Aloha,

I am writing in support of the State of Virginia recognizing that the CVSA examination is at the very least equivalent to a polygraph examination for truth verification.  I encourage you to consider the acceptance and use of the CVSA by 43 other States of which I represent Hawaii as evidence that changes are needed in Virginia.  It should be noted that I am a licensed Attorney, DOJ PREA Auditor, and Arbitrator/Mediator, who has worked for the Hawaii Department of Public Safety for thirty-four years; therefore, my opinion does matter.

I have been a NITV certified CVSA examiner with PSD since 2004, which is when PSD began the utilization of the CVSA for investigations, and we progressed to employing the CVSA for Human Resources (HR) suitability screenings of Correctional Officers and Law Enforcement Officers. 

PSD selected NITV’s CVSA based on the research that substantiated the CVSA’s comparability to a polygraph, but at a lower upfront cost to allow for more staff to be trained in the CVSA.  PSD currently has certified examiners who are Internal Affairs Investigators, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Correctional Facility Compliance Managers, the Department’s PREA Coordinator, and HR staff. 

 CVSA has proven to be a valuable tool in staff investigations, inmate investigations, and HR suitability assessments.  It is important to remember that providing your staff with viable tools to perform their duties efficiently and effectively is key to the morale of your agency.  The only significant difference between a polygraph and the CVSA is the fact that an agency can train a larger quantity of staff in various subject matter areas at a financially reasonable cost.  This is very important given the current economic realities for local, county, and state government entities.

I would like to thank you in advance for expanding the CVSA examination process in the State of Virginia.  Please feel free to contact me.