Clinical Testing: Treatment / Parole / Probation

domestic violencePost-Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PCSOT) occurs after conviction of a sexually motivated crime. The examiners are on the cutting edge of technology and very familiar with the latest studies and practices. Examiners are certified, and graduate of the American Polygraph Association (APA) advanced Post Convicted Sex Offender Testing (PCSOT) training to perform these delicate testing procedures. 

Sex offenses are committed in secret and withholding information undermines the rehabilitation and advancement of care for offenders and threatens public safety. The prevention of offending behavior is a life-long task. The offender’s prior sex offenses are very relevant to issues of motive, intent and preparation. The cost of incarceration (approx $40k annually) or mental confinement ($105K) compared to treatment ($5k-15K) outlines the fiscal advantages of community supervision. 

Today, more than ever, polygraph is a tool in treatment. The polygraph in clinical environments assists with breaking down denial and assists with measures to propel treatment efforts. The American Polygraph Association (APA) has contributed years of collaborative efforts with other professional disciplines to arrive at a model-testing program. 

The accurate evaluation and communication of sexual risk of recidivism is of paramount importance to the psychological profession, courts and the public. Empirical evidence supported in multiple scientific peer-reviewed journals indicates prior sexual history is the greatest predictor of sexual recidivism. Since actuarial instruments rely significantly on static history captured from documented instances of sexual offenses, their utility has proven moderate predictive ability. The static history of criminal offenders only conveys the actual instances of arrest and subsequent conviction of offenders. Missing are any instances of undiscovered offenses, accusations, unsupported investigations or instances where insufficient evidence to support prosecution which is reported as high as 65 percent. 

Utilizing the information obtained from PCSOT Polygraph examinations adds incremental, construct validity, and enhances the predictive ability of actuarial instruments statistical probabilities of risk of sexual and violent recidivism. In addition, Stable and Acute factors relative to community treatment are monitored, reinforced and verified.

In sum, the empirical and scientific research supports, deviant arousal, versatility of sexual offending, diverse victim types, victim age, victim relationship and prior sexual offense history significantly relate to sexual recidivism. PCSOT Polygraph examinations provide the means and capability to capture the historical aspects of individuals’ sexual history and subsequently support the efficacy of sex offender treatment, court directed supervision rules, resulting in heightened offender treatment and community safety. The resulting PCSOT tests performed are in alignment with approved best practices and experience. Tests listed below are typical for PCSOT examinations:


Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PCSOT) Tests

Instant Offense
Instant Offense examinations break down denials about committing the crime of conviction as well as determining the extent of acts and behaviors with their index offense victim. It is well known in the treatment community that offenders as well as the victims may under report the extent of the crimes committed. The offender may admit to having sexual contact with the victim but no one knows how many times, to what extent, or the number of undisclosed victims.

Sexual History
Sexual History examinations test the offender for all sexual behaviors for their entire lifetime. It is not unusual to find the activity the examinee was convicted of previously occurred and oftentimes, multiple instances. This test is a therapeutic tool to verify the subject is truthful regarding their sexual history and not withholding undisclosed victims or sexually deviant behaviors from their therapist.

Maintenance and Monitoring Testing
Maintenance and Monitoring examinations are particularly designed to determine the examinee compliance with all conditions of their treatment and probation/parole agreements. This examination discovers violations of both treatment as well as probation/parole issues and most importantly determine whether or not the examinee has recently engaged in re-offending activity or behaviors that may cause relapse into their cycle of offending. 

Treatment Only or Court directed examinations for Other Aberrant Behaviors

Domestic Violence and Substance Abuse
Other clinical uses for clinical polygraph examinations have evolved to utilization in domestic violence and substance abuse programs. Similar patterns of behavior, triggers, and deviant behaviors occur, leading to increased potential for criminal and threatening behaviors placing the safety of family and members of the public at risk. Substance abuse programs (drug & alcohol) and gambling are targeted intervention by clinical treatment providers to arm patients with education, treatment and relapse prevention. Polygraph examinations designed to reinforce adherence to treatment goals significantly supplement those treatment efforts, increase treatment efficacy and serve to minimize recidivism and reoccurrence of aberrant or damaging behaviors.