Author archives

“Polygraphs Aren’t So Reliable”

The Press of Atlantic City, New Jersey published the following letter by Mark Hollingsworth regarding Madelaine Vitale’s 14 July article, “What’s the truth about polygraphs.” Mr. Hollingsworth’s letter is cited here in full: Polygraphs aren’t so reliable Regarding the July 14 story, “What’s the truth about polygraphs?”: C’mon! An 85 percent to 95 percent success …

“Justice Agency Accused of Rights Violations”

Augusta (Georgia) Chronicle staff writer Johnny Edwards reports. Excerpt: The Atlanta chapter of the Service Employees International Union, which covers state employees, is accusing the Department of Juvenile Justice of using polygraph tests to muzzle Augusta workers and possibly violating their First Amendment rights. Guards and nurses at the Augusta Youth Development Campus who have …

Polygraph Dragnet Leads Nowhere in Spokane Parking Theft Investigation

This short report from the Spokane, Washington Spokesman-Review, published under the title, “Deposit bags stolen from parking garage,” is cited here in full: Almost $8,000 was stolen from the River Park Square parking garage on or about June 29, the Saturday of Hoopfest. Two deposit bags were taken from the garage office safe within the …

“Wrongfully Accused Man Sues Cops”

Chicago Sun-Times staff writer Lucio Guerrero reports on an outrageous case of police misconduct involving polygraph abuse. Excerpt: A man wrongfully charged with killing his mother is suing the city of Chicago and five police officers claiming he was coerced–mentally and physically–into confessing. Attorneys for Corethian Bell, 26, filed the lawsuit Monday and are asking …

American Taliban Soldier John Walker Lindh to be Polygraphed as Part of Plea Deal

P. Mitchell Prothero of United Press International reports that as part of a plea agreement between John Walker Lindh and federal prosecutors, Walker Lindh “will be required to cooperate with investigators, take repeated polygraph examinations, and appear as a witness in any trial at which he might be needed.” Prothero’s article on the plea deal …

“What’s the Truth About Polygraphs?”

Madelaine Vitale reports for The Press of Atlantic City (New Jersey). Excerpt: The prosecution’s key witness in the Lloyd Massey II triple-murder trial failed a polygraph. The jury never heard about the lie detector. While polygraphs are considered valuable tools in helping law enforcement rule out potential suspects in crimes or focus on a particular …