Post-conviction polygraph testing of sex offenders

Abstract

Post-conviction polygraph testing of sex offenders (typically referred to as PCSOT) is common in the US, increasingly applied in England and Wales, but hardly if ever used elsewhere in the world. This article provides an account of the nature and aims of PCSOT, research into its efficacy, and controversies associated with it.

Keywords:

• Polygraph testing
• polygraphy
• sex offenders
• PCSOT
• post-conviction sex offender testing

Disclosure statement

Don Grubin is CEO of a company that provides training and supervision to probation and police polygraph examiners in England and Wales. None of the other authors report any conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.