Arkansas Polygraph Association

Arkansas Polygraph Association: An Introduction

The Arkansas Polygraph Association (APA) is an association of more than one hundred professionals dedicated to serving the cause of truth with integrity, objectivity and fairness to all persons. Established as a state affiliate of the leading national polygraph association, the Arkansas Polygraph Association serves polygraph examiners throughout the Natural State. The association currently operates with David Osborn serving as President, contactable at (870) 365-8190 or [email protected]. While the association previously maintained a website at arkansapolygraph.webs.com, it currently has no active website according to the leading national polygraph organization's records.

History & Evolution

The Arkansas Polygraph Association emerged as part of the broader professional polygraph movement that gained momentum following the establishment of the leading national association in 1966. The organization was founded to serve Arkansas's growing community of polygraph professionals, providing a state-level platform for education, networking, and professional standards. Over the decades, the association has maintained its commitment to professional excellence while adapting to changes in Arkansas's regulatory environment, including the state's transition from board-based licensing to oversight by the Arkansas State Police.

Mission & Professional Standards

The association is dedicated to judiciously screening applicants for membership as to their education, training, experience and moral character to assure professional competence and ethical conduct by all members. It encourages education through training and provides a forum for the presentation and exchange of information relative to polygraphy, while regulating the conduct of members by requiring the utilization of generally accepted standards, procedures and techniques. Members are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards, aligning with our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to ensure public trust and professional integrity.

Membership, Benefits & Dues

The Arkansas Polygraph Association welcomes qualified polygraph examiners who meet professional standards for education, training, and moral character. With more than one hundred professionals in its membership, the association provides a substantial network for practitioners throughout Arkansas. While specific membership dues information is not publicly available, the association offers members opportunities for professional development, networking, and continuing education. Members benefit from association with a professional organization that maintains high standards and provides a forum for the exchange of information relevant to the polygraph profession.

Training, Seminars & Continuing Education

The Arkansas Polygraph Association focuses on encouraging education of members and the polygraph community through education and training and providing a forum for the presentation and exchange of information relative to polygraphy. While the association does not currently maintain an active website with detailed seminar information, it continues to support the professional development of its members through educational initiatives and adherence to nationally recognized training standards. Members benefit from the association's commitment to maintaining current knowledge and techniques in the field.

Licensing & State Regulation

Arkansas requires polygraph examiner licensing through the Arkansas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, located at 1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209, with contact at (501) 618-8600. Requirements include being at least 21 years of age, graduation from an accredited training school, background check, and either a 4-year college degree or 5 years of investigative experience. The Director of the Department of Arkansas State Police performs the functions and duties related to the licensing of polygraph examiners and interns, following legislative changes that transferred oversight from a dedicated board to the State Police.

Role in the Broader Profession

The Arkansas Polygraph Association serves as an important state affiliate within the national polygraph community, maintaining connections with the broader professional network through its Polygraph Associations Directory. Despite not currently maintaining an active website, the association continues to represent Arkansas polygraph professionals and uphold professional standards within the state's regulated polygraph environment.

Arkansas requires polygraph examiner licensing through the Arkansas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies at 1 State Police Plaza Drive, Little Rock, AR 72209, phone (501) 618-8600. License requirements include minimum age of 21, graduation from an accredited training school, background check, and either a 4-year college degree or 5 years investigative experience. Following 2015 legislation, the Director of the Arkansas State Police now performs licensing functions and duties for polygraph examiners and interns. Applicants must graduate from a polygraph examiners course approved by the Director of the Arkansas State Police and complete an internship of not less than six months. The licensing system ensures that Arkansas polygraph examiners meet rigorous professional and educational standards before practicing in the state.