The treatment and supervision of sex offenders in Colorado involve multiple agencies and individuals implementing a variety of strategies based on research and best practices. Post-conviction polygraph exams are one tool used by those who supervise, manage, and treat sex offenders.
Table of Contents
Overview of Agency Responsibilities
- Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB): Develops standards and guidelines for the assessment, evaluation, treatment, and behavioral monitoring of sex offenders but does not provide direct treatment or supervision.
- Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC): Provides evaluation and treatment to offenders sentenced to DOC and those on parole through the Sex Offender Treatment and Monitoring Program (SOTMP).
- Division of Youth Services (DYS): Provides treatment to juveniles who have committed sexual offenses.
- Judicial Department: Administers the Sex Offender Intensive Supervision Program (SOISP) and offers financial assistance for evaluations via the Sex Offender Surcharge Fund.
Utility of the Polygraph
Polygraph examinations support offender honesty and accountability, verify compliance with treatment and supervision, and assist in determining specific risks and needs. The Risk, Needs, Responsivity (RNR) model, recommended in evaluations of DOC SOTMP and SOMB, relies on accurate identification of offender risk for sexual recidivism, with polygraphs aiding in this process.
Cost and Spending on Polygraph Exams
- Cost per Exam: Approximately $250.
- FY 2016 Expenditures:
- DHS: $29,670
- Judicial Department: $488,414
- SOTMP: $225,050
- DOC Parole: $404,315
Supervision and Treatment Populations
- DYS: 164 juveniles in sex offense-specific treatment; 73 required polygraph tests.
- Probation: 2,698 adult sex offenders (SOISP and non-SOISP), 361 juveniles required polygraph tests.
- DOC Supervision: 2,314 indeterminate sex offenders (8.9% of total DOC population), determinant sex offenders (17.8%).
Frequency of Polygraph Exams
- Adults: Every six months, with variability in advanced treatment levels.
- Juveniles: Frequency determined by Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) based on risk and need.
Treatment Provider Availability
- Adult SOMB Approved Providers: 287 treatment providers, 29 polygraph providers.
- Juvenile SOMB Approved Providers: 197 treatment providers, 20 polygraph providers.
Additional Information
Polygraph results alone do not lead to parole or probation revocation. Revocations are related to broader treatment non-compliance and community behavior, identified through disclosures during polygraph exams.
Polygraph testing is a critical tool in managing and treating sex offenders, enhancing risk assessment accuracy and supporting the goal of reducing recidivism and ensuring community safety.
For more detailed information, please visit the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice website.