UK Police Polygraph
The Evolution of Polygraph Use in UK Law Enforcement written by a Police Polygraph Examiner
Polygraph technology, often associated with American law enforcement, is increasingly playing a critical role in offender management in the UK. What was once considered a novelty tool has grown into an important resource for assessing risk and improving public safety. Today, around 60 UK police officers are trained to use polygraphs — a major milestone for a practice that, until recently, was virtually unknown in British policing. This shift represents a significant evolution in how law enforcement approaches the management of certain offenders, particularly high-risk individuals.
The introduction of polygraph testing into UK law enforcement is largely due to the decades-long efforts of Professor Don Grubin, a renowned expert in forensic psychiatry from Newcastle University. Professor Grubin spent over 20 years researching whether polygraph testing could assist police and probation officers in effectively managing sex offenders within communities. His work laid the foundation for the innovative use of this technology in the UK.
The Road to Implementation
The journey to incorporating polygraphs into UK policing began in 2008, when the UK Probation Service launched a three-year study to evaluate the impact of mandatory polygraph testing for high-risk sex offenders released from prison. This initiative followed earlier trials of voluntary testing and provided conclusive evidence that polygraphs enhanced risk assessments. The results demonstrated that this tool offered authorities critical insights, enabling them to better protect the public by identifying potential risks and encouraging disclosures from offenders.
In the wake of this study, legislation was introduced in 2013 in England and Wales, mandating polygraph testing for high-risk sex offenders on parole. This marked a pivotal moment, but at that time, neither the police nor probation services had trained polygraph examiners to carry out these assessments. Recognizing the potential value of this tool, Hertfordshire Police partnered with Professor Grubin to conduct a small-scale trial. The trial utilized an American-trained examiner to test offenders arrested for downloading indecent images. It yielded remarkable results, uncovering crucial disclosures that informed risk management strategies. Encouraged by these findings, Hertfordshire Police and South Yorkshire Police secured funding to train the UK’s first police polygraph examiners.
A New Frontier for UK Policing
The introduction of polygraph testing raised numerous questions: What exactly is a polygraph? How does it work? How accurate is it? And how could it fit within the constraints of PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act)? These unanswered questions added excitement and a sense of responsibility for those selected to pioneer this innovative tool.
I had the privilege of being among the first officers chosen to train as a polygraph examiner. In May 2014, I attended the UK’s first APA-accredited polygraph school, organized by Behavioural Measures UK (BMUK) at the Police Training College in Bramshill, Hampshire. Leaving behind my young children, aged just 2 and 7, I embarked on a challenging yet rewarding 10-week training program.
The course was led by Donnie Dutton, a seasoned polygraph expert with decades of experience. For eight weeks, he guided us through the complexities of polygraph examinations, covering topics such as physiology, question formulation, and practical testing. The curriculum was exhaustive, demanding both theoretical understanding and practical application. Learning from world-class experts like Professor Grubin, Pam Shaw, and Mike Gougler was an inspiring experience, challenging us to master the intricacies of polygraphy. By the end of the program, my colleagues and I had a deep understanding of how to use polygraphs to manage pre- and post-conviction sex offenders effectively.
Growth and Impact
Initially, polygraph testing was mandatory for probation services but voluntary for police investigations. Convincing offenders to take voluntary tests posed its own set of challenges, as many were hesitant to participate. However, the results often proved invaluable. Offenders who agreed to participate frequently provided disclosures that might not have come to light otherwise, enabling authorities to take appropriate action and mitigate risks.
Fast forward eight years, and the UK’s PCSOT (Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing) program has grown substantially. Today, the program features 47 trained polygraph examiners across police and probation services, who together have conducted over 10,000 polygraph examinations. This expansion demonstrates the growing recognition of polygraph testing as a valuable tool in offender management.
The program’s growth has also led to advancements in training and testing techniques. BMUK has expanded its team to include esteemed experts such as Don Krapohl and Brett Stern. Krapohl, a leading authority in polygraph research, has developed innovative methods like the Behavioral Observations Screening Test (BOST), a specialized single-issue screening technique. Additionally, ongoing research into response onset windows has further refined the accuracy and reliability of polygraph testing in the UK.
These advancements not only enhance the effectiveness of polygraph examinations but also reinforce their importance as a tool for improving public safety. By combining cutting-edge research with practical application, the PCSOT program continues to evolve, making significant strides in offender management.
A Collaborative Effort
The UK’s adoption of polygraph technology is a testament to the power of collaboration between law enforcement, academia, and international experts. What began as an experimental approach has grown into a robust program that strengthens public safety and provides critical support for managing offenders. This progress underscores the importance of innovation in policing — finding new and effective ways to protect communities and create a safer future.
As the program continues to expand, it reflects the dedication and vision of those who championed its implementation. From small-scale trials to a nationwide initiative, polygraph testing has become a cornerstone of offender management in the UK.
To learn more about polygraph applications and their broader implications, check out this article: Will a Cheating Partner Reoffend?