`Lie-detector` tests to be used on sex offenders

Plans to roll out polygraph testing for sex offenders are expected to go ahead across England and Wales following a successful pilot scheme.

The pilot, which took place in the East and West Midlands probation areas between April 2009 and October 2011, found that offenders who were tested were more honest and gave better information, which meant they were managed more effectively. The pilot scheme also found that offenders using lie detectors made twice as many admissions to probation staff, while also reporting that the tests helped them to manage their own behaviour better.

The Government said it is now considering how the tests could best be used to manage offenders in other parts of the country. However, this would be in addition to the rigorous conditions sex offenders face when they are released from prison.

There are thought to be around 3,000 sex offenders on licence in the community, and of these, 750 are considered to be in the most serious category of offender. An offender can immediately be returned to prison if the lie detector tests and other information indicate they have broken their conditions or present a risk to public safety.

Polygraph tests measure blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and levels of perspiration with the subsequent information being assessed by experts to determine whether an individual is answering questions truthfully.