The utility of post-conviction polygraph testing among sexual offenders
Vollm, Birgit A.
Vollm, Birgit A.
Abstract
It is often difficult to ascertain the true extent and nature of sexually deviant behavior, as much relies on self-report or historic information. The polygraph has been proposed as a useful tool in the treatment and supervision of sex offenders. The current review aims to provide a coherent, objective, and recent synthesis of evaluation studies exploring the utility of the post-conviction polygraph (PCSOT) in the treatment and management of sexual offenders. This was assessed based on offense recidivism rates and disclosure; self-reported utility was also considered. Nineteen studies were identified from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands with no randomized controlled trials identified. Overall, there was a significant increase in relevant disclosures associated with the polygraph. The impact on reoffending rates was significant for violent but not sexual offenses. A number of methodological factors introduced the potential for bias in a significant number of studies reviewed in this review.
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Date
2016
Type
Article
Subject
Sexual behaviour, Sex offenses, Criminals, Recurrence
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Citation
Elliott, E. & Vollm, B. (2016). The utility of post-conviction polygraph testing among sexual offenders. Sexual Abuse, 30 (4), pp. 367-392.