Lie-detector tests useful
published: Monday | August 25, 2003

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I AM strongly of the opinion that giving polygraph (lie-detector) tests to suspected perpetrators of major crimes should be mandatory even if the results of such tests are inadmissible in a court of law.

The results of these types of tests could go a long way in aiding investigators in the techniques and approaches they use when solving certain crimes. People usually become nervous when lying and as a result they experience heartbeat, blood pressure, breathing and perspiration changes. Polygraph tests detect these physiological changes from which polygraph experts are able ascertain whe-ther an individual is lying.

Of course, there are ongoing debates throughout the U.S. as to the dependability/accuracy of such machines. Of note, however, is that U.S. police departments, the FBI and the CIA apply lie detector tests on a regular basis. I think the Ministry of National Security should make policy directives and guidelines regarding the use and admissibility of polygraph tests in Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

PATRICK A. GALLIMORE

pagalley@hotmail.com

Via Go-Jamaica

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