Polygraph testing of sex offenders in a high secure hospital

Abstract

Aims and method To illustrate the clinical benefit of polygraph testing for mentally disordered sex offenders at a high secure psychiatric hospital. It is a retrospective review of two patients’ case notes and of interviews with clinicians. Post Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PSCOT) was used to assist these patients in making disclosures regarding their sexual history and to aid their treatment. Results Post Conviction Sex Offender Testing was responsible for bringing about new disclosures relating to the patients’ sexual histories and aiding their treatment progression to lower secure settings. New information was incorporated into the patients’ treatment programmes and risk management plans. Post Conviction Sex Offender Testing also encouraged a more honest and effective participation in sex offender treatment programmes and allowed the evaluation of antilibidinal medication. Clinical implications Post Conviction Sex Offender Testing should be more widely considered among mentally disordered sex offenders who have been challenging to treat, as it has the potential to aid their management and progression to lower-security settings.