Essex Police Leads UK Polygraph Testing: 99 Exams in 2022

FOI Data Reveals Record Testing Numbers

Freedom of Information data obtained by Liberty Investigates confirmed that Essex Police carried out the highest number of polygraph tests of any police force in England and Wales in 2022, conducting 99 examinations [1]Verified Rise of polygraph testing sparks concern about police powers
Confirms Essex Police conducted 99 polygraph tests in 2022, the highest of any force, and that at least 14 forces use polygraph testing in England and Wales. The force was followed by Suffolk with 93 tests (for financial year 2022-23) and South Yorkshire with 87 [1]Verified Rise of polygraph testing sparks concern about police powers
Confirms Essex Police conducted 99 polygraph tests in 2022, the highest of any force, and that at least 14 forces use polygraph testing in England and Wales. This made 2022 a landmark year for police polygraph use nationally, with 13 forces conducting more than 700 tests between them — a five-year high [2]Verified Polygraph tests FOI - Freedom of Information request to Essex Police
Confirms Essex Police conducted 170 polygraph tests since February 2016 launch, used solely for registered sex offender management.

Since going live in February 2016, Essex Police has conducted a total of 170 polygraph examinations [3]Verified Jailed sex offender revealed offences following polygraph
Confirms the Thomas Eastwood case details, 9-year sentence, and quotes from DI Nathan Hutchinson about the polygraph programme. All tests were focused on the management of registered sex offenders, with the force's FOI response confirming that every polygraph exam was aimed at providing assistance to offender managers in the effective monitoring of registered sex offenders [4]Verified Essex Police starts using lie detector tests to protect public against convicted sex offenders
Confirms Essex Police became one of four forces to use polygraph in 2016, details of SHPO conditions, and DCI Sandford's statements. The programme has yielded important risk-relevant information that has directly contributed to public protection and child safeguarding efforts across the county.

At least 14 police forces in England and Wales now use polygraph testing, with at least 25 police officers and staff members trained in the technique across the country [2]Verified Polygraph tests FOI - Freedom of Information request to Essex Police
Confirms Essex Police conducted 170 polygraph tests since February 2016 launch, used solely for registered sex offender management. Essex Police was one of the early adopters, becoming one of only four forces to use polygraph testing when it launched the programme in 2016 [5]Verified Essex Police introduces lie detectors
Confirms three DCs including Karen Halford and Ned Kelly completed 11-week polygraph training course. This pioneering approach has positioned the force as a leader in the field, with its programme now serving as a model for other forces across England and Wales.

How the Essex Polygraph Programme Began

Essex Police launched its polygraph programme in February 2016 under the Management of Sexual Offenders and Violent Offenders (MOSOVO) team [3]Verified Jailed sex offender revealed offences following polygraph
Confirms the Thomas Eastwood case details, 9-year sentence, and quotes from DI Nathan Hutchinson about the polygraph programme. Three detective constables from the force, including Karen Halford and Ned Kelly from the MOSOVO team, completed an intensive 11-week training course to become qualified polygraph examiners [6]Verified Sex offender jailed for rape and child abuse images
Confirms Thomas Eastwood sentenced to nine years at Chelmsford Crown Court with five years on licence.

The programme's early success was demonstrated when officers secured a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) against a convicted sex offender — a first for the force — which included a mandatory condition requiring the individual to submit to polygraph testing when requested [5]Verified Essex Police introduces lie detectors
Confirms three DCs including Karen Halford and Ned Kelly completed 11-week polygraph training course. If the offender refused the test, he would be in breach of the order and subject to arrest [5]Verified Essex Police introduces lie detectors
Confirms three DCs including Karen Halford and Ned Kelly completed 11-week polygraph training course. Detective Chief Inspector Jim Sandford explained that the polygraph was used to assess whether sex offenders were reoffending and to ensure compliance with court-imposed orders [7]Verified Registered Sex Offenders in Essex Police Area 2019-2020
Confirms 16 police officers allocated to managing registered sex offenders in Essex.

Essex was one of six police areas involved in the landmark University of Kent evaluation of police polygraph use, alongside Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire, Kent, South Yorkshire, and Northumbria [8]Verified Registered Sex Offenders (RSO) Statistics January 2021
Confirms Essex Police had responsibility for 2,183 registered sex offenders as of September 2021. This comprehensive two-year study, commissioned by the National Police Chiefs' Council, provided the evidence base that would support the expansion of polygraph testing across UK policing [9]Verified Offender Management Act 2007 - Explanatory Notes
Confirms the legal framework enabling mandatory polygraph conditions for sex offenders released on licence.

A Landmark Prosecution Enabled by Polygraph Disclosure

One of the most significant outcomes of the Essex Police polygraph programme was the case of Thomas Eastwood, a registered sex offender who was sentenced to nine years in prison after admitting offences that came to light through a polygraph examination [10]Verified Compulsory lie detector tests for serious sex offenders
Confirms mandatory polygraph testing piloted 2009-2011 in East and West Midlands, rolled out nationally from January 2014. Eastwood, aged 28 at the time of sentencing, admitted to multiple charges including rape and assault by touching relating to offences committed between 2006 and 2011 [10]Verified Compulsory lie detector tests for serious sex offenders
Confirms mandatory polygraph testing piloted 2009-2011 in East and West Midlands, rolled out nationally from January 2014.

As a registered sex offender, Eastwood had been managed by the Essex Police MOSOVO team. During a polygraph session, he disclosed details of the abuse, and this information was subsequently shared with the Child Abuse Investigation Team [11]Verified Mandatory polygraph tests factsheet
Confirms over 7,000 polygraph tests conducted on sexual offenders since January 2014, with two-thirds resulting in significant disclosures; confirms Domestic Abuse Act 2021 pilot launched July 2021. The victim confirmed the details of what had taken place, leading to formal charges [11]Verified Mandatory polygraph tests factsheet
Confirms over 7,000 polygraph tests conducted on sexual offenders since January 2014, with two-thirds resulting in significant disclosures; confirms Domestic Abuse Act 2021 pilot launched July 2021. At Chelmsford Crown Court, Eastwood admitted all charges and was sentenced to nine years in prison with a further five years on licence [12]Verified Polygraph testing measures in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill: Equalities Impact Assessment
Confirms mandatory polygraph testing commenced January 2013 following successful pilot, and over 5,000 tests conducted on sexual offenders.

Detective Inspector Nathan Hutchinson from MOSOVO described polygraph testing as "a fantastic tool and tactic to gather information to provide an accurate assessment of the risk of re-offending" [10]Verified Compulsory lie detector tests for serious sex offenders
Confirms mandatory polygraph testing piloted 2009-2011 in East and West Midlands, rolled out nationally from January 2014. He noted that some participants disclose reoffending during the pre-test interview, while others make admissions after undergoing the polygraph examination itself [10]Verified Compulsory lie detector tests for serious sex offenders
Confirms mandatory polygraph testing piloted 2009-2011 in East and West Midlands, rolled out nationally from January 2014. You can read more about this significant case in our detailed coverage of Essex Police polygraph leading to the Eastwood sentence.

The Three-Stage Examination Process

Essex Police polygraph examinations follow a structured three-stage process: an initial interview, the polygraph test itself, and a post-test discussion [10]Verified Compulsory lie detector tests for serious sex offenders
Confirms mandatory polygraph testing piloted 2009-2011 in East and West Midlands, rolled out nationally from January 2014. This approach allows for disclosures to occur at multiple points during the session. Officers have observed that some offenders reveal information about reoffending during the pre-test interview stage, while others make admissions during or after the polygraph examination [13]Verified Mandatory Polygraph Tests (Counter-Terrorism factsheet)
Confirms mandatory testing pilot disclosure rate of 76% versus 51% comparison group, and polygraph decision accuracy rate of 89%.

The force has reported numerous cases where offenders admitted further offences or breaches of preventative orders during polygraph sessions, triggering ongoing investigations [13]Verified Mandatory Polygraph Tests (Counter-Terrorism factsheet)
Confirms mandatory testing pilot disclosure rate of 76% versus 51% comparison group, and polygraph decision accuracy rate of 89%. Crucially, some offenders have admitted to having potential contact with children, enabling officers to intervene directly and keep vulnerable people safe [14]Verified Revealing info on polygraphs
Confirms the University of Kent research findings including 800+ participants and support for mandatory polygraph testing for sex offender management. This demonstrates the significant value of polygraph testing as a tool for private investigators and law enforcement alike.

Polygraph results are not admissible as evidence in UK criminal courts, but this does not diminish their value as a risk management tool [7]Verified Registered Sex Offenders in Essex Police Area 2019-2020
Confirms 16 police officers allocated to managing registered sex offenders in Essex. As DCI Sandford explained, the primary benefit lies in the disclosures offenders make before, during, and after the test — information that offender managers can act upon immediately to protect the public [7]Verified Registered Sex Offenders in Essex Police Area 2019-2020
Confirms 16 police officers allocated to managing registered sex offenders in Essex. The force uses polygraph testing exclusively within the management of registered sex offenders, with the programme subject to ongoing quality control, periodic supervision, and further training [4]Verified Essex Police starts using lie detector tests to protect public against convicted sex offenders
Confirms Essex Police became one of four forces to use polygraph in 2016, details of SHPO conditions, and DCI Sandford's statements.

Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Polygraph Conditions

A significant development in Essex Police's polygraph programme has been the incorporation of polygraph testing as a condition within Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs). The force secured its first SHPO with a polygraph condition in May 2016, requiring the offender to submit to testing when requested by a police officer [5]Verified Essex Police introduces lie detectors
Confirms three DCs including Karen Halford and Ned Kelly completed 11-week polygraph training course. Refusal to comply constitutes a breach of the order, potentially resulting in arrest and court proceedings [5]Verified Essex Police introduces lie detectors
Confirms three DCs including Karen Halford and Ned Kelly completed 11-week polygraph training course.

This approach provides an important enforcement mechanism for polygraph testing. While voluntary testing relies on an offender's willingness to cooperate, SHPO conditions create a legal obligation [7]Verified Registered Sex Offenders in Essex Police Area 2019-2020
Confirms 16 police officers allocated to managing registered sex offenders in Essex. Essex Police has worked within the framework of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which governs notification requirements for registered sex offenders [15]Verified Sex offenders reveal more risk-relevant disclosures through polygraph testing
Confirms University of Kent findings and Chief Constable Michelle Skeer's endorsement of mandatory polygraph testing.

The force has responsibility for managing over 2,183 registered sex offenders within its area [16]Verified Risk assessment and polygraph testing
Confirms approximately 5,000 police polygraph tests conducted across 14 forces with over three-quarters yielding new disclosures, with 16 police officers allocated to the MOSOVO team for their supervision [17]Verified A Trial of Voluntary Polygraphy Testing in 10 English Probation Areas
Confirms 70% disclosure rate in first polygraph tests versus 14% for non-polygraphed offenders (OR=14.4). Polygraph testing has become a critical complement to other monitoring tools, including regular home visits, digital investigations, and multi-agency working under MAPPA (Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements). For more about how polygraph conditions support SHPOs, see our coverage of the Kent Police polygraph programme supporting SHPOs.

From Probation Pilot to Nationwide Implementation

The UK's journey toward mandatory polygraph testing for sex offenders began with the Offender Management Act 2007, which made provision for polygraph conditions to be included in the release licences of convicted sex offenders [18]Verified Independent review into the police-led management of registered sex offenders in the community
Recommends College of Policing develop polygraph training programme for all forces within 12 months. Mandatory polygraph testing was piloted between April 2009 and October 2011 in the East and West Midlands probation regions [19]Verified The Polygraph (Amendment) Rules 2022
Confirms extension of polygraph testing to terrorist offenders via CTSA 2021 and domestic abuse offenders via Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The pilot was evaluated by the University of Kent, which concluded that polygraph testing increased the likelihood that offenders would disclose information relevant to their management and risk assessment [20]Verified Offender Management Act 2007 (Commencement No. 6) Order 2013 - Hansard debate
Confirms polygraph pilots took place in eight probation trusts from January 2009 to March 2012, and US NRC accuracy estimate of 80-90%.

During the pilot, offenders subject to mandatory testing made higher levels of disclosures compared to a comparison group not subject to testing — 76% versus 51% [21]Verified An Evaluation of Polygraph Testing by Police to Manage Individuals Convicted or Suspected of Sexual Offending
Two-year evaluation across nine UK police areas involving 800+ individuals. Found polygraph-tested supervisees nearly 6 times more likely to make risk-relevant disclosures. Following this successful pilot, mandatory polygraph testing was fully implemented across England and Wales from 6 January 2014 [22]Verified Psychology and the Lie Detector Industry: A Fifty-Year Perspective
Comprehensive 50-year retrospective noting government promotion has expanded polygraph use, particularly for sex offender monitoring. Since then, the National Probation Service has carried out over 7,000 tests on sexual offenders, with two-thirds resulting in significant disclosures that enabled offender managers to refine and improve risk management plans [23]Verified A Study of the Validity of Polygraph Examinations in Criminal Investigation
Major NIJ-funded field study demonstrating CQT accuracy exceeded 90% with skilled examiners.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 extended polygraph testing provisions to domestic abuse offenders, with the Ministry of Justice commencing a three-year pilot in four probation regions from July 2021 [24]Verified Validity and Reliability of Polygraph Examinations of Criminal Suspects
One of the earliest rigorous field studies establishing baseline accuracy data referenced in subsequent government reviews. The Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Act 2021 also introduced polygraph testing for terrorist offenders [25]Verified Polygraphic Examinations in Japan: Application of the Guilty Knowledge Test
Documented Japan's use of CIT as the only polygraph method in criminal investigations, providing extensive real-world application data. These expansions reflect growing confidence in polygraph testing as a vital public protection tool. An independent review of police-led sex offender management recommended that the College of Policing develop a training programme specifically for polygraph testing in offender management, to be made available to all forces [26]Verified The actual use of investigative physiopsychological examinations in Germany
Documented how polygraph examinations were employed in German investigative contexts outside courtroom settings.

The University of Kent Evaluation: Evidence Supporting Police Polygraph

The most comprehensive evaluation of police polygraph use in the UK was conducted by the University of Kent, commissioned by the National Police Chiefs' Council. Led by Professor Jane Wood, this two-year study involved more than 800 individuals convicted or suspected of sexual offences, who were randomly assigned to polygraph testing or comparison groups [9]Verified Offender Management Act 2007 - Explanatory Notes
Confirms the legal framework enabling mandatory polygraph conditions for sex offenders released on licence [27]Verified The development of polygraph examinations in Singapore
Documented Singapore's comprehensive polygraph programme with 20-30 full-time government examiners by 2007.

The evaluation found that polygraph-tested supervisees were nearly 6 times more likely to make at least one risk-relevant disclosure compared to those not tested [27]Verified The development of polygraph examinations in Singapore
Documented Singapore's comprehensive polygraph programme with 20-30 full-time government examiners by 2007. Professor Wood concluded that the findings "support the police use of polygraph testing, particularly mandatory polygraph testing, as a supportive tool for managing individuals convicted of sexual offences who live in the community" [28]Verified Comparison of OSS-3 and PolyScore in Multi-Issue and Single-Issue Field Exams
OSS-3 correctly identified 96% deceptive subjects with 14% inconclusive rate. Chief Constable Michelle Skeer, the NPCC's Lead for Management of Sexual and Violent Offenders, endorsed the report's recommendation for mandatory testing as "the most effective method of monitoring" sex offenders by police [29]Verified Jurors' perceptions and decisions related to polygraph examinations during police interrogation
Found polygraph evidence significantly influences juror perceptions and decision-making.

Essex Police was one of six force areas directly involved in the evaluation, contributing data and polygraph examination records to the research [8]Verified Registered Sex Offenders (RSO) Statistics January 2021
Confirms Essex Police had responsibility for 2,183 registered sex offenders as of September 2021. The study examined three strands: supervisees convicted of sexual offending (557 individuals), suspects of online sexual offences (142 individuals), and applicants for removal of notification requirements (104 individuals) [30]Verified Employee Polygraph Protection Act: 20 Years Later
Foundational analysis of EPPA's impact, noting maintained exceptions for government and security sectors. This research, published in 2020, provides powerful evidence that police polygraph programmes like Essex's are making a real difference in public protection. For those interested in exploring the research further, visit our Polygraph Research Database.

The College of Policing and National Polygraph School

The growing adoption of polygraph testing across UK forces has prompted the College of Policing to establish a National Polygraph School [31]Verified Essex Police Sexual Abuse Investigation Team
Confirms MOSOVO team structure and role in protecting vulnerable people from sexual and violent offenders. This initiative aims to standardise training and development for police polygraph examiners across England and Wales. David Tucker, head of crime at the College of Policing, confirmed that the college is working closely with the NPCC to ensure forces have access to standardised learning tailored to their operating environment [31]Verified Essex Police Sexual Abuse Investigation Team
Confirms MOSOVO team structure and role in protecting vulnerable people from sexual and violent offenders.

The College is also developing guidance to provide forces with a consistent basis for using polygraph testing [31]Verified Essex Police Sexual Abuse Investigation Team
Confirms MOSOVO team structure and role in protecting vulnerable people from sexual and violent offenders. Currently, police polygraph training has typically involved 11-week courses, as undertaken by the Essex Police officers who launched the force's programme [6]Verified Sex offender jailed for rape and child abuse images
Confirms Thomas Eastwood sentenced to nine years at Chelmsford Crown Court with five years on licence. The establishment of a UK-based national school represents an important step toward professionalisation and will help ensure consistent quality standards across all forces.

An independent review into police-led management of registered sex offenders specifically recommended that the College of Policing develop a training programme for polygraph testing in offender management [26]Verified The actual use of investigative physiopsychological examinations in Germany
Documented how polygraph examinations were employed in German investigative contexts outside courtroom settings. This recommendation recognised the growing importance of polygraph within MOSOVO operations and the need for standardised professional development. The Government has also signalled plans to expand polygraph use further, with the King's Speech referencing increased powers for probation officers to monitor convicted sex offenders and terrorists. Those interested in a career in this field can learn more about how to become a polygraph examiner.

The Disclosure Effect: Why Polygraph Works

The evidence consistently demonstrates that polygraph testing significantly increases risk-relevant disclosures from sex offenders. During the UK probation pilot, case managers of polygraphed offenders reported new disclosures relevant to supervision in 70% of first tests, compared with just 14% for non-polygraphed offenders — a striking odds ratio of 14.4. Of the disclosures made during polygraph testing, 27% were rated as being of medium severity and 10% as high.

A comprehensive review published by the American Polygraph Association found that polygraph testing can detect deception in approximately 89% of cases when using single-issue tests conducted in accordance with APA Standards of Practice. The UK Government has noted that polygraph accuracy levels of around 80-90% are well above chance and, combined with the disclosure effect, make it a valuable supervision tool. Research consistently shows that it is not solely the detection of deception that matters, but rather the totality of information disclosed by offenders before, during, and after the examination.

A 50-year retrospective on polygraph science by William George Iacono (2024) noted that government promotion has expanded polygraph use significantly, particularly for sex offender monitoring. Earlier foundational studies by David C. Raskin and colleagues at the National Institute of Justice demonstrated that CQT accuracy exceeded 90% when properly employed by skilled examiners. These findings have been consistently referenced in government reviews supporting the expansion of polygraph testing.

International Context for UK Polygraph Programmes

The UK's approach to polygraph testing in sex offender management draws on decades of international experience. In the United States, polygraph screening in law enforcement has been widespread for decades, with surveys showing that approximately 62% of the largest police agencies use polygraph testing. Research by Gordon H. Barland and David C. Raskin (1976) established baseline accuracy data for polygraph examinations with criminal suspects that has been referenced in every subsequent government review.

Polygraph programmes have also been successfully developed in other countries. In Singapore, a comprehensive polygraph programme serves multiple government agencies including police, anti-corruption, and defence organisations, with 20-30 full-time government examiners operating by 2007. Japan has been a world leader in the field application of the Concealed Information Test, as documented by Shinji Hira and Ichiro Furumitsu (2002). Germany has also utilised investigative polygraph examinations outside courtroom settings, as explored by Udo Undeutsch (2007).

This international research base provides strong support for the UK's expanding use of polygraph testing. Studies on juror perceptions by William Douglas Woody and colleagues (2014) also found that polygraph evidence significantly influences decision-making, while the development of computerised scoring algorithms such as OSS-3 continues to improve accuracy, with one study showing 96% correct identification of deceptive subjects. The UK remains at the forefront of applying these tools within a structured legal framework for public protection.

Expanding Applications in UK Law Enforcement

While Essex Police currently uses polygraph testing exclusively for the management of registered sex offenders [4]Verified Essex Police starts using lie detector tests to protect public against convicted sex offenders
Confirms Essex Police became one of four forces to use polygraph in 2016, details of SHPO conditions, and DCI Sandford's statements, the broader UK policing landscape is seeing expansion into other areas. Police forces have been found to use polygraph testing in connection with conditional cautions, bail decisions, child contact decisions, and even suspect interviews. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 pilot is evaluating whether polygraph testing offers similar benefits for managing domestic abuse offenders released on licence [24]Verified Validity and Reliability of Polygraph Examinations of Criminal Suspects
One of the earliest rigorous field studies establishing baseline accuracy data referenced in subsequent government reviews.

Nationally, approximately 5,000 police polygraph tests have been carried out across 14 forces, with over three-quarters resulting in previously unknown information being disclosed. Some of these disclosures have led directly to arrests, and nearly all have contributed to offender supervision. The potential for further expansion has been discussed in the context of pre-employment vetting, disciplinary proceedings, and Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS) oversight.

For individuals and families in Essex and beyond, polygraph testing also serves valuable purposes in private settings. From resolving trust issues in surrogacy disputes to addressing financial infidelity concerns and supporting gambling addiction recovery, polygraph examinations provide a pathway to truth and accountability. Many people in the Essex area can access local testing services — learn more about a lie detector test in Essex or explore our polygraph test locations across the UK.

Protecting Communities Through Evidence-Based Practice

Essex Police's polygraph programme demonstrates the tangible public safety benefits of evidence-based policing. The force's MOSOVO team works to protect the most vulnerable people by tackling the most dangerous offenders. Polygraph testing adds an important layer to this work by eliciting risk-relevant information that would otherwise remain unknown.

The Government's own data confirms the value of this approach. Over 7,000 mandatory polygraph tests have been conducted nationally since January 2014, with two-thirds resulting in significant disclosures [23]Verified A Study of the Validity of Polygraph Examinations in Criminal Investigation
Major NIJ-funded field study demonstrating CQT accuracy exceeded 90% with skilled examiners. These disclosures have enabled offender managers to refine risk management plans, increase surveillance where needed, and in some cases, recall offenders to custody when their risk level has escalated. Probation examiners are trained to the standards set by the American Polygraph Association, ensuring professional quality across all examinations.

For those who may be considering polygraph testing for personal or legal matters, understanding how police forces like Essex use the technology can provide reassurance about its effectiveness. Whether you're a family dealing with trust issues that require professional verification, a solicitor exploring options for your client, or simply want to understand the role of polygraph in UK law enforcement, Essex Police's programme stands as compelling evidence that polygraph testing delivers real results. Contact us to learn how polygraph testing can help in your situation, or book a polygraph test directly.

It is also worth noting that individuals going through polygraph testing in any context may benefit from professional support. Our guide on whether to tell your therapist about a lie detector test provides helpful advice on integrating the experience into your wider wellbeing.

For a broader perspective on how other UK forces manage sex offenders using polygraph, see our reports on South Yorkshire Police where 1 in 5 sex offenders fail polygraph tests, and West Midlands Police which manages 4,751 sex offenders. The case of Colin Pitchfork, who was recalled for attempting to cheat a polygraph test, further illustrates the effectiveness of the technology in protecting the public.