Polygraph Interview/Examination

Applicants will participate in a polygraph interview/examination as part of the selection process. The pre-employment polygraph examination takes place in the Recruiting Office (11638, 142 Street NW, Edmonton). Applicants should arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment. Allow extra time for parking, as it is in short supply around both buildings.

Preparing for your polygraph

Ensure you maintain a normal routine prior to attending; ie: taking prescriptions as prescribed, adequate rest, nutrition, and consume normal quantities of coffee/tea). The procedure takes approximately 4-6 hours.

Most applicants are curious about the pre-employment polygraph examination procedure and will seek out information prior to attending their scheduled appointment. We encourage applicants to research common sources of information including, but not limited to the following:

• Polygraph Association
• Other police applicants (ie: current co-workers, run with recruiters);
• Current police officers
• Family/friends
• Social media
• Television and movies
• Podcasts (ie. Gil Witte-Episode 4 of the police applicant podcast)  

It’s important for applicants to recognize there is much misinformation and disinformation regarding the use of polygraph specifically as part of a hiring process, the accuracy of the results, and what applicants should/should not do during their pre-employment polygraph procedure. Misinformation and bad advice account for some applicants not successfully completing this stage. The polygraph examiner will openly discuss any or all these sources of information with the applicant prior to the in-test portion of the procedure and ensure that each applicant is fully informed and set up for success.

Most applicants become nervous, anxious or apprehensive when they are asked to submit to a pre-employment polygraph examination. This is normal and will NOT affect the results in any way. The examiner will answer all questions the applicant may have prior to conducting the in-test portion of the procedure. Applicants are encouraged to discuss and/or explain any issues that cause them concern. The examiner will review the test questions and answers with the applicant prior to the in-test portion of the procedure. The polygraph examiner will ensure that each applicant is very well prepared for their pre-employment polygraph.

EPS Polygraph Examiners attend the Polygraph School at the Canadian Police College which is accredited by the American Polygraph Association.

Appointments for the polygraph examination are scheduled through the recruiting office. Applicants who successfully complete this stage may move on to Stage 7.

What is the polygraph used for?

The purpose of the pre-employment polygraph examination is to prevent infiltration and/or corruption within the Edmonton Police Service. This means being 100% truthful throughout the entire application process (i.e. information supplied on the Personal Disclosure Form and responses given during the PDI). If an applicant has made a mistake, a misstatement on their employment application, or when they have additional disclosure(s) or new information, they should inform their file manager or polygraph examiner prior to the in-test portion of the pre-employment polygraph examination.