Lie detector tests for offenders

Posted By: James

Monday 11th August 2014

Lie detector tests to monitor the behaviour of released sex offenders across England and Wales have been introduced this week. The tests are now compulsory for high-risk offenders let out on licence. The MoJ decided to introduce polygraph machines following a successful trial report in 2012 that concluded that it "increased the chances that a sexual offender under supervision in the community will reveal information relevant to their management, supervision, treatment, or risk assessment". Despite the MoJ’s enthusiasm for polygraphs, many scientists are sceptical about their effectiveness. Dr Síle Lane, campaign director at Sense About Science, condemned their introduction, stating: "They are not accurate."

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