Table of Contents
The Maryland Institute of Criminal Justice (MICJ) has stood as one of the leading institutions for polygraph training and applied testing in the United States. Established in 1971, MICJ has provided more than five decades of service to the criminal justice community, government agencies, and private individuals. With a dual focus on polygraph examinations and examiner training, the Institute has played a pivotal role in shaping the standards of modern credibility assessment.
History and Background
Founded during a period when the polygraph was gaining broader recognition as an investigative tool, MICJ quickly distinguished itself by combining practical testing services with an emphasis on professional education. Its mission was not only to deliver polygraph examinations in legal, civil, medical, and employment contexts but also to prepare new examiners through structured and accredited training programs.
Since 1971, MICJ has earned a reputation as a respected polygraph school, training hundreds of examiners who went on to serve in law enforcement, government, and private practice.
Accreditation and Professional Standards
A defining feature of MICJ is its dedication to professional standards. All examiners at MICJ are:
-
Members of the American Polygraph Association (APA) and the Maryland Polygraph Association.
-
Graduates of APA-accredited polygraph schools, ensuring that their qualifications meet national and international standards.
-
Experienced practitioners who apply validated methods of chart analysis, question formulation, and interview techniques.
The Institute itself is an accredited polygraph training institution, with its Basic Polygraph Examiner Course fully recognized by the APA and compliant with ASTM requirements. This accreditation places MICJ among a select group of schools in the United States trusted to deliver examiner education that meets professional benchmarks.
Polygraph Training at MICJ
MICJ emphasizes that effective training depends not on the instruments used, but on the mastery of technique. While all modern polygraph systems are computer-based and Windows compatible, the Institute stresses that the real difference lies in examiner skills such as:
-
Testing techniques
-
Question formulation
-
Chart analysis
-
Interview and interrogation methods
MICJ instructors teach validated Comparison Question Techniques and numerical evaluation methods used by the U.S. government since the 1960s. Specialized modules also cover police applicant screening, a frequent application of polygraph testing in law enforcement.
With over 100 years of combined field experience, the teaching faculty provides students with practical knowledge grounded in real-world application.
Opportunities for Veterans and Law Enforcement
The Basic Polygraph Examiner Course at MICJ is approved for payment under Veterans Benefits, offering former service members a pathway into a specialized investigative profession. The MICJ V.A. Facility Code is 2-5-0168-20.
Most MICJ students — around 85% — are already employed and sponsored by their law enforcement or government agencies. For others, the training creates opportunities in:
-
Self-employment as independent examiners.
-
Federal employment positions, where polygraph experience is highly valued.
-
Specialized investigative roles, often with starting salaries ranging from $30,000 to $60,000 depending on experience and jurisdiction.
Polygraph Examinations at MICJ
In addition to training, MICJ has provided polygraph examinations since 1971. These tests address:
-
Criminal investigations (supporting law enforcement inquiries).
-
Civil and legal disputes.
-
Family and personal matters, including trust and fidelity issues.
-
Employee-related testing, conducted in compliance with EPPA and ADA regulations.
All tests are conducted by professional examiners under recognized standards, ensuring objectivity and confidentiality.
Leadership and Legacy
The MICJ was directed for decades by Billy H. Thompson and his staff, who oversaw both the delivery of training and examination services. Their commitment established MICJ as a cornerstone of polygraph practice in Maryland and beyond.
The Institute also remembers its notable faculty, including Richard Davis, Joseph Keough, Raymond Weir, Norman Ansley, and Richard Dean, whose contributions helped shape generations of examiners.
Conclusion
The Maryland Institute of Criminal Justice (MICJ) represents a significant chapter in the history of polygraph training and services in the United States. Since 1971, it has combined accredited education, professional testing, and adherence to rigorous standards — ensuring its influence continues to be felt across law enforcement, government, and private practice.
Whether viewed as a training institution or a provider of polygraph services, MICJ has maintained a reputation for professionalism, scientific rigor, and dedication to the advancement of polygraph science.
