Original reporting and commentary about polygraphs, voice stress analyzers, and other purported "lie detectors."
In an article titled “Squeal Like a Pig” published in the Riverfront Times, Bruce Rushton reports on the Overland Police Department’s alleged retaliation against employees who complained of sexual harassment. This detailed investigative report includes an account of how the threat of a polygraph interrogation was used as a tool of intimidation against Overland police …
On CNN’s “Larry King Live” show, Nancy Grace interviewed Tom Smart, brother of Ed Smart, whose daughter Elizabeth was kidnapped last week. The following is an excerpt from the show transcript: GRACE: A lot of focus has been placed on your brother, Edward Smart. We all know he’s taken a polygraph. What was his response …
n an article on the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping case titled, “‘We are going to get you,’” Derek Jensen of the Deseret News briefly discusses the polygraph interrogation of her father, Ed Smart Excerpt: Elizabeth Smart’s father also submitted to a polygraph test Sunday, but authorities won’t say what questions were asked, whether he had an …
The Associated Press reports. Excerpt: SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The father of missing teenager Elizabeth Smart was given a polygraph test, police said Monday. “(Edward Smart) did submit to a polygraph yesterday and that’s being reviewed by the FBI,” said Salt Lake City Police Capt. Scott Atkinson. Police won’t say why they asked Smart …
Freelance writer Roger Calip profiles West Hartford, CT police polygrapher Paul Melanson in this puff piece for the The Hartford Courant. Excerpt: West Hartford Police Sgt. Paul Melanson’s detective abilities cover a wide spectrum. His skills range from the step-by-step deduction required for a field investigation of a kidnapping or homicide to the careful analysis …
Helen Kennedy of the New York Daily News Washington bureau reports. Excerpt: Insisting Chandra Levy was randomly attacked while jogging, Rep. Gary Condit’s lawyer said yesterday he would advise him to take an FBI lie detector test — if asked. “Yes, I’d strongly consider an FBI polygraph,” said Mark Geragos, Condit’s third lawyer. “If they …
Steven Aftergood of the Federation of American Scientists’ Secrecy in Government Project reports in today’s Secrecy News electronic newsletter: ANNUAL POLYGRAPH REPORT PUBLISHED The Department of Defense this week released its Annual Polygraph Report for 2001, reaffirming the Department’s commitment to polygraph testing as an instrument of counterintelligence and criminal investigations as well as for …
Megan Garvey and Eric Lichtblau report for the Los Angeles Times. Excerpt: WASHINGTON — The decision by the FBI to administer polygraph tests to hundreds of federal workers at two top military research facilities marks a new effort by investigators to smoke out individuals who might have information about last year’s deadly anthrax attacks. Seven …
Thomas J. Gibbons, Jr., reports for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Excerpt: In a major policy shift, candidates for the Philadelphia Police Department will no longer have to pass a lie-detector test to be accepted to the force, according to a directive from Police Commissioner Sylvester M. Johnson. The order takes effect immediately, affecting a new list …
Gloria Campisi reports for the Philadelphia Daily News. Excerpt: The Philadelphia Police Department is scrapping the polygraph test as a hiring tool. Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson said yesterday more intensive background checks would replace the lie detector test, which has been in use here for more than 20 years. The action was hailed by a …