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26
Jan 2023
North Yorkshire Police using lie detector tests to target sex offenders
North Yorkshire Police is using lie detector tests to target suspected and convicted sex offenders across the county.
At a public accountability meeting of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner this afternoon, the force's head of safeguarding, Heather Whorriskey, revealed officers have used a polygraph test 87 times since it first started using the equipment in October 2020.
The tests work by measuring how a person responds to certain questions, such as if their blood pressure rises or if they get sweaty palms, to detect traits associated with lying.
However, the tests are controversial as they are not 100% accurate and the results can’t be used as evidence in the courts.
After a guest on ITV’s Jeremy Kyle Show died after reportedly failing a lie detector test, MPs in 2019 criticised the producers after they admitted they did not know how reliable their lie detector tests were.
Detective Superintendent Whorriskey said NYP uses the tests before a suspect is charged to investigate if they have been in communication with children using a device.
The tests are also used on “lower-level” people on the sexual offenders register to understand the risk they might pose to the public.
However, Det Supt Whorriskey said many people about to take these test reveal things before it starts as they “realise their answers are likely to give away some untruths.”
She said:
Det Supt Whorriskey said the use of polygraph tests is increasing and will be used 13 times in the next three weeks alone. She added:
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