Clinical polygraph assessment of sex offenders has proven to be valuable tool for the criminal justice system and sex offender treatment providers. Polygraph assists in treatment by assuring that clients are being truthful concerning their past. Polygraph exams help maintain community safety by identifying re-offense activities, pre offense behaviors and compliance with treatment and supervision rules. A regular program of polygraph exams to establish truthfulness and monitor behavior while in treatment and under supervision increases the probability of a successful outcome. This type of test requires specialized training and certification. All IPS examiners maintain current certification to conduct PSCOT testing.

This is the same type of test as just discussed regarding the sexual offender. This client, however, is of the "generic" kind: drugs, property, ext. These tests are also given to determine if the client has been engaging in specific new crimes, such as drug use, stealing or whatever the area of concern may be.

This type of test has been used for many years for both juveniles and adults. Adults are generally referred into the program by the court of jurisdiction after a conviction of a theft crime. After they make a confidential list of all other thefts during a specific time period a polygraph examination is given to verify their truthfulness. When the client passes this examination, he then is required ( through Probation) to make confidential restitution to the victims (normally retail stores.) For juveniles, the same testing process and preparation of the list is done, but no restitution is usually required. If the juvenile truthfully reports all thefts during the specified time frame, he avoids having to do time in detention. Most of the juveniles and many adults are required to submit to follow-up testing to make sure they are not continuing their theft activity. .

Sobriety Verification (Alcohol and Drug use)

This type of test is used for alcohol and drug treatment programs. It is also used by probation and parole officers to verify client sobriety even when the client is not enrolled in substance abuse treatment. For treatment programs, we suggest that the client signs a "treatment contract" with the agency agreeing to remain alcohol and drug free during a specific time period. He is then tested on his compliance with that contract.