Satellite tracking and lie detector tests could help protect children from sex offenders, a report by a leading children's charity says.
The compulsory use of polygraph tests and tracking devices could radically improve the supervision of sex offenders released in to the community, Barnardo's said.
Its chief executive Martin Narey said the measures would be more effective than the introduction of a Sarah's Law in protecting children.
Mr Narey, former Head of Prison and Probation Service, said such a law would create a false sense of security and risk forcing offenders underground.
He said polygraph tests have been shown to be effective in monitoring whether offenders comply with their licence conditions. And he added that satellite tracking technology, which makes it possible to follow the movements of offenders, has already been piloted in three areas of England.
Mr Narey said: "Having a child abducted and assaulted is every mother and father's nightmare.
"Barnardo's is committed to protecting children from harm, but we feel that a Sarah's Law would offer a false comfort to parents and could put children in more, not less, danger.
"That said, the current arrangements for the safe supervision of dangerous offenders need to be strengthened and public confidence restored.
"Our report outlines how the use of polygraphs and satellite tracking could radically improve the effectiveness of supervision.
"All the indications are that polygraphs can be effective in helping control behaviour.
"I have personally seen their use on sex offenders, spoken to the probation staff who have used this technology in a pilot in the North East, and been impressed by the officers conviction that it significantly improves the rigour of supervision."
