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While setting professional standards is important, it is only half of the process. Insuring alignment between agency policy and practice requires the identification of applicants that meet agency standards and posses a demonstrated history of adherence to similar ethics and values.
The Maryland Police & Correctional Training Commission and Accreditation Standards mandate an extensive background investigation process for a law enforcement applicant that takes several weeks to conduct. The background investigation process includes verification of education, criminal, driving, employment and credit histories through personal interviews with relatives, and current and past, friends, teachers employers and co-workers.
Brian Horton is a certified Polygraph Examiner recognized by the American Polygraph Association, and he also serves as our Pre-Employment Investigator. Brian joined the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office in December 2006. He is a former Baltimore City Police Department Lieutenant, where he retired after (25) years of service with a Master of Science degree in Management from the Johns Hopkins University.
A polygraph examination is an extremely valuable aid in the selection of prospective employees and an investigative step that is required by law during law enforcement applicant processing. The use of a polygraph examination has proven to enhance the screening of applicants and allows the agency to recruit the most qualified candidates.
Likewise during the investigation of criminal offenses, the polygraph allows for the maximum utilization of investigative resources by confirming or eliminating viable suspects. An examination can enhance the investigative process by corroborating or refuting victim or witness statements, while reviving stagnated investigations when conventional measures have been unproductive.