Legal News
Police to Investigate Usefulness of Lie Detectors (3 January 2012)
Date: 03/01/2012
The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) is to conduct an investigation into the use of lie detectors in solving crimes. Hertfordshire Constabulary are to lead the research. The force previously completed a pilot scheme in which lie detectors were used on 25 sex offenders, all of whom were judged “low level”. However, many exposed themselves to be a much higher risk to young children than the police had originally considered them to be. The pilot scheme, which took place in November, is set to be followed by a 12-month trial to commence in April of this year.
A spokesperson for the Acpo has told of how they monitor new technology that has the potential to aid investigating crimes, supporting victims and putting criminals before the courts of law. The spokesperson claimed that the Acpo Homicide Working Group, which provides advice to police forces on polygraph techniques and their usage, will follow the results of the latest study with interest. He added that polygraph techniques were complex and would never constitute a single way in which to solve a crime. However, he stated that the techniques offered an additional tool to support structured interrogation.
The Acpo has claimed that while the trials were in their early stages, they would follow their progress and work in conjunction with chief officers to issue further guidance when required. The association added that individual Chief Constables would determine whether polygraph techniques would be adopted elsewhere across the country.
Duncan Lewis’ criminal law solicitors can represent clients who have been accused of criminal charges at police stations and courts of law.