BACKGROUNDER
HRM Polygraph & Recruitment Review
November 19, 2008
HRM Polygraph & Recruitment Review
As there continue to be questions with respect to the recruiting practices of Halifax Regional Municipality, the following provides an update on the status of the review.
HRM Review
The current review encompasses several areas of focus. The information to be provided includes the following:
• A detailed summary of the recruiting process for Police and Fire
• Best practice research with respect to the use of polygraph
• An analysis of how the service was procured in this particular case
• An understanding of whether there was any breach of an administrative policy or order
• Recommended next steps to address any issues raised during the review
The following is not inclusive of all aspects of the review. More information will be provided in the coming weeks. The background information below is intended to provide accurate answers to specific questions that have been raised in recent days. HRM understands that our community wants answers about this situation and we remain committed to sharing the results of the review with council, our citizens, and the media.
Halifax Regional Police & Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency
• Citizens put faith in both police officers and firefighters. HRM must ensure the people we are hiring to protect our community are not putting citizens or their personal information at risk.
• Police officers can engage in off-duty employment if they meet the criteria of the Nova Scotia Police Act and the Off-Duty Employment Policy of Halifax Regional Police.
• In 1998, the then Chief of Police granted officers permission to operate within a company known as Integrity Personnel Screening & Interviewing Consultants Inc. Integrity Personnel Screening & Interviewing Consultants Inc. undertook their polygraph process with their own equipment.
• Eleven (11) of the 21 newly hired firefighters were previously volunteers.
• Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency volunteers are eligible to participate in HRM professional programs as they are a part of the Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency team.
Polygraph Usage in HRM
• Pre-employment polygraph has been in use by police for approximately 30 years.
• Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency Services has been using a similar process through a private contractor for 10 years.
• Within HRM, only prospective firefighters, police officers and civilian staff who have physical and/or electronic access to police information and systems are required to undergo the polygraph process.
• The polygraph process, including the questionnaire, is generally standardized across Canada. The questions are neither exclusive to, nor created by, HRM.
• The questions asked in the polygraph process probe for criminal activity.
• A candidate does not pass or fail the polygraph; it is one assessment tool that is utilized as a part of the interview process.
• Upon completion of the pre-employment polygraph, candidates are given an opportunity to discuss the results.
The information provided is a compilation of accurate information gathered to date. HRM will continue to collect the facts throughout the review process. We remain committed to sharing accurate information with council, our citizens and the media as it is made available.
