Supervise sex offenders with lie detectors and tracking devices, says Barnardo’s

Lie detectors and satellite tracking devices should be used to supervise sex offenders living in the community, according to a report today from children’s charity Barnardo’s.

The measures would prove more effective than routine disclosure to the public of sex offenders’ details demanded by ‘Sarah’s Law’ campaigners, it said.

Barnardo’s chief executive, Martin Narey, said such a law could put children in more danger by driving offenders underground.

There were some occasions when families should be advised of potential danger from a sex offender but this could be done under existing powers held by multi-agency public protection panels.

The charity recommended the use of global positioning systems and polygraphs to enhance probation workers’ existing surveillance systems.

Probation staff in the north east had already piloted polygraphs and found them to “significantly improvise the rigour of supervision,” he said.
 
www.communitycare.co.uk/childprotection