Mystery Career #13: Who Am I? Can You Guess My Job?

My job is considered a desk job. I work Monday through Friday, 40 hours a week. I administer tests, but I am not a teacher. Can you guess my profession?

Normally, my time is split between giving tests and interpreting results. Sometimes, I am required to travel to gather information to construct my test questions. These sites include morgues and crime scenes. Have you guessed my profession?

Some of my colleagues work independently as consultants, but only those with the credentials and years of experience are called upon regularly. Consultants must travel quite a bit more than I do.

Still can't guess who I am? Most people do not get the opportunity to take the test I administer during their lifetimes. Those that do, pray they pass. If one fails the test, one could be forced to drastically change one's lifestyle.

Everyone who has to take the test knows how important it is to pass it, so things can get pretty colorful if a subject starts to panic when I'm asking those ten hard questions. Because of this, an officer is always present during the test session-just in case a test subject decides to end the test by lunging at me.

The results of my tests are subject to interpretation. There are those that argue that the results could be swayed by the test giver. I disagree. If the test is administered by an experienced professional with the proper training and credentials, the results are extremely accurate. Science does not lie. Have you guessed my career yet?

I use a complex machine to record test results, but it is not a computer. Prior to a test session, I must ensure the machine is working properly and that it has plenty of ink and paper. There is no room for machine malfunctions or operator error in my line of work.

If you guessed that I am a polygraphist or lie detector examiner, you are absolutely right! Other titles for my job include interview specialist or interrogation specialist in government circles.

Polygraphists now fall under the forensic science umbrella. The forensic science term for one in my field is, "forensic psycho physiologist." The test I administer is called a "psycho physical detection of deception exam." I know, it's a mouthful!

I have a bachelor's degree in psychology, but many of my colleagues have associates degrees in criminal justice, forensic science or law enforcement fields. In addition, I completed a 320 hour course at the Backster School of Lie Detection in San Diego, Ca. Backster's was established in 1962 and is considered to be the premier school for polygraph examiner training and accreditation in the world at this time.

There are over twenty other polygraph training schools in the United States. Also there are professional societies for polygraph examiners one can join. In addition, polygraphists must be licensed in 21 states.

Salaries for beginning polygraphists start around $60,000 per year. With experience, one's salary can exceed $80,000 per year.

To read the last installment of Mystery Career, clickhere.

Sources:

1. American Association of Police Polygraphists, Inc. , policepolygraph.org/careers.htm

2. Backster School of Lie Detection, backster.net

3. POLYGRAPH EXAMINER, michigan.gov/careers/0,1607,7-170-46398-64725--,00.html

4. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, attorneygeneral.gov/crime.aspx?id=204

5. Polygraph Examiner - Find Polygraph Examiner Schools, Training, Jobs, and Career, criminaljustice-schools-degrees.com/polygraph-examiner.html