Colorado Polygraph Association

Colorado Association of Polygraph Examiners: An Introduction

The Colorado Association of Polygraph Examiners (CAPE) serves as Colorado's premier professional organization dedicated to uniting polygraph professionals to influence legislation, elevate standards, and promote education, training, and accountability within the field. Founded and officially registered as a corporation with the State of Colorado on February 23, 1962, CAPE represents one of the nation's longest-established state polygraph associations. The organization was recognized as a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation on February 16, 1973, and has maintained this status continuously.

Mission & Professional Standards

CAPE aims to establish and uphold standardized practices within the polygraph community in Colorado, fostering a unified commitment to a shared ethical and moral code among all professional polygraph examiners in the region. The association sets forth comprehensive Standards of Practice that guide the conduct of polygraph examinations, emphasizing the primary responsibility of examiners to seek the truth impartially and to protect the rights and confidentiality of examinees. These standards align with our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice principles.

Membership, Benefits & Leadership Structure

CAPE offers five classes of membership: Active, Honorary, Associate, Lifetime, and Inactive. To qualify for Active Member standing, applicants must be polygraph examiners graduated and certified by leading national polygraph association or American Association of Police Polygraphists examiner accredited schools. The association's governance structure includes a President, three Vice-Presidents representing Federal, Law Enforcement, and Private polygraph examiners, a fourth Vice-President overseeing professionalism and education, plus Secretary, Treasurer and immediate Past President serving as Chairman of the Board. Officers serve two-year terms and elections are held at the Fall semiannual meeting.

Training, Seminars & Continuing Education

CAPE provides opportunities for members to engage, share knowledge, and stay updated on the latest developments in polygraphy through semiannual meetings. The association encourages scientific training, education, and research, alongside the advancement of progressive techniques. CAPE advocates for professional development of examiners, requiring the submission of polygraph examinations for review to ensure proficiency and adherence to established practices.

Regulatory Landscape

Colorado does not require state licensing for polygraph examiners, placing it among the majority of states without mandatory licensure. However, professional examiners maintain memberships in organizations like CAPE and the leading national polygraph association, with specialized certifications such as Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) approval for those conducting post-conviction sex offender testing. Examiners can achieve Full Operating Level status with the Colorado SOMB, authorizing work with adults, juveniles, and clients with developmental disabilities.

Role in the Broader Profession

CAPE members maintain active standing with the leading national polygraph association, demonstrating commitment to national professional standards. The association serves as Colorado's primary link to the broader polygraph community and maintains connections through our comprehensive Polygraph Associations Directory. CAPE headquarters operates through Baseline Associates, Inc., providing continuity and professional support for the association's activities.

Colorado does not require state licensing for polygraph examiners. The state is among those including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, and Maryland that do not mandate specific polygraph examiner licensure. However, specialized certification is required for certain practice areas, such as approval by the Colorado Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB) for examiners conducting sexual offender testing. The Colorado SOMB provides Full Operating Level certification that authorizes examiners to work with adults, juveniles, and clients with developmental disabilities. While no state licensing board governs general polygraph practice, professional standards are maintained through professional association memberships and specialized certifications for specific client populations.