Learning Objective #1: Describe the use of polygraphy as a sex offender treatment strategy

Learning Objective #2: Explain the outcomes of polygraph use in sex offender treatment

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Polygraphy is a physiological assessment tool to facilitate the disclosure of an offender's sexual history or offense of conviction. The offender is asked a series of “yes” and “no” questions while being monitored for physiological changes associated with deception, such as electrodermal responses, respiration, blood pressure, and heart rate. Reports in the literature indicate there is an increase of disclosures when using polygraphs, which aids treatment providers' strategies and interventions.

This research study explored the outcomes of instituting polygraphy as a treatment strategy in a rural community outpatient sexual abuse treatment program. A community collaborative representing treatment providers, law enforcement officers, corrections agents, defense and prosecuting attorneys, a judge, a polygrapher, clergy, social service providers, and victim advocates was established to develop the policies and procedures. Funding for the collaborative and polygraphy was provided by a Center for Sex Offender Management grant.

Data collection involved polygraphy, focus group interviews of sex offenders, treatment providers, and probation officers; direct observations during group treatment; a survey of offenders; a survey of therapists and probation agents who attend the treatment groups; and record analysis. The subjects were 189 adult male sexual offenders currently in a rural community outpatient sexual abuse treatment program, and the therapists and probation agents working with the offenders. Descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the data.

The findings indicate an 80% increase in disclosures in terms of sexual behaviors as well as number of victims. This increase in disclosures presents a clearer picture of offender abuse patterns, thus enhancing treatment providers' ability to employ effective treatment interventions.

In this presentation, the treatment program and the process of instituting polygraphy will be discussed. The outcomes will be addressed, as well as future research and practice implications and recommendations