Conferences
Truth or Lie
The use of polygraphy in sex offender management and other police applications
Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive
Sir Walter Scott Scottish author and novelist 1771-1832
A One Day Conference
Determining whether someone is telling the truth or telling a lie sits at the very core of understanding human behaviour, interacting in a social world and making connections with other people. Clearly it is also a fundamental part of an investigative process in establishing innocence or guilt.
Lack of consistency or memory will often betray some individuals while other physical signs such as eye movement or nervous behaviours may be an indication of deception. However some physical traits are less obvious. Changes in breathing, heart activity and sweating, believed to be related to deception, can be picked up using a polygraph device. Whilst controversial in criminal investigations, the use of polygraph testing has been the subject of longstanding arguments regarding its validity, usefulness, and ethics - all of which remain unresolved.
In the United States, some police departments use polygraph tests in the course of crime investigation and pre-employment screening. In addition, many states also routinely polygraph offenders as part of treatment and supervision programmes and it is often a mandatory condition of probation. It is seen as an effective means of providing reassurance about a committed sex offender’s inclination to commit a further crime. Research so far is supportive but not conclusive.
Polygraph testing does have its critics. Accuracy is estimated to be in the range of 80-90%, while there are also questions about its compatibility with fundamental principles in English law.
With the recent decision by the Ministry of Justice to run a pilot scheme in the Midlands in which sex offenders on parole will have to submit to mandatory polygraph tests, the discussion surrounding its use in the criminal justice system generally and in sex offender treatment and management specifically, has never been more relevant.
This conference explores the issues surrounding polygraphy in sex offender management, as well as its use by the police more generally, with discussion of its aims, validity and history in UK and US cases.
It will draw upon the knowledge and expertise of those working in this field, in the UK and internationally.
Benefits to the delegate
Delegates will gain the following from this conference:
- have the opportunity to see first hand a demonstration of the use of a polygraph;
- understand the case for polygraph testing in the management and treatment of convicted sex offenders;
- gain an insight into its history and use in the US;
- learn of its uses in UK police forces including past case studies and input from the Ministry of Justice; and
- explore the practical and moral reason behind the controversy of its use.
Who should attend?
- work in law enforcement, government and non-governmental organisations who manage and
help treat convicted sex offenders, within the community or justice system; - conduct investigations with convicted sex-offenders; and/or
- carry out risk assessments of perpetrators of sexual abuse, including social workers and
probation staff.
Key Note Speaker
Prof. Don Grubin, University of Newcastle
Don Grubin is Professor of Forensic Psychiatry at Newcastle University and (Hon) Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist in Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Trust. He plays a prominent role in a number of national and internal committees involved in the assessment, treatment and management of sex offenders. Between 2003 and 2006 he led a large national trial of polygraphy in the supervision of sex offenders on probation or parole and has been active in exploring its use in other areas.
- Conference date and location
- 15th January 2009, London - £195
Please note: This conference is intended for professionals who work in the field of child protection, law enforcement and offender treatment and management. Because of the sensitive nature of this conference, places will only be offered to professionals who can meet these criteria.
If you would like any further information on this conference, view leaflet or click here to contact us.
Make a booking
To make a booking click on the conference date above and complete the online form. Our Training Team will contact you to confirm your reservation.
Cancellation policy
If it is necessary to cancel a booking CEOP require 5 working days notification by email to training@ceop.gov.uk. Failure to notify CEOP within this time will result in full payment being requested.
CEOP appreciate that work commitments can necessitate late alterations, any instance later than 5 working days will be considered by Head of Training at CEOP.