TCOLE to form advisory panels on motor‑vehicle stop data and law‑enforcement polygraph rules
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Summary
Commissioners authorized two new advisory committees: one to standardize motor‑vehicle stop data collection and reporting and another to draft rules for law‑enforcement polygraph use and certification under a recently passed statute.
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement said commissioners approved the creation of two advisory committees to address motor‑vehicle stop data collection and the regulation of polygraph use by law‑enforcement agencies.
Executive Director Stevens told the commission that one committee will focus on inconsistencies in motor‑vehicle stop data collection and reporting, and that the work will include improving training, data definitions and reporting flows to agencies and governing bodies. He said legislation addressing the topic was filed in the previous session but did not pass; the commission expects legislation could be filed again in 2027 and wants to be prepared.
The second committee will develop TCOLE rules required by a statute that becomes effective Jan. 1 and will apply to law‑enforcement polygraphers. Stevens said the statute left polygraph deregulated for private industry but requires that if a law‑enforcement agency uses a polygraph for preemployment screening or investigations, the polygrapher must be certified by TCOLE. The guidance to be drafted by the advisory committee will not require agencies to use polygraph, Stevens said, but will specify certification standards for polygraphers who serve law‑enforcement agencies.
Stevens and commissioners said they expect the committees to include diverse statewide representation — chiefs, sheriffs, constables, labor groups, public members, and subject‑matter experts such as polygraph examiners for the polygraph committee. Applications to serve on the committees will be posted on the TCOLE website and the agency plans outreach to ensure statewide geographic and size diversity.
Why it matters: Both committees address topics that affect data quality, training and agency practices statewide. The polygraph committee is driven by a statute that creates a TCOLE certification requirement for law‑enforcement polygraphers.
Ending: Stevens said applications will be posted next week and he encouraged agencies and practitioners to apply.