NCJ Number
183002
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 36-39
Date Published
2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article considers the state of polygraph testing on sex offenders under community supervision in Texas.
Abstract
In a survey of the 122 community supervision and corrections departments in Texas, more than three-quarters of responding agencies used the polygraph in supervising and treating sex offenders. The only tool more commonly used among reporting departments was the field visit. Obstacles to using the polygraph included cost, judicial education and availability. The article draws four primary conclusions from survey responses: (1) Texas can be considered “ahead of the curve” in using the polygraph in post-conviction sex offender application. Polygraph testing of sex offenders under community supervision was almost five times more prevalent in Texas than in the United States as a whole; (2) Polygraph testing appeared to enjoy great respect from community supervision and corrections departments throughout the State; (3) The cost of post-conviction sex offender polygraph testing was perceived as a formidable barrier for some departments; and (4) The strong correlation between use of specialized caseloads and the polygraph supports the view that polygraph testing has become an established tool for supervising sex offenders in progressive community supervision and corrections departments across Texas. Figures, table, references