The strongest argument that can be made in favor of polygraph screening is that it has the potential to elicit admissions from naïve and gullible examinees. Although knowledge of the truth about lie detectors (which have
and are inherently biased against the truthful, yet easily fooled using simple countermeasures) is growing, large segments of the population remain convinced that the polygraph can actually detect deception. An article in today's Torrington, Connecticut
http://www.registercitizen.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19866111 07/23/2008
Wannabe cop lands in jail By TRACY KENNEDY
LITCHFIELD - Winsted resident John Wesley Van Allen's efforts to gain a job as a state trooper led to a four-year jail sentence in the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl.
Van Allen was ordered to serve four and a half years behind bars for the crimes of risk of injury to a minor and fourth-degree sexual assault Tuesday in Litchfield Superior Court. During his probation, he must undergo sex offender treatment. For 10 years, Van Allen must register as a sex offender.
Van Allen was taking a polygraph examination for the job on March 6, 2007, when he confessed that he molested a 9-year-old child on two occasions in her home in 2000. Van Allen told police he reported the incidents because he thought he had to be truthful to pass the polygraph test or he might not get the job.
Judge Michael Sheldon said he found it bizarre that after Van Allen's "moment of catharsis" he still thought he could get the job.
The victim had no recollection of being sexually assaulted because she was reportedly asleep, Assistant State's Attorney Terri Sonnemann said.
But during interviews with authorities, there were reports of subsequent activity until she was 11-years-old, Sonnemann said.
Van Allen was working as a U.S. Marine Corps recruiter at the time of the alleged incidents. Van Allen admitted he touched the child because he was curious, according to an arrest warrant.
"I did this to myself," VanAllen said.
In jail for more than a year since his April 2007 arrest, Van Allen said the criminal case made him a stronger person.
"I realize I am not part of that society and I do not want to be a part of that society," he said.
Tracy Kennedy can be reached by e-mail at courts@registercitizen.com