Clinical Testing: Treatment / Parole / Probation
Post-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.