Police and Crime Commissioner Shaun Wright, who is funding training in polygraph testing for two officers at cost of £35,000, said it would help protect vulnerable people and reduce the risks posed by sex offenders.
Tests will be offered on a voluntary basis as part of probation or bail conditions.
The results will not be given in court as part of a prosecution, but will help the police address the risk factor of sex offenders and those caught in possession of indecent images of children.
Tests will not be carried out on convicted sex offenders who have been released from prison or completed their probationary period.
All lie detector testers must gain accreditation from the American Polygraph Association in Texas and the South Yorkshire officers' training will include a ten-week basic polygraph training course in Texas, followed by a 40 hour post-conviction sex offender testing course.
At present, suspects arrested for indecent child image offences are released on bail while investigative work is carried out.
Mr Wright believes using polygraph tests will help protect vulnerable people and reduce the risks posed by potential offenders.
He said the tests will help officers assess the risk factor of individuals on bail or probation and allow the police to address areas of concern for further investigation.
It will also help police prioritise criminal investigations and determine if an individual is a further risk to the community.
Mr Wright said: "The benchmark for experts in polygraph assessment is held by the APA.
"I will also fully support two police officers working full-time on the testing of sex offenders.
"This is an excellent opportunity for officers to be proactive in their management of suspects on police bail and contribute to protecting and safeguarding more children at risk of sexual abuse."
Polygraph testing has been around for many years but the UK has not previously sanctioned its use due to questions over the results. However, legislation was recently passed in the House of Commons allowing it to be used.
