Accuracy and utility of post-conviction polygraph testing of sex offenders

Polygraphy is used increasingly in the treatment and supervision of sex offenders, but little research has addressed its accuracy in this setting, or linked accuracy with utility.

To investigate the utility and accuracy of polygraphy in post-conviction testing of community-based sex offenders.

A self-report measure examined the experiences of offenders with polygraphy.

Based on self-report, the polygraph's accuracy was approximately 85%. False negatives and false positives were not associated with demographic characteristics, personality variables or IQ. The majority of offenders found the polygraph to be helpful in both treatment and supervision. Nine percent of offenders claimed to have made false disclosures; these individuals had higher scores on ratings of neuroticism and lower scores on ratings of conscientiousness.

These results support the view that the polygraph is both accurate and useful in the treatment and supervision of sex offenders.