Title

The (F)utility of Post-Conviction Polygraph Testing

Authors

Authors

J. W. Rosky

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Sex. Abuse-J. Res. Treat.

Keywords

polygraph; recidivism; sexual offender treatment; assessment; evaluation; SEX OFFENDER TREATMENT; DIAGNOSTIC-TESTS; ACCURACY; COMMUNITY; UTILITY; WORKS; RISK; Psychology, Clinical; Criminology & Penology

Abstract

The apparent utility of the polygraph to work both as a treatment and supervision aid and as a deterrent for future offending is cited as ample justification for its use. This article examines these claims to demonstrate that although post-conviction polygraph testing may have some utility by increasing disclosures of prior offending and, within specific cases, admissions of treatment and supervision violations, the limited evidence accumulated thus far does not adequately ascertain its accuracy nor support its efficacy or effectiveness as a deterrent. The article concludes with recommendations for creating a real evidentiary base beyond polygraph testing's apparent ability to elicit more information from offenders to evidence that can determine whether it is efficacious and effective in reducing criminality and deviance.

Journal Title

Sexual Abuse-a Journal of Research and Treatment

Volume

25

Issue/Number

3

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

259

Last Page

281

WOS Identifier

WOS:000334504400003

ISSN

1079-0632

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