Panetta to probe interrogation methods

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama's pick to lead the Central Intelligence Agency says he will review harsh interrogation techniques used on terror suspects.

CIA Director-designate Leon Panetta made the comment Friday at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Intelligence Committee, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Panetta said that as part of a White House task force on interrogation policy, he would examine the agency's tactics and results to help determine "how effective they were or weren't and whether any appropriate revisions need to be made."

The newspaper said Panetta's comment might be a signal that President Barack Obama might allow the spy agency to use interrogation techniques that go beyond those permitted for the U.S. military.

Panetta testified Thursday that the simulated drowning technique known as waterboarding was torture.