Quincy, Ephrata work to share polygraph services

QUINCY - Quincy city officials are trying to devise the most cost-efficient way to use polygraph services from the Ephrata Police Department.

At this time, both the Quincy and Ephrata police departments are working to finalize an agreement to fund polygraph training for an Ephrata police officer.

According to the agreement, the Ephrata Police Department will pay the salary and benefits of Officer Jeff Wentworth while he is away for two months of training and the Quincy Police Department will pay for the tuition, which totals $4,900.

In exchange for funding the officer's tuition, the Quincy Police Department would receive at least 13 polygraph examinations and two additional years of polygraph examinations free of charge.

But the city council recently rejected the agreement because it was unclear how much Quincy would save or how many polygraph test would be given exactly.

Currently, no law enforcement agencies in Grant County employ any certified polygraph technicians and must hire outside contractors.

According to Quincy Police Chief Richard Ackerman, Quincy averages three polygraph tests per year that cost $400.

Councilmember Tom Harris expressed concerns that if the amount of polygraph tests slows down it will take years to pay back the money loaned.

"It doesn't sound like in this agreement that we're getting anything on the other end," Harris said. "We're just loaning them the 4,900 bucks and we're going to have a polygraph guy that we can use, but we're still going to be charged for it."

The biggest issue was that it was uncertain how long after the loan is paid back will the city of Quincy still receive free polygraph examinations.

Wentworth stated that as long as he is employed at the Ephrata Police Department he will be available for polygraph tests free of charge.

Ackerman apologized for the unclear agreement, but felt that he needed to push it through because the deadline for class registration is approaching.

"I couldn't approve this tonight," Harris said.

Quincy Mayor Jim Hemberry suggested additions to the agreement that would explain what would happen if the officer didn't complete the school and what would happen if the officer left Ephrata Police Department before the loan was paid back.

"I think what we need is a document back that says we're guaranteed a certain amount of return," Hemberry said.

According to Wentworth, the polygraph class begins June 7 and there are eight open spots.

Ackerman plans on returning with a revised agreement at the next city council meeting May 21.