What is CAPE? Understanding the Colorado Association of Polygraph Examiners

If you've recently discovered CAPE and are wondering what we do, you're not alone. The Colorado Association of Polygraph Examiners (CAPE) serves as a professional organization dedicated to supporting polygraph examiners throughout Colorado through continuing education, networking, collaboration, and professional development.

Our membership includes law enforcement examiners, private examiners, government professionals, and others who have a professional interest in the field of credibility assessment and investigative interviewing. CAPE exists to promote professionalism within the polygraph community while providing opportunities for examiners to learn from one another and stay current on developments affecting our profession.

What CAPE Does

CAPE regularly hosts training events that bring together professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including:

• Law Enforcement

  
  

• Private Polygraph Examiners

  
  

• Private Investigators

  
  

• Legal Professionals

  
  

• SOMB-Related Professionals

  
  

• Mental Health Professionals

  
  

• Other professionals who work within investigative and truth verification fields

  
  

Our training events focus on continuing education, investigative techniques, examiner wellness, emerging technologies, legal developments, interviewing skills, case studies, and topics that help practitioners improve their effectiveness and professionalism.

Just as importantly, CAPE works to strengthen relationships between the polygraph profession and the broader investigative community. We believe collaboration benefits everyone involved, from examiners and investigators to attorneys, treatment providers, and the clients we serve.

What CAPE Does Not Do

One of the most common questions we receive is:

"How do I become a polygraph examiner?"

While CAPE hosts professional training events for practicing examiners and those working in related professions, CAPE does not provide basic polygraph examiner training or certification programs.

Individuals interested in becoming a polygraph examiner should contact the American Polygraph Association (APA) for information regarding accredited polygraph schools, training requirements, and career pathways. The APA remains one of the best resources for obtaining information about examiner education and professional standards.

For more information about becoming a polygraph examiner, we encourage prospective students to visit the American Polygraph Association's website and review their educational resources.

What Is a Polygraph Examination?

A polygraph examination is a structured process designed to assist in assessing the truthfulness of an individual's statements. Contrary to what many people see on television, a polygraph examination involves far more than simply being connected to an instrument and asking questions.

The examination process generally includes:

The Pre-Test Interview

The pre-test interview is often the most important part of the examination. During this phase, the examiner gathers information, discusses the issue under investigation, reviews the questions that will be asked, and ensures the examinee understands the process completely.

The Polygraph Collection Phase

During testing, a computerized polygraph instrument records physiological data such as:

• Breathing patterns

  
  

• Cardiovascular activity

  
  

• Perspiration responses

  
  

• Other physiological indicators associated with psychological stress and cognitive processing

  
  

The examiner then analyzes these recorded responses using established scoring methods and professional standards.

Post-Test Discussion

Once the examination is complete, the examiner may review areas of concern, clarify statements, and discuss the results with the examinee or the authorized client.

It is important to understand that a polygraph examination is not a mind-reading device. Rather, it is a forensic tool used as part of a larger investigative process to assist in assessing credibility and verifying information.

Common Uses for Polygraph Examinations

Polygraph examinations are commonly used in several areas, including:

• Law Enforcement Background Investigations

  
  

• Criminal Investigations

  
  

• Internal Administrative Investigations

  
  

• Sex Offender Management Programs

  
  

• Legal and Civil Matters

  
  

• Theft Investigations

  
  

• Relationship and Infidelity Issues

  
  

• Pre-Employment Screening for Public Safety Positions

  
  

When conducted by properly trained examiners and used appropriately, polygraph examinations can provide valuable information to investigators, attorneys, treatment providers, employers, and private individuals.

Join Us at an Upcoming CAPE Event

Whether you are an experienced examiner, a law enforcement professional, a private investigator, or someone interested in learning more about the profession, we invite you to attend one of our upcoming training events.

CAPE is committed to providing relevant training, fostering professional relationships, and supporting the continued growth of the polygraph profession throughout Colorado.

To learn more about upcoming CAPE training opportunities, visit our events page and join us at a future meeting. Together, we can continue building a stronger and more connected professional community.