Table of Contents
Introduction
Polygraph testing, as a part of Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PCSOT), serves a vital role in enhancing treatment planning and risk management decisions for clients in both community and institutional settings. The term “incremental validity” refers to the improvement in decision-making achieved through the use of additional information sources, such as polygraph tests. The benefits of polygraph testing include improved decision-making, deterrence of problematic behavior, and access to otherwise unobtainable information.
Role of Polygraph Testing
Polygraph test results should not be the sole determinant in the supervision and treatment decision-making process. The Community Supervision Team (CST) should consider all clinical indicators that provide a comprehensive view of the client’s overall presentation. These indicators may include interviews, quality of treatment participation, polygraph examination results, scores on dynamic risk assessments, psychological evaluations, behavioral observations, and collateral reports. Such a holistic approach ensures informed decisions regarding a client’s progress in treatment, community activities, and interactions with potentially vulnerable individuals.
Methods of Behavioral Monitoring
Polygraph testing is one of several methods employed for behavioral monitoring. Other methods include drug and alcohol testing, plethysmograph testing, viewing time assessments, and various case management practices like collateral contacts, office and home visits, employment visits, computer and phone monitoring, and increased supervision and treatment requirements.
Expectation for Honesty
The CST should set clear expectations for honesty and full disclosure from the client. Such transparency is crucial for community safety, developing appropriate treatment plans, and ensuring successful treatment progression.
Recommended Timeframes for Polygraph Exams
The recommended timeframes for polygraph exams are as follows:
- Instant Offense Exam: Within the first 3 months of denial intervention or at the start of sex offense-specific treatment.
- Sexual History Exams: Within the first 12 months of sex offense-specific treatment.
- Maintenance/Monitoring Exams: Within the first 3 months of sex offense-specific treatment, continuing every 6 months thereafter.
Types of Post-Conviction Polygraph Examinations
There are six distinct types of post-conviction polygraph exams:
- Instant Offense Exams: Focus on the specific allegations related to the client’s present sex offense.
- Sexual History Exams: Assess the client’s history of unreported offenses and other deviant behaviors.
- Maintenance Exams: Regular assessments of compliance with terms and conditions of probation, parole, and treatment.
- Sex Offense Monitoring Exams: Explore the possibility of involvement in unlawful sexual behaviors during a specified period.
- Child Contact Screen Exams: Evaluate the client’s risk of offending against their own children.
- Specific Issue Exams: Assess details of known or alleged incidents to resolve discrepancies in the client’s account.
Specific Guidelines for Polygraph Examinations
Instant Offense Polygraph Examination:
- Used for clients who deny significant aspects of their conviction-related offenses.
- Helps manage clients in denial and address discrepancies between the client’s and victim’s accounts.
Sexual History Polygraph Examination:
- Assesses involvement in unknown offenses and other deviant behaviors.
- Should be conducted within the first year of treatment to enhance treatment engagement and progress.
- Requires a written sexual history disclosure from the client before the examination.
Maintenance/Monitoring Polygraph Examination:
- Assesses compliance with supervision and treatment conditions.
- Conducted every 3 to 6 months, with at least two exams annually.
- Helps identify risk behaviors before re-offending.
Specific Issue Polygraph Examination:
- Examines the client’s involvement in known incidents or discrepancies in their accounts.
- Not conducted on active criminal investigations without agreement from investigators.
Child Contact Screen Polygraph Examination:
- Assesses risk of offending against the client’s own children who are not known victims.
- Conducted before the completion of the child contact screen assessment.
Conclusion
The use of polygraph testing in PCSOT provides valuable information that enhances treatment and supervision decisions for sex offenders. By adhering to these standards and guidelines, the CST ensures a comprehensive approach to managing and treating clients, ultimately contributing to community safety and client accountability.
Source: Colorado Sex Offender Management Board
Standards and Guidelines for the Assessment, Evaluation, Treatment and Behavioral Monitoring of Adult Sex Offenders