The protection of innocent suspects: a comment on Palmatier and Rovner (2015)

Abstract

Palmatier and Rovner (2015) should be applauded for their efforts to examine whether CQT and CIT polygraph testing methods can be reconciled by common theory. They (understandably) focus on liars in their article, however, liars are only part of the equation. Lie detection tests also involve truth tellers, and the ways in which truth tellers are protected against a false accusation is where the CQT and CIT differ. This important point is not addressed by Palmatier and Rovner (2015), but the concern expressed by CQT opponents that innocent suspects are not well protected in a CQT test needs to be addressed head on by CQT supporters.

Keywords: CIT polygraph testing; CQT polygraph testing; Protection of innocent suspects.