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Post-Conviction Polygraph Testing: Then and Now

NCJ Number
183005
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 29 Issue: 1 Dated: 2000 Pages: 63-67
Author(s)
Stan Abrams; Gordon Simmons
Date Published
2000
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article briefly reviews the history of post-conviction sex offender polygraph testing, surveys the use of the procedure throughout the United States and recommends actions to enhance its validity.
Abstract
Post-conviction polygraph testing was initiated in the mid-1960's and the procedure was used successfully with the general criminal population. When it became obvious that child sexual abuse was epidemic, it became increasingly important to focus this testing on sexual offenders. Post-conviction polygraph testing of sexual offenders is now widely accepted in the United States. Corrections officers believe it is the most effective way of measuring an offender’s risk to society and to deter acting out. Judges believe it is highly accurate and assists them during sentence hearings. Therapists rely on the procedure to break through patients’ denial, which they regard as very important to the treatment process. Recommendations to enhance the validity of post-conviction sex offender polygraph testing include: (1) Use several single-issue tests rather than multiple-issue examinations; (2) Do not use more than three relevant questions in a test; (3) Do not let the polygraphy expert lose his or her role in determining which questions should be asked; (4) Limit the polygrapher to no more than four periodic tests in a day, fewer if disclosure tests are included; and (5) Periodic tests should last a minimum of 90 minutes and disclosure tests even longer. References

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