The Polygraph Unit is a component of the Investigative Support Services, which supplies investigative assistance to the entire police service.  The function of the Polygraph Unit is to determine the truthfulness or deception of individuals who volunteer to participate in a polygraph examination.

The unit was established in 1980, when the first officer attended the Canadian Police College's Polygraph School.  The unit is staffed by one Detective Sergeant, who regularly administers examinations to persons who become involved in criminal investigations.

Using the polygraph instrument, (commonly referred to as the "lie detector"), the Detective Sergeant evaluates the psycho-physiological responses of the subject, to determine whether the person is telling the truth during the examination.

The instrument itself originally appeared to be a brief case style unit, with chart paper and an ink pen operation.  With the advances in technology, a computerized model is now in use by most police services, and facilitates ease of operation and portability.

The officer assigned to this unit, due to their specialized education, is a valuable resource not only to the Police Service for in-house training, but also to the community, in presenting and demonstrating the application of the polygraph process.

A Laptop Computer used to administer Polygraph tests

NRPS Polygraphist, Detective Sergeant Pete Racine, demonstrates a polygraph examination on Carley Adair, Forensic Unit Clerk