MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation gained five new polygraph examiners on Oct. 8, as the American International Institute of Polygraph culminated its rigorous 10-week course. The training, which is sponsored by the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy, in Meridian, Miss., was held at the Alabama Criminal Justice Training Center in Selma.
Special Agents Jess Thornton, Josh Colquitt, Brittney Hayes, Ronald Stough and Brett Manuel were among 15 law enforcement officers from six states who were recognized at a private ceremony. Institute Director Charles E. Slupski presented certificates along with ALEA’s SBI Director John Q. Hamm, Vice and Special Operations Chief Chris Inabinett, and Supervisory Special Agent Jason Powell in attendance.
ALEA’s new polygraph examiners will now apply for and be granted a temporary license which enables them to conduct polygraph examinations for pre-employment screenings, as well as criminal investigations. They will use their temporary licenses during a six-month internship, with a mentor (senior examiner) monitoring their examinations. Upon completion of the internship, they will be required to take the state board’s exam for permanent licenses.
In addition, the Stockbridge, Ga.-based Institute conducts three classes annually and offers classes in Ukraine and South Africa. Instruction includes a multitude of topics such as psychology, physiology, law, test-question construction, test-data analysis, countermeasures and pre- and post-test interviews.
ALEA’s new polygraph examiners will be located in SBI’s Region A (Mobile area), D (Montgomery area), E (Sheffield area) and F (Huntsville area). They will be an outstanding addition to the agency’s 11 current examiners.
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