Policy Text
PURPOSE SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
OFFICE OF INVESTIGATIONS
527.13
POLYGRAPH EXAMINATIONS
02-08-2010
The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures for requesting polygraph examinations.
POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Sacramento Police Department that polygraph examinations be available to officers as
a tool for investigating cases.
PROCEDURE
A. REQUESTS
1. To avoid indiscriminate use of the polygraph and ensure quality case evaluations,
investigative personnel shall:
a. meet with the polygraph examiner before scheduling an examination so the
examiner's caseload can be checked and/or adjusted. Scheduling shall be done as
personnel, time constraints, and other considerations dictate.
b. provide the examiner with the report number or a comprehensive summary of the
case and personal information of the subjects to be examined.
c. meet with the examiner to discuss the merits of the case, other areas of concern
and provide documents that may be needed for the exam (e.g. pictures, maps
etc.)
d. monitor the polygraph examination both for security of the examiner and to gain
information that is obtained during the examination. If the person being examined
is under arrest, the investigator shall have custodial responsibility.
e. If a confession or admission is obtained by the examiner the investigator shall re-
interview the subject and attempt to have the confession or admission repeated
to them directly.
2. Any deviation from this procedure, (e.g. emergency circumstances) shall be subject to
approval by the Division Commander or designee.
B. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
1. Attorneys may attend the pre-test examination but may not be present during the actual
test.
2. Detectives shall advise the test subject to refrain from using alcohol or non- prescription
drugs twenty -four (24) hours before the examination, that the test will take 2 to 3 hours
and to wear a non bulky shirt.
3. The examiner shall explain the rest of the procedures to the subject.
4. Pre-existing coronary conditions shall require a doctor's release.
5. Victim(s) of sex offense(s) or women who are pregnant shall not be tested.
6. If there is a custodial situation with the test subject, the investigator shall:
a. Ensure that a proper Miranda advisement has been given to the subject.
b. Advise the examiner that the test subject has waived their Miranda rights.
C. EXAMINER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Examiners shall:
a. complete the examination using a technique that he/she has been trained in from
an accredited polygraph school.
b. discuss the results with the investigator at the end of the interview, so that the
investigator may conduct a follow -up interview with the subject.
c. ensure that the interview is audio or video recorded and that the tapes are
properly booked.
d. ensure that the electronic recording of the polygraph test (e.g. all charts) is
appropriately booked into SPD Property as evidence.
e. complete a written polygraph report and submit it to the case file.
2. Examiners shall not conduct a polygraph examination if he/she believes the person is not
mentally or physically fit for the examination.
O.O.I. 527.13
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