Part 3Other provisions about the management of offenders

Polygraph conditions for certain offenders released on licence

I1I229Effect of polygraph condition

1

For the purposes of section 28, a polygraph condition is a condition which requires the released person—

a

to participate in polygraph sessions conducted with a view to—

i

monitoring his compliance with the other conditions of his licence; or

ii

improving the way in which he is managed during his release on licence;

b

to participate in those polygraph sessions at such times as may be specified in instructions given by an appropriate officer; and

c

while participating in a polygraph session, to comply with instructions given to him by the person conducting the session (“the polygraph operator”).

2

A polygraph session is a session during which the polygraph operator—

a

conducts one or more polygraph examinations of the released person; and

b

interviews the released person in preparation for, or otherwise in connection with, any such examination.

3

For the purposes of subsection (2), a polygraph examination is a procedure in which—

a

the polygraph operator questions the released person;

b

the questions and the released person's answers are recorded; and

c

physiological reactions of the released person while being questioned are measured and recorded by means of equipment of a type approved by the Secretary of State.

4

In subsection (1)(b) “appropriate officer” means an officer of a provider of probation services or an officer of a local probation board.

5

An appropriate officer giving instructions as mentioned in subsection (1)(b) must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

6

The Secretary of State may make rules relating to the conduct of polygraph sessions.

7

The rules may, in particular—

a

require polygraph operators to be persons who satisfy such requirements as to qualifications, experience and other matters as are specified in the rules;

b

make provision about the keeping of records of polygraph sessions; and

c

make provision about the preparation of reports on the results of polygraph sessions.

F17A

Rules under subsection (6) may make—

a

different provision for different purposes or different areas;

b

incidental, supplemental, consequential, saving or transitional provision.

8

The power to make rules under subsection (6) is exercisable by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.