Polygraph examination of British sexual offenders: A pilot study on sexual history disclosure testing

Abstract

In the UK, the use of the polygraph has only recently been given serious consideration as a means of facilitating the assessment and treatment of sex offenders. This pilot polygraph study on sexual history disclosure testing (SHDT) was the first of its kind undertaken in Britain. This application of the polygraph has shown merit as a means of obtaining additional information about past sexual offending behaviours. Fourteen sex offenders who were attending a Community Sex Offender Groupwork Programme (C-SOGP) were given SHDTs. Substantial increases in the numbers of admitted victims and offences were determined when comparing polygraph disclosure results with previously obtained data from all other sources available. In addition, the subjects reported earlier onset of offending and a wider range of paraphilic interests than had previously been reported. This suggested that collaboration amongst treatment, supervision and polygraph professionals could help to contain sexual offending behaviour more effectively, to improve and enhance public protection.