NCJ Number
225353
Journal
Polygraph Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Dated: 2008 Pages: 100-111
Date Published
2008
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This paper proposes an alternative screening polygraph method the authors believe may work well for postconvicted sex offender testing (PCSOT) and for offenders who are tested regularly.
Abstract
The proposed approach for polygraph screening is derived from a validated polygraph screening technique developed at the Department of Defense Polygraph Institute (now the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment). This test was called the Test for Espionage and Sabotage (TES). The improved screening technique includes the standardization of the pretest portion of the examination, as well as standardization and reduction of investigation targets to two primary issues. The two target issues are usually presented three times each in a single examination chart. Variability in test administration is reduced through the presentation of each test question in a standardized sequence. The testing protocol includes a standardized acquaintance test, a standard rationale and explanation of the directed-lie comparison (DLC) questions, a standard explanation of instrumentation and psychophysiological responses, and a standardized in-test chart presentation. Based on this TES, the authors designed a screening technique they call the Directed-Lie Screening Test (DLST), which contains two neutral questions, a sacrifice relevant question, two separate relevant questions, and two comparison questions. Presentation of the question sequence is intended to be standardized except when it is necessary to present an additional neutral question before proceeding with the next test questions. PCSOT polygraph monitoring programs should emphasize behaviors that provide supervision and treatment professionals with early warning of an escalating risk level, allowing for corrective intervention prior to a new assault. The paper also discusses countermeasures that might be used by subjects to defeat the polygraph, and it provides one example of the application of the DLST with a sex offender. 6 figures and 33 references