Peter Smith reports for the Calgary Sun. Excerpt:
All potential firefighter recruits in Calgary in future must take a lie detector test to prove their credentials are genuine before they can join the department.
Following a practice carried out by several fire departments in the U.S., Calgary will introduce the polygraph as the first specialized equipment recruits will encounter.
“This is all part of our reference checking system,” said Fire Capt. John Conley.
“In the States, they had some incidents where information recorded on applications wasn’t accurate, so the polygraph is being introduced to make sure applicants are being truthful.”
Conley said the fire department was working with city police introducing the lie detector tests.
Although the next set of recruits in Calgary will be the first being required to take the polygraph, the preparations getting it in place have been under way for a long time, said Conley.
“Our recruits are always of a very high standard, and using the polygraph will ensure we continue to get the best of the best,” he said.
Conley denied the timing of the introduction of the lie detector test had any connection with a scandal which broke last week when the Sun revealed a then-serving firefighter — who has since resigned — was charged with prostitution and pimping charges.
Former firefighter Doug Eastaugh, 37, resigned after being charged with 10 pimping-related offences in connection with an escort agency.
Eastaugh told the Sun his resignation wasn’t an indication of guilt, but an effort on his part to maintain the integrity of the fire department.
“Preparations for the introduction of the polygraph were under way long before that incident, and there is no link whatever between the two,” said Conley.
Recruits wishing to join the Calgary Police Service have been required to take lie detector tests for many years.