Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing
Post-Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PCSOT) aids in the management of the convicted sex offender who has been released into the community. Both the American Polygraph Association (APA) and American Association of Police Polygraphists (AAPP) offer specialized training courses, recognizing the unique and complex nature of this testing, and the direct effect it has on community safety.
Training is essential to the success of PCSOT. Polygraphers who attempt PCSOT without the advanced training do a disservice to their examinees, their local communities, the courts, and the polygraph profession. This guide is intended as a supplement, and along with other Guides, highlights those best practices that satisfy the legal, ethical, and professional obligations of PCSOT. For information on PCSOT, Suggested Readings are found at the end of this guide.
Containment Approach: Criminal Justice system, treatment provider, and polygraph examiner working together as a team to control and manage sex offenders. Some containment teams now include some of the following: law enforcement, child protection, rape crisis centers, prosecuting attorneys, judges, school counselors, victim advocates, and medical staff.
Instant Offense / Specific Issue: Single-Issue PCSOT conducted when an offender continues to deny committing the offense for which he or she was convicted, and is often used to break down the denial barrier so that treatment can proceed. This examination can also be given when a new allegation has been made against the offender.
Maintenance Examination: Multiple-Issue PCSOT requested by a treatment provider which looks at treatment type issues, i.e. weekly report logs, masturbation habits, boredom tapes.
Monitoring Examination: Multiple-Issue PCSOT requested by a probation or parole officer to ensure compliance with the conditions of the offender's release from prison; i.e. alcohol or drug issues, contact with children, etc.
Sexual History (Disclosure) Examination: Multiple-Issue PCSOT which entails and in-depth look at the entire life cycle of an offender and his or her sexual behaviors up to the criminal conviction. Used for Treatment Purposes.
