Senate OKs Requiring Polygraph For New Correctional Officers

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Senate has voted unanimously to require incoming correctional officers to pass a polygraph exam.

The Senate voted 47-0 for the bill Thursday. It now goes to the House of Delegates.

Under current law, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is authorized to require correctional officer applicants to pass a polygraph before being hired. The measure goes a step further by making the exams a requirement.

The bill is sponsored by Sen. Michael Hough, a Frederick County Republican. It reflects continuing efforts to address a contraband scandal at the Baltimore City Detention Center that resulted in the indictments of 44 people, including 27 correctional officers, in 2013.

The corrections department says there are 7,132 authorized correctional officer positions. There are currently about 328 vacant entry positions.

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