Phoenix Polygraph Academy
Rising to New Heights in Truth and Integrity
Student Testimonials for Our Basic Course
It is a privilege to write about Sandy Dunn, former PEAK CATC Director and current Owner/Director of Phoenix Polygraph Academy, my lead course instructor for my basic polygraph examiner course. To call her simply an excellent instructor would be an understatement — she is the kind of teacher who quietly changes the trajectory of her students' lives.
I came into her class carrying more self-doubt than confidence. I wasn't sure I belonged, and I certainly wasn't sure I could do this work well. What I found in Sandy was someone who made room for that uncertainty without ever lowering the bar. She taught with clarity and precision, but also with warmth. Her classes were never one-way lectures — she made them interactive, inviting discussion, drawing real examples from the field, and turning every question into a learning moment for the whole room. She gave feedback generously and honestly, sometimes even the kind that stings for a second and then makes you better for the rest of your career.
What set her apart, though, was how genuinely she cared. She was always approachable, always willing to go the extra mile — staying behind to explain something one more time, checking in to see if you really understood, pushing you a little further when she knew you had more in you. Her interest in seeing her students grow was never performative; it was real, and you felt it in every interaction.
By the end of the course, I did not just know polygraph practice — I believed I could do it well. That shift, from doubt to quiet confidence, is something I owe in large part to her.
As Sandy embarks on this new chapter with Phoenix Polygraph Academy, I have no doubt she will pour the same heart, integrity, and excellence into it. Any student who walks through those doors is fortunate. The Academy is already destined to be a place of distinction because it carries her vision and her character.
Thank you, Sandy, for believing in us before we fully believed in ourselves. Wishing you every success as you build this next legacy — your students, past and future, will always stand proudly behind you.
— Awo Zuta, Omnison Security Group, Accra - Ghana
I attended the basic training course in 2025 with Director Sandy Dunn. I was recommended to the course by a supervisor that believed the course under the leadership of Sandy Dunn is the best in the United States. The course is designed to appeal to all types of learners. I informed all the instructors that I am a visual learner. They were willing to take time out and appeal to my learning style, which is a great quality in an instructor. The 10-week course provides everything you need to be a Perficient Polygraph examiner. The course includes but is not limited to physiology, psychology, legal, polygraph history, polygraph ethics, science-based instruction techniques, research, and practical daily learning with the equipment, known as labs. The hands-on lab instruction throughout the course was extremely beneficial for learning and developing skills.
The dedication to the polygraph profession is second to none. The course requires 100% commitment from the students, and the instructor pours into the students with the same commitment. The level of confidence you will have upon completion of the course is unmatched. The course is designed to ensure all students soar in the field and operate with the very best practices. The course provides abundant reference material that will be useful upon completion.
If you are inquiring about attending polygraph training for your career, this is the training center to attend.
— Det. K. Lucy, Detroit Police Department
Completing the 10‑week, 400‑hour Basic Polygraph Examiner Course with Director Sandy Dunn was one of the most challenging and rewarding professional experiences of my career. The curriculum is intentionally rigorous: long days, dense material, and a pace that demands full engagement from start to finish. That level of difficulty is exactly what prepares examiners to operate with competence and credibility in the field.
What sets this program apart is the leadership of Director Sandy Dunn. Her dedication to the science of polygraph is unmatched. She ensures that every component of the course is grounded in current best practices, supported by peer‑reviewed research, and defensible under any level of scrutiny, including in court. Sandy brings in a top‑tier instructional staff whose expertise elevates the learning environment and reinforces the high standards that her former school, PEAK, was known for and her new school, Phoenix Polygraph Academy will continue that legacy.
Sandy’s commitment to evidence‑based methodology and professional integrity is the driving force behind her reputation as running a premier polygraph training program. Graduates leave not only trained but are truly prepared to uphold the credibility of the profession.
— Chris Burne
If you want great training in the field of polygraph, this is definitely the place to go. I recently went through the basic class and have nothing but great things to say about my experience. You will spend many hours learning and completing polygraphs, and EACH of the instructors for this course are extremely knowledgeable about polygraph
Sandy goes above and beyond for her students and I am truly glad I was able to attend this training. I will be going back to Sandy for all my trainings!
— Dalton Holcomb
I can’t say enough good things about this training. Sandy is impeccable. She is dedicated to her students and ensures each and every student is successful in their training. She takes pride in her profession and it shows in the quality of training she provides. The instructors are all very knowledgeable.
You will get many hours of hands on experience, receive the highest quality training and by the end of it, walk away with the tools you need to be successful & a group of people you can reach out to throughout your career.
Highly recommend Sandy Dunn if you’re seeking to become a Polygraph Examiner.
— Bee Dacosta
In ten weeks, through the basic examiner course by Director Sandy Dunn, I acquired the skills and confidence to conduct polygraph examinations in my professional life.
Starting the program with minimal knowledge, I trusted the process and Director Dunn to lead the way. Director Dunn did not let myself or the class down. Director Dunn was very passionate about polygraphy and creating the BEST polygraph examiners through her students.
I can’t thank Director Dunn enough for an enjoyable and educational experience. Thank you to Director Dunn and to all of the instructors! Highly recommend their school to all prospective students!
— Samantha
I've completed the Basic Examiner Course with Director Sandy Dunn, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the experience. The instructors were knowledgeable, thorough, and easy to learn from. Director Sandy Dunn goes above and beyond to ensure her students are fully prepared before entering the field. This school is far more than a standard law enforcement course, the cadre is consistently supportive and dedicated to their students' success.
— Jeff Berdysz
Excellent training. I finished the basic examiners course and I was impressed with the entire program. After 27 years in law enforcement I retired and decided to enter the field of polygraph. Based on my own research and recommendations from examiners I currently work with, I chose to attend Director Sandy Dunn’s course. All of the instructors were knowledgeable, experienced, and current in the field of polygraph. Director Sandy Dunn exceeded my expectations with her professionalism, knowledge, and integrity. I highly recommend her training for anyone currently working in law enforcement or seeking to start a private practice.
— Ethan Jackson
As someone who loves to ask questions and really dig into the details, this was the perfect place for me to get my Basic Polygraph Certification. Sandy leaves no stone unturned—she moves at a pace tailored to each class and makes sure every student builds a solid foundation before moving on to the next concept. Spending 10 weeks away from my family wasn’t easy, but she made the experience engaging, worthwhile, and full of the small details that will ensure my success in the future. My agency sends everyone to the training provided by this team, and we are better for it!
— Dana Williams
I recently graduated from Polygraph School, and I cannot say enough about the outstanding quality of instruction I received. Director Sandy is truly passionate about teaching polygraph, and her expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm made all the difference in my learning experience. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every student understands the material thoroughly and is fully prepared to conduct polygraph examinations with confidence and professionalism.
In addition to Director Sandy, all the adjunct instructors were highly knowledgeable and brought valuable insights to the training. I was very happy with each of them and appreciated their commitment to ensuring students fully grasped the material. The curriculum was well-structured, comprehensive, and provided hands-on experience that made me feel fully equipped to run polygraph exams successfully.
I highly recommend Sandy’s school to anyone looking to become a skilled and knowledgeable polygraph examiner. Thank you, Director Sandy, and the entire team, for making this an exceptional learning experience."
— Tomasz Kaczenski
Thank you for hosting and leading the 10-week Basic Polygraph Examiners Course.
I feel confident in my ability to conduct, score, and administer a polygraph from start to finish. I was extremely satisfied with the amount of hands on experience we got while attending this school.
I, along with several other students in this class, are kinesthetic learners, and being able to do so many mock polygraph examinations increased my confidence and knowledge of how to use the sensors, configure the charts and score them accurately. This was invaluable. The subject matter and material were explained and taught in a manner that was easy to understand and put into practice. Again, thank you Sandy, for your hard work, dedication, and knowledge in the area of polygraph.
— Andrew P.
If you are considering a career in polygraph, this is where you need to go. The course is long, but every day was worth it. The first week you'll ask yourself how you will manage all of it, but Director Sandy Dunn makes it easy by being a very meticulous person. Every day was carefully planned out to ensure that we were given ample time to grasp the information without feeling like our heads might explode. All instructors were knowledgeable and showed great enthusiasm for the profession. If you needed help with anything, someone was ready and willing to assist you. I enjoyed my time learning here and would recommend this school to anyone wanting to study polygraph.
— Chanicia Gambiel
I just completed the Basic Course with Director Sandy Dunn and can't say enough good things about it! It was an amazing experience that challenged me while also being incredibly rewarding.
The instructors were fantastic - true professionals who really know their stuff! Their enthusiasm and dedication to helping us succeed were evident every step of the way. The School’s Director, Sandy Dunn, is the perfect person to lead this school, and I can't imagine being in the position I am today without her support.
If you're considering becoming a polygraph examiner, I highly recommend Director Dunn and her team. They provide all the knowledge, skills, and support you need to excel in this field. It truly is an outstanding program!
— Sam Zimmerman
Director Sandy Dunn provides an exceptional sensitization of Polygraph. And covers most of the real world situations one may encounter. The instructors are knowledgeable and are fully equipped to answer all questions.
— Hakeem Stephenson
I just completed the basic course with Director Sandy Dunn and the experience was both challenging and rewarding. All of the instructors were very knowledgeable and professional. Thank you to Sandy and the staff!
— John Leonard
I began this course with no prior knowledge of polygraph examinations. The first few weeks felt overwhelming, but by weeks six or seven, everything started to make sense. After week eight, I became confident in my ability to conduct a polygraph examination.
I am very pleased that my agency selected this school directed by Sandy Dunn, as the comprehensive 10-week program has provided me with all the necessary knowledge about the polygraph instrument, various testing techniques, selecting the most appropriate technique, and effectively conducting an examination.
I am grateful for this experience and wish everyone the best of luck in their future endeavors.
—LL
The basic polygraph examiner course proved to be an experience that was both challenging and extremely enriching. Although the content can be difficult, it was incredibly instructive, and it effectively prepares future polygraph examiners for their work in the field.
Sandy is a true expert in her field. Her passion for polygraph is evident and contagious. She shows remarkable dedication to her students and remains always attentive to their needs.
The course content is relevant, well-developed, and very well organized. The judicious combination of theoretical and practical hours provides comprehensive preparation for the challenges of the profession. The practical exercises are particularly useful for applying the knowledge acquired.
In summary, this course provides a solid foundation for anyone wishing to enter the field of polygraph. It not only provides the necessary technical skills but also a deep understanding of the ethical and practical aspects of the profession.
— Caroline Hebert
Absolutely Fantastic Training! I recently attended the Basic Polygraph Examiner Course. Director Sandy Dunn's passion for this profession made this course well worth it. Our class had the luxury of the best instructors in the polygraph profession with decades of experience, knowledge and research history. Director Sandy Dunn's commitment to each student's success is unmatched. I started this course with no clue about the field of polygraph and over the course of ten weeks I feel confident in my new skills. I will be returning to Sandy’s school, Phoenix Polygraph Academy, for the Advanced Polygraph Course. Special thanks to Director Dunn for a fantastic training experience. GOOD, BETTER, BEST.
— Dave R.
Can't say enough about the hands-on experience of getting to use equipment beginning day 1. I feel very confident that I can go back and successfully conduct proper polygraphs for my agency. Director Dunn and her staff members who taught were great with presenting the material to where everyone in class could understand and replicate. Everyone at the school is dedicated to your personal success and would highly recommend anyone interested in polygraph training, choose Phoenix!
— Adam Prince
Sandy is a great lecturer, and she gave me all the information that I needed to be the best polygraph examiner.
— Hasani Marner
Attended the 10-week basic class and was very impressed with the hands-on approach from the start. The instructors were top notch. Left with the knowledge and skills to go right to work.
— Richard Thomas, Sergeant
I took this course at the recommendation of an acquaintance, internet research and phone conversations from 6 randomly chosen APA members in multiple states. My expectation of the quality of training was set very high for the training based on all available information. My actual experience throughout Basic training far exceeded my expectations. Science based instruction about polygraph technique, practice, human physiology, psychology, legal, history and ethics.
The instruction by Ben, Sandy, and their entire team was heavily augmented with actual lab practice of all aspects of developing and performing polygraph testing. I have great confidence in not only how to perform polygraph tests but also how to maintain learning over time as new information becomes available to the industry. This training requires 100 percent commitment from the student to keep pace with the rich volume of material presented. It's all so fantastic!
— Eric Anderson
Ben Blalock, Sandy Dunn, and all the instructors of the Basic Polygraph Examiner Course encourage not just learning how to conduct a polygraph examination, but how to complete an examination using best practices, supported by documented scientific principles and research. The agency I work for recently made the transition from contracting polygraph examiners, to training and using existing staff for investigation and employment screening polygraphs. I was the second staff member to attend basic polygraph training and it was decided I should attend a different school than my counterpart. After doing some research and speaking with other practitioners in the field, Ben Blalock and his team stood out as the most highly recommended school in the southeast. After seeing where some previous students had come from (all around the globe) and speaking with my international classmates, I learned that the design of this program has a reputation as being the best polygraph examiner course in the world. After attending, I am inclined to agree! Their dedication to the polygraph profession and their dedication to their students is second to none. Thank you for the excellent instruction!
— Paul
If you want a vacation, look for another school. If you want to be the best at what you do, attend this training. This 10 week training should be the standard in polygraph, no exceptions. The amount of class instruction and lab instruction surpassed all expectations. I came here with no knowledge of polygraph, and I am now leaving with a robust amount of confidence in my abilities. The passion Ben & Sandy have for this field is invaluable. I will definitely return for future training opportunities.
— Bryan Shiver
I attended the basic polygraph training course with Ben Blalock and Sandy Dunn. The experience that I had there was possibly the best training that I've experienced. The design of the course appeals to all types of learners and they focus heavily on each individual and how they are progressing. The passion that all of the instructors have radiates into the students and helps to make the class atmosphere one that encourages learning. Another thing that the training does extremely well is give students ample hands-on experience, allowing us to learn from mistakes as we go and encouraging high-quality repetitions.
— Nikolas Scherer