The New Jersey State Police Polygraph Unit was initiated in 1952. It consisted of one detective who was the first examiner in the eastern United States. The value of polygraph was quickly recognized which resulted in the Unit's quick growth to thirteen members. The New Jersey State Police Polygraph Unit was the sole agency in the state that conducted polygraphs for many years.

Today, the Polygraph Unit conducts polygraph examinations for federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies. The goal of the Unit is to provide the highest quality of service to those agencies. Annually, the Unit attains a confession rate exceeding 80% from those that are examined and determined as being deceptive. Unit members further provide the service of statement analysis. Statement analysis aids investigators in determining the veracity of statements given by a victim, suspect or witness.

The Polygraph Unit's success rates are directly attributed to the members' expertise in the art of interview and interrogation. The five day Interview and Interrogation Course conducted by Unit members remains one of the most requested specialized schools at the State Police Academy in Sea Girt. The three day course has been sponsored by the Middle Atlantic-Great Lakes Organized Crime Law Enforcement Network (MAGLOCLEN) and county police academies.