Original reporting and commentary about polygraphs, voice stress analyzers, and other purported "lie detectors."
Eric Lichtblau reports for the New York Times. Excerpt: WASHINGTON, April 10 – A former F.B.I. agent arrested on Wednesday in an espionage case had not been given a polygraph test in his nearly 30 years with the bureau, and lax oversight of his relationship with an informer now accused of being a Chinese double-agent …
In an article titled, “DNA testing clears name of Kansan in rape case,” the Associated Press reports on the case of Eddie James Lowery, who falsely confessed to rape after failing a polygraph “test.” As a result of the polygraph-induced false confession, Lowery, a soldier then stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas, spent ten years in …
Noted skeptic James Randi comments on polygraphy in this week’s Swift newsletter: We’ve assailed the use of polygraph (“lie detector”) technology here, many times. It is simply an area of failed technology, one that seemed promising, but then proved to be not only faulty, but quite dangerous to those upon whom was inflicted. State and …
Peggy Brickley reports for The Scientist. Excerpt: Life scientists who work on sensitive government projects could find themselves hooked-up to polygraph machines in spite of continued criticism of the science behind such lie-detector tests. “It’s everywhere — every three- and four-letter agency you can imagine, including the US Postal Service,” said Stephen E. Fienberg, chairman …
The tabloid Star magazine reports that musician Michael Jackson has declined its challenge to submit to a lie detector “test” regarding his sex life. Excerpt: SCANDAL-plagued superstar Michael Jackson has turned up his deteriorating nose at Star magazine’s $1 MILLION offer to take a lie-detector test that would clarify his relationships with children. And his …
John Welsh of the Press-Editor profiles NBC “Meet My Folks” polygraph operater Nick Savastano in this puff piece. Excerpt: RIVERSIDE – Private investigator Nick Savastano gets double takes all the time. In airports, malls, supermarkets, wherever. Folks always think he looks like that guy on television. The one from “NYPD Blue.” You know, Detective Sipowicz. …
Polygraph operator Dee Moody is interviewed by credulous San Mateo County Times staff writer Erin Sherbert. Excerpt: Q: How do you know if someone is lying or telling the truth, just by a polygraph test? A: We’re measuring significant changes in your physiological responses. Your responses are involuntary. You can be sitting totally still and …
Ilya Tarasov interviews reserve intelligence colonel Vladimir Galkin for Pravda.ru. Excerpt: Would it make sense to take a decision to oblige Kremlin officials to undergo lie detector tests? First of all, we must clearly understand what purpose we pursue by organizing such tests. As experience of American special services shows, lie detector tests are obligatory …
In an article titled, “You can bet Mohammed will talk,” New York Daily News columnist Zev Chafets suggests that alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Shaikh Mohammed will be subjected to polygraphic interrogation. Excerpt: Polygraphs…are not only admissible but indispensable. “They won’t let him say a single word without being hooked up to a lie detector,” says …
Attorney Jonna M. Spilbor writes for FindLaw.com. Excerpt: In recent weeks, news shows have frequently turned to the notorious case of Laci Peterson – the pregnant Modesto woman who disappeared on Christmas Eve from the home she shared with her husband, Scott. While watching one such bulletin, I turned to my own husband, and said, …