The Editor, Sir:

It has been reported recently that the Police Service Commission subjected all short-listed candidates in its recent selection of the new commissioner of police to polygraph examinations.

Although this is the first time that polygraphing applicants for this post has been done in Jamaica, internationally, this is not an unusual step. Polygraph examin-ations are routinely used in the selection process for law enforcement officers at all levels, within several countries, including the United States (state and federal level), Canada, Singapore, South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago.

These law enforcement agencies report that polygraph testing is a very effective means by which to identify high-risk candidates. In 2005/2006, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police implemented the use of pre-employment polygraph testing for members to ensure that proper recruiting standards were maintained.

In a law enforcement pre-employment polygraph examination, the questions typically focus on such job-related inquiries as theft, bribery, falsification of information on the application, use of and/or involvement in illegal drugs, and criminal activities. The test questions are reviewed and discussed with the examinee during a pre-test interview before any polygraph testing is done.

This process serves to promote integrity and eliminate uncertainties, which may have been raised in the selection process.

It also helps to validate important criteria, which may have only been known by the subject or other participants. For example: has the subject every accepted a bribe?

It is, therefore, hoped that the Police Service Commission, having employed this screening process for applicants for the post of commissioner, will apply its use at all other levels within the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Island Special Constabulary Force.

I am, etc.,

DERYCK DWYER

Kingston

Polygraph examiner