'Lie detector tests are being used to help officers decide whether to charge suspects in a groundbreaking scheme by a British police force.
The devices are for the first time being used by detectives for pre-conviction testing in the UK in a trial which could pave the way for their introduction across the country.
Hertfordshire police completed a successful pilot scheme last month in which 25 sex offenders were tested using polygraphs.
The scheme led to many of the “low level” offenders being reclassified as posing a more serious risk to children than originally thought. (Telegraph.)
Lie detectors tend to detect the body's nervous responses but what they cannot readily do is to identify what caused that reaction.
In general terms - lying 'fits the profile'.
Still technically a JP - I never would want to see a case decided, by this technology although I would think it reasonable to take negative inferences from all who refused to take the test in just the same way that refusal to take a breathalyser is deemed so serious in law.
That being said - these machines have massive potential to aid police enquiries and would be a boon to the innocent.
Psychopaths however, are known to be especially competent at beating lie detectors so, all in all, good police work must always take precedence even though these machines could prove a fine tool in many investigations.
Lie detectors tend to detect the body's nervous responses but what they cannot readily do is to identify what caused that reaction.
In general terms - lying 'fits the profile'.
Still technically a JP - I never would want to see a case decided, by this technology although I would think it reasonable to take negative inferences from all who refused to take the test in just the same way that refusal to take a breathalyser is deemed so serious in law.
That being said - these machines have massive potential to aid police enquiries and would be a boon to the innocent.
Psychopaths however, are known to be especially competent at beating lie detectors so, all in all, good police work must always take precedence even though these machines could prove a fine tool in many investigations.
