Marisa Taylor’s Dec. 6 article, U.S. polygraphers questioned accuracy of tests on detainees overseas, misstated the National Academies recommendation that polygraph testing be discontinued. Recognizing there’s insufficient validity on Espionage and Sabotage Testing, the National Academies did recognize its utility in successfully gaining admissions from test subjects; information not otherwise gained. The National Academies suggested that research in developing more reliable methods be explored.

While the abuses discovered are undisputed and cannot be tolerated, the overwhelming effectiveness of the polygraph as an investigative tool is evidenced by the increased reliance placed upon the polygraph technique by our most highly respected federal agencies. If there was a more effective method of interrogation the federal government would’ve discovered it by now.

Patrick Franklin, Davie