North Yorkshire Police using lie detector tests
North Yorkshire Police using lie detector tests to target sex offenders
Police in North Yorkshire using lie detector tests as part of their efforts to target sex offenders. The use of the polygraph has been praised by some as an effective tool in helping to identify and track potential offenders, while others have raised concerns about its accuracy.
The police say that the use of lie detector tests is helping them to gather evidence which can then be used in criminal investigations. They have been using it as part of their Operation Resolve, which has seen offenders brought to justice. The process involves the offender being asked a series of questions while hooked up to a polygraph machine and monitored.
North Yorkshire Police using lie detector tests to target sex offenders in the area
North Yorkshire Police have recently implemented a lie detector initiative to tackle sex crime in the area. Following successful trials, the police force is utilising technology to further aid in their investigations into the growing number of sexual assaults. The polygraph tests are being used as an efficient way to narrow down potential suspects and ascertain if a person has acted guilty or not during suspect interviews. Furthermore, this strategy allows for the fast-tracking of cases, meaning suspects can be put through appropriate legal channels as quickly as possible with minimal resources invested by the law enforcement agency. It is not only sure to reduce pressure on resources within North Yorkshire Police but also increase conviction rates in criminal investigations involving sexual felonies.
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.
At today’s meeting of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Heather Whorriskey disclosed that the police force has employed polygraph tests on 87 occasions since its introduction in October 2020. The utilization of these tools is designed to safeguard vulnerable people by enabling officers to identify false claims or reports more efficiently and effectively. It is hoped that this practice will help protect victims of crime and ensure greater accountability from perpetrators. Ms Whorriskey concluded by expressing her satisfaction with the force’s progress in adopting this new method as a part of their standard procedure for safeguarding vulnerable people and commended their dedication to providing a safe environment for all citizens within North Yorkshire.
The force says that the tests are a “valuable tool” in targeting offenders and that they will continue to use them, 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:
The police force firmly believes in the value of polygraph tests in effectively targeting criminal offenders, and is committed to utilizing them in their investigations. Det Supt Whorriskey stated that the use of these tests is increasing, with thirteen tests scheduled over the upcoming three weeks. Furthermore, she expressed her confidence that they will prove to be a useful tool in helping law enforcement catch criminals and bring justice to those affected. This sentiment underscores the commitment of the police force to using every means necessary to achieve their noble objective of protecting citizens and ensuring safety.
“It identifies unknown risks and offences we would not have known about without having used the equipment. It’s absolutely value for money.”
Using state-of-the-art equipment to identify unknown risks and offences cannot be underestimated. It has the innate ability to detect issues that were previously undiscovered and eliminate them, thereby allowing our business to run smoothly and efficiently. The cost of investing in such sophisticated technology may initially appear expensive, however, its long-term value is unrivalled. Not only does it avert potential financial losses by avoiding risk and offence, but it also streamlines operations, saving time and effort that would have otherwise been utilized in searching for issues. All in all, this kind of advanced equipment is definitely worth the money invested.
However, some critics say that the tests are not always accurate, and can lead to false confessions
While lie detector tests may be seen by many as an adequate tool to gain information and ascertain the truth, certain critics have voiced their concern over the accuracy of these tests. They suggest that the results of these tests can often lead to false confessions, potentially resulting in innocent people being charged with crimes they haven’t committed. This criticism provides an interesting dichotomy in our approach to understanding criminal behaviour, suggesting we need to look at further investigation and alternative evidence to properly conclude.
What do you think of this new tactic by the police? Do you think it is effective or fair?
Recently, some police departments have started to employ a zero-tolerance policy for certain laws. This type of policy allows police to immediately arrest individuals suspected of breaking the law, no matter the situation. While this may seem like an effective way to ensure quick compliance with laws, there is an element of unfairness that has been brought into question. Some argue that these types of policies do not consider the context when punishing people and can lead to too much discretion on the side of officers. This can result in inconsistently applied enforcement, ultimately leading to inequity. With this in mind, it is important to evaluate whether such tactics are truly the best approach going forward.
The North Yorkshire Police have come under fire for their new tactic of using lie detector tests to target sex offenders in the area. Some critics say that the tests are not always accurate, and can lead to false confessions. What do you think of this new tactic by the police? Do you think it is effective or fair?
Read here about whats it like being a Police Polygraph Examiner, the blog called UK Police Polygraph