301605

ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE GENERAL ORDER Effective Date: March 7, 2012  Amends - GO 16.1.0 (May 7, 2010) Number: 16.1.0 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month: January Reviewing Authority: HRD / Recruiting & Background Subject: Compu ter Voice Stress Analyzer Operation This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for conducting exams using the agency ’s computer voice stress analyzer equipmen t for investigations and employment processing . 2. Policy It is the policy of the agency that CVSA examinations will be conduct ed by CVSA examiners in a manner consistent with training and guidelines provided by an appropriate certifying entity and the Orang e County Sheriff’s Office. 3. Definitions A. Audio Recorded Analysis – The CVSA examiner’s analysis of the recorded responses of an interview wherein the interviewee has responded with “yes” or “no” answers to a pre -formatted questionnaire. B. Cold Call – A revie w performed by a second CVSA examiner of the chart results from a previously administered examination. The second CVSA examiner shall review the chart results independently of the first examiner and render an unbiased decision of either Deception Indicate d (DI) or No Deception Indicated (NDI). The primary CVSA examiner shall document the results of the cold call in the report. C. Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) – The CVSA is a psychological stress evaluator that detects, measures and charts the stre ss in a person’s voice (live or recorded ). D. Covert Interviews – Audio recorded analysis by the CVSA examiner where investigators have obtained prior recorded interviews from a suspect, victim, witness, or complainant that can be analyzed without acknowledg ement or consent of the subject . 16.1.0, Page 2 of 8 E. CVSA Examiner – An employee who has satisfactorily completed necessary training , has received certification from an approved certifying entity and has successfully completed the Orange County Sheriff’s Office approved inte rnship . F. Overt Interviews – Live interviews by the CVSA examiner with the suspect, victim, witness, complainant or prospective employee’s acknowledgement and consent. 4. Procedures A. Use of the CVSA Examination for Pre -employment Purpose CVSA examinations will be used to assist in the selection process for employment. Applicants shall be provided with a questionnaire to complete before the CVSA examination appointment . Using the results of the CVSA instrument as the single determining factor of employment st atus is prohibited. B. Use of the CVSA Examination for Investigative Purpose CVSA examinations should be utilized in conjunction with investigative leads and interviews of available suspect(s), victim(s), and witness(es). The sole use of the CVSA results are not to be used for arrest or legal action, but are designed for developing leads and obtaining case direction. The CVSA is adaptable to both overt and covert examinations and will be conducted in accordance with applicable law. C. Cold Call Dispute Resolution If the charts depict atypical results, and the primary and secondary CVSA examiners cannot render a final evaluation of the overall CVSA exam, the following procedures should be followed. 1. The CVSA examiner’s Division Commander, along with th e investigating detective’s Division Commander, shall be notified of the inability to agree upon a final rendering of the criminal CVSA exam. 2. Both the primary and secondary CVSA examiners may consult with a senior CVSA examiner for the final rendering of the criminal CVSA exam. Alternatively, they may consult with a representative from an approved certifying entity for the final rendering of the CVSA exam. D. Persons Who May Be Tested Any individual who knows right from wrong and can understand the qu estions presented may be tested. Children under the age of eighteen must have parental or legal guardian consent prior to testing. The consent must be in writing and in the possession of the CVSA examiner prior to the beginning of the examination. E. Persons Who May Not Be Tested 1. Any person who has been forced or coerced into taking the examination. 2. Any person who has been indicted by the Grand Jury or formally charged with the crime for which the assistance of the CVSA examiner has been requested, unle ss there is an agreement and stipulation signed by the 16.1.0, Page 3 of 8 person to be examined, the defense attorney, and the prosecuting attorney assigned to the case by the State Attorney’s Office. 3. Anyone who is not sufficiently relaxed , as determined by the CVSA examine r. A cooling off period will be required for anyone following an interrogation or intense interview, or who is extremely angry. 4. Anyone who is severely mentally disabled. 5. Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. 6. Children under six year s of age. F. Selection of Personnel Criteria for selection 1. Successful completion of agency probation period as Deputy Sheriff. 2. No policy violations within past twelve (12) months for which discipline greater than twelve (12) hours suspension without pay was awarded. 3. Recommendation by chain of command. 4. Meets standards on recent performance