City of Tampa

Polygraph Specialist (#007510) N33

$35.72-$53.57 Hourly / $6,191.47-$9,285.47 Monthly / $74,297.60-$111,425.60 Yearly

Introduction

This is responsible professional work involving conducting polygraph examinations at the Tampa Police Department. 

Nature Of Work

An employee in this class is responsible for performing work of considerable difficulty in conducting investigative polygraph examinations and assisting in background investigations as assigned. The employee conducts polygraphs for individuals being considered for employment with the City of Tampa in public safety, security, cash handling, or other sensitive occupations. The employee also conducts evidentiary polygraph examinations to assist the detective division and other city departments in criminal investigations. Work requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent judgment in conducting the examinations. The work performed is of an extremely sensitive nature requiring considerable tact, discretion, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, and reports submitted.

Examples of Duties

Schedules and conducts polygraph examinations for job applicants including police officers, firefighters, security guards, cashiers, recreation leaders, and others as deemed appropriate; schedules and conducts polygraph examinations on an as needed basis for detective division and other city departments.

Utilizes valid test question formats for polygraph examinations; interrogates, interviews and screens individuals; uses a device or instrument which records as minimum standards, permanently, and simultaneously, the examinee’s cardiovascular (blood pressure and pulse), respiratory (breathing) patterns and electrodermal conductivity, in order to examine individuals for the purpose of detecting truth or deception, such an instrument may record additional physiological changes pertinent to the detection of truth or deception; interprets reactions to key questions as recorded on a moving chart or digital display; during interview, inquires deeper into those areas where concerns are encountered.

Completes records of interviews; maintains permanent polygraph file of examinations conducted; maintains indices files of all polygraph examinations conducted.

Performs basic routine maintenance of the polygraph instruments; maintains sufficient supplies to conduct polygraph examinations.

Attends polygraph, interview and interrogation seminars to improve necessary skills and knowledges. 

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: mechanical and electrically enhanced polygraph instruments; various computer applications.

Working knowledge of: polygraph equipment maintenance.

Ability to: conduct polygraph examinations; perform routine maintenance of the polygraph instrument; keep accurate records and make reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public. 

Skill in: interviewing, interrogating, and communicating.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree including major course work in criminology, criminal justice or a related field. Graduation from an American Polygraph Association accredited professional polygraph examiner training course (proof of APA certification will be required),  and five (5) years of experience in a law enforcement environment. 

OR

An equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED),training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Licenses or Certifications

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license required.

Membership in the American Polygraph Association, American Association of Police Polygraphists and/or Florida Polygraph Association might be required.

Comments

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.
CLASS: 007510; EST: 8/9/2013; REV: 6/17/2025;