UBC psychologist steps aside from teaching, practice placed under supervision
A UBC professor known for his work on lie detection has been reprimanded by the College of Psychologists of British Columbia and has stepped aside from his teaching duties.
In an online notice, the college said Stephen Porter had consented to having his practice put under regulatory supervision for 18 months, with a “particular focus” on boundary issues, sexual harassment and power differentials.
Although the Dec. 29, 2017, notice did not provide details of what led to the order, it said Porter would not be allowed to “supervise students, researchers, and volunteers until the supervisor confirms his readiness and then only under their supervision.”
It also said he would provide letters of apology to an undisclosed number of complainants.
Porter is a professor at UBC’s Okanagan campus, in Kelowna. He is known for his work in deception-detection and psychopathy. According to his online profile, he has been consulted by police in serious crime investigations and provided training in lie detection and psychopathy to law enforcement and trial judges.
In 2015, he won a Canadian Psychological Association award for excellence in undergraduate and graduate level teaching. A statement described him as a “beloved teacher and mentor for both undergraduate and graduate psychology students at UBC Okanagan,” where he began teaching in 2009.
“Students in his lab receive opportunities that are often not presented to students, especially at the undergraduate level,” the statement said. “That is, they are often invited to assist with invited publications, educational workshops and presentations, and other research-related work.”
UBC said Porter has agreed to step aside from his teaching duties, although he will continue to be engaged in other academic responsibilities.
“UBC is working with the B.C. College of Psychologists in [an] effort to determine the best course of action with respect to the conditions and limitations placed on Dr. Porter’s practice,” it said in a statement.
The college regulates B.C. psychologists under the B.C. Health Professions Act.
Porter has been contacted for comment.