Polygraphs

[STANDREID]

I don't have a problem with the use of the polygraph but they should never be the deciding factor when it comes to charging a person with a crime in my view. They are probably only about 60% accurate so better than flipping a coin but not a lot better. At least as important as the result is the person's attitude toward taking the test. If a person refuses to take the test, it has to raise questions about them and may prompt police to look further at this individual. The same goes if you flunk the test but that's as far as it should go. It's as much a psych-out box as it is a lie detector but sometimes that works and for that reason it should not be dismissed.

 

[SapphireSteel]

I don't have a problem with the use of the polygraph but they should never be the deciding factor when it comes to charging a person with a crime in my view. They are probably only about 60% accurate so better than flipping a coin but not a lot better. At least as important as the result is the person's attitude toward taking the test. If a person refuses to take the test, it has to raise questions about them and may prompt police to look further at this individual. The same goes if you flunk the test but that's as far as it should go. It's as much a psych-out box as it is a lie detector but sometimes that works and for that reason it should not be dismissed.

Please provide link for this statistic.

tia.

 

[brit1981]

Actually if people are claiming it is suspicioius tha mccanns did not suggest having a lie detector test it is relevant that most people do not think of them. They are something that scallies who appear on the jeremy kyle show may be aware of, but it is not something anyoen else would be aware of. Therefore it is normal for people not to suggest using them. And if you read the article they are being used on already convicted sex offenders, not on suspects in ongoing investigations. It would actually be illegal to make someone take one as part of a criminal investigation, and illegal for the police to use the fact they did not take one against them. Lie detector tests are not a proper science. The answers are compared against the test answers where the person is told to lie to the questions, however because they have been told to lie they are not actively deceiving the questioner so the comparison is not all that good.

And as you claimed Britain adopted the telephone from the US, I just thought I would correct your assumption.

Oh by the way, what happened to your evidence that the mccann case was a cover up at the highest level, you still have not posted it (i.e your evidence about the FSS, three governments, the police etc).

 

[STANDREID]

Please provide link for this statistic.

tia.

Saw that on a TV program on the subject. Of course polygraph examiners say it's much higher than that. Saying they're 60% accurate doesn't mean they are 40% wrong. A sizable portion of that 40% is likely "inconclusive". The Wiki Polygraph article mentions "about 61%" in one estimate about accuracy so perhaps that's from the same source I'm remembering.

 

[SapphireSteel]

Saw that on a TV program on the subject. Of course polygraph examiners say it's much higher than that. Saying they're 60% accurate doesn't mean they are 40% wrong. A sizable portion of that 40% is likely "inconclusive". The Wiki Polygraph article mentions "about 61%" in one estimate about accuracy so perhaps that's from the same source I'm remembering.

So no link...:dunno:

As with everything, the technology is zooming along, becoming far far more reliable. Your "statistic" comes out of the ether, probably rumour from a few years ago, yet it has gained factoid status with repetition.

The FBI (arguably the most sophisticated investigation organisation in the world) uses a new computerised type which is evolving almost daily, as are accuracy rates.

The International Polygraphers bodies (yes they exist!) advise, register and train, and only the elite are certified users. They claim a 100% success rate if used properly.

I suspect the technology originally got such a bad name because Sherrif Joe down at Hollow Log, with no particular training or certification, could access it too, and misuse/misinterpret.

Either way, as a UK Homicide task force has recommended Britain roll them out, they have ALREADY gained credibility in Scotland Yard whether the public accepts them or not.

:cow: