The latest version of the Domestic
Abuse Bill has proposed that convicted offenders of domestic abuse are made to
take a polygraph lie-detector test upon their release from prison in order to
monitor their behaviour.
The aim of the
regular polygraph tests is to stop those deemed at high risk from re-offending.
The tests will be carried out to monitor whether or not offenders have breached
their release conditions.
Although the
tests are not 100% accurate, the Home Office has reported that it had already
successful used the tests to monitor high-risk sex offenders and had been found
them to be 89% accurate. The tests will measure changes in heart rate, blood
pressure, respiratory rate an sweat, all of which are signs the offender may
present if lying.
If the proposed
Domestic Abuse Bill passes, a three year pilot scheme will launch involving
around 300 offenders of domestic abuse deemed at high risk. The offenders will
take the test 3 months following their release from prison and every 6 months
thereafter. If an offender fails the test they will not be immediately recalled
to prison. However, the information produced by the failed tests will be shared
with the Police on a regular basis to enable them to carry out further
investigations as necessary. The offenders may face recall to prison if their
test results show that “their risk has escalated to a level whereby they can no
longer be safely managed in the community”. Furthermore, if they refuse to take
the test or attempt to produce false results this could also lead to them being
recalled to prison.
If the pilot
scheme is successful it could be rolled out nationwide.
If you require
any advice or assistance in relation to domestic abuse, please contact our
Family team here at Ramsdens on 08000 147720 or send us an email to book a free
information session at any of our offices across Yorkshire.