The polygraph is used to verify an offender's self-reported history of sex offense behaviors. The information is then used to develop a more comprehensive treatment and relapse prevention plan, which identifies victim characteristics and offending precursors. Polygraph testing is also used to help the therapist determine whether the offender is progressing in treatment by monitoring his current high-risk behavioral lapses. Participation in polygraphs tests is a required condition for placement in community corrections or on parole, where it is used as a supervision tool by community corrections and parole officers to determine if the offender has been engaging in high-risk behaviors or offending in the community. A deceptive test results in the offender being subjected to increased supervision conditions, attendance in additional treatment sessions, repeat testing and law enforcement notification. Upon confirmation of a re-offense from collateral sources, institutional or criminal charges are filed and the offender is returned to prison. An offender can also be returned to prison for refusing to take a polygraph test. Ideally, polygraph testing will deter offenders from engaging in or attempting to deceive their therapist about ongoing deviance and help them develop patterns of honesty in treatment. References