NCJ Number
183003
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 40-43
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines standards -- existing and proposed -- for polygraph testing as part of sex offender management and assessment.
Abstract
Sexual offender testing uses three primary types of examinations: Specific Issue, Sexual History (or Disclosure) and Maintenance. The Specific Issue examination usually addresses the crime of conviction. It is the same test format used in a pre-conviction or investigative examination, and assists in breaking down denial when the offender is concealing the truth about the crime. In the case of Sexual History or Disclosure type testing, the identification of target issues and ultimate selection of relevant questions requires the examiner to know something about sexual offenders. The test will be a search, but an appropriate search that will focus on specific forms of criminal or improper sexual behavior which the offender has denied. The article gives examples of questions that can help identify target issues. Maintenance or Monitoring examinations are done to assist in treatment and supervision of the offender. Selected relevant questions should have clear importance to the effective monitoring of the offender. Questions of a broad-based nature and all-encompassing compliance questions are very effective when used as comparison questions.