OFFICERS in Cumbria will soon be able to use a polygraph to help investigate sex offenders.

The technology, commonly known as a lie detector, is due to be introduced soon.

Detective Inspector Andy Myers, who is in charge of the management of sexual offenders and violent offenders, revealed a number of officers were being trained to use it.

He said: “It’s useful in cases where we have specific information we need clarification on and the examination is based around that.

“It’s only intelligence, not evidential, but it’s another tool to use in our action.”

The test is voluntary, so offenders cannot be forced to be subject to it.

A number of police forces in the UK already use polygraphs to assist in investigations where existing sex offenders are concerned.

Det Insp Myers added: “There is a lot of scrutiny around sex offenders and we take it very seriously.”