Corporal Richard Niesen and Officer Karl Drezek serve as the Polygraph Examiners for the Davenport Police Department.
The polygraph instrument is most widely used today by law enforcement agencies in one of two ways: as part of a pre-employment screening process or as an investigative technique to help resolve criminal complaints. As an investigative tool, the polygraph can be used to verify or discredit statements, assist in obtaining truthful statements, and reveal additional investigative leads. The polygraph is used in virtually every type of criminal investigation, including but not limited to homicides, assaults, robberies, kidnappings, burglaries and sex crimes.
The Davenport Police Department has used the polygraph instrument to verify truth since the 1960's. The first instruments used by the Department were analog, which utilized the old "ink and pen" system. The mechanical instruments have since been replaced with the computerized equipment the Department now uses to perform examinations.
As important as the instrument is the polygraph examiner. The polygraph examiner receives extensive training at an accredited Polygraph school, along with on the job training. The examiner must maintain certification by attending annual seminars and training. The Davenport Police Dept will continue to use the polygraph as an investigative tool and resource.