20/07/2012

Sex Offenders Lie Detector Scheme 'To Be Rolled Out'

Following a successful pilot scheme mandatory polygraph testing for sex offenders is set to be rolled out across England and Wales, ministers say.

The scheme found offenders who were tested were more honest and gave better information, which meant they were managed more effectively.

The pilot took place in the East and West Midlands probation areas from April 2009 to October 2011, where there are approximately 3,000 sex offenders on licence in the community.

Of these, 750 are considered to be in the most serious category of offender.

The pilot scheme found offenders using lie detectors made twice as many admissions to probation staff, for example admitting to contacting a victim or entering an exclusion zone.

Offenders also reported that the tests helped them to manage their own behaviour better.

The government said it was now considering how the tests could best be used to manage offenders.

(H)

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