Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Kenneth Binder, Sheriff
Subject: Approval of Agreements for Pre-Employment Polygraph Testing Services for Peace Officer and Professional Staff (Non-Sworn) Applicants
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution authorizing and directing the President of the Board of Supervisors to execute agreements with the following two vendors to provide pre-employment polygraph testing services in accordance with applicable laws and within the Sheriff’s Office authority, with Request for Proposal (RFP) process completed in March 2026, each for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029, for a total combined not to exceed amount of $300,000:
A) Pacific Coast Polygraph and Investigations, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $150,000; and
B) Lampo Investigations Polygraph, in an amount not to exceed $150,000.
body
BACKGROUND:
The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office utilizes polygraph examinations as a pre-employment screening tool in accordance with applicable laws and within the Sheriff’s Office’s authority. Polygraph examinations are used to screen applicants for sworn law enforcement positions and certain designated non-sworn positions.
The Sheriff’s Office existing contracts for polygraph examination services are approaching expiration.
DISCUSSION:
In March 2026, the Sheriff’s Office completed a Request for Proposals (RFP) for polygraph testing services and two proposals were received. Following evaluation, both proposers were determined to meet the minimum qualifications and demonstrate the experience, capacity, and professional standards necessary to provide these specialized services.
Given the operational need for timely scheduling, workload flexibility, and service continuity, the Sheriff’s Office intends to enter into agreements with both qualified vendors, each of which for the term of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029 and each in an amount not to exceed $150,000, for a total combined not to exceed amount of $300,000 (“Agreements”). Awarding two contracts provides sufficient coverage in the event one examiner is unavailable and allows the County to shift workload as needed to avoid delays in the hiring process.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the Agreements and resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Timely polygraph examinations and evaluations ensure qualified Sheriff’s Office employees can begin serving the community sooner while maintaining high public safety standards. Approving the Agreements for polygraph examination services provides fiscal flexibility while ensuring service continuity, operational efficiency, helps to fill critical positions faster, and reduces hiring delays.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Agreements are for a three-year term and a combined amount not to exceed $300,000, funding for which has been included in the Sheriff’s Office FY 2026-27 Recommended Budget.