.
- Conduct thorough pre-test interviews and polygraph examinations for both deputy and civilian candidates.
- Interview and interrogate suspects, victims, witnesses, and other involved parties as required by KCSO investigations.
- Maintain strong working relationships with KCSO personnel.
- Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with limited English proficiency.
- Prepare legally admissible statements and comprehensive, confidential investigative reports.
- Provide expert testimony in King County District and Superior Court.
- Score and evaluate polygraph charts to ensure accuracy and reliability.
- Operate, maintain, and calibrate polygraph instruments.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Skills
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Certification as a polygraph examiner from an accredited program recognized by the American Polygraph Association (APA) or the American Association of Police Polygraphers (AAPP).
- Experience conducting a minimum of 150 polygraph examinations.
- Knowledge of federal and local laws relating to pre-employment investigations.
- Proficiency in interviewing and interrogation techniques.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to adapt to new policies and procedures in line with changing laws and regulations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with a focus on cultural sensitivity and equity.
Ideal candidates will also have:
- Associate or full membership with APA or AAPP.
- Experience working in law enforcement or a criminal justice agency.
- Experience conducting polygraphs for criminal investigations using current techniques.
Position Details
This position is classified as a civil service, career service, non-exempt (overtime eligible) role and is represented by the Public Safety Employees Union (PSEU) non-commission professional staff. The usual workweek is 40 hours (weekdays, approximately 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM), though hours may vary based on business needs, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
This position is based at the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle, with an eventual move to Renton.
As a condition of employment, the incumbent will be required to become an associate member of APA or AAPP within a year of hire. The Sheriff’s Office will support the incumbent in meeting and maintaining the standards required for full membership with these organizations.
Application Process
To apply, complete an online employment application via governmentjobs.com. Please ensure your application is up-to-date and includes your complete employment history. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed job application, and applications that refer to a resume instead of providing detailed information will be considered incomplete.
Before applying, review the complete list of KCSO Automatically Disqualifying Behaviors. Applications will be evaluated for clarity and completeness, and those who meet the qualifications will advance to the oral board exam.
Join Us
If you share our commitment to Leadership, Integrity, Service, and Teamwork, and are ready to contribute to the safety and well-being of King County’s residents, we encourage you to apply for this important position.
For more information on the application process and to submit your application, visit governmentjobs.com.
