The Use of the Polygraph in Assessing, Treating and Supervising Sex Offenders: A Practitioner's Guide (Wiley Series in Psychology of Crime, Policing and Law) [Paperback]

Daniel Wilcox (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470742232 | ISBN-13: 978-0470742235 | Publication Date: June 2, 2009 | Edition: 1

The Use of the Polygraph in Assessing, Treating and Supervising Sex Offenders presents an in-depth examination of the contribution that polygraph testing can make to offender treatment programmes, with a particular focus on sexual offenders.

• Features coverage of a very timely issue – the British Psychological Society has convened a working party to assess the contribution of the polygraph to forensic work
• Potential for greater book demand with the Home Office's current consideration of research on polygraph testing with a view to increasing its usage
• Primary focus on sexual offenders

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book is timely, its publication coinciding with the launch of limited compulsory polygraph testing of some sex offenders in England and Wales. Wilcox has drawn together a range of acknowledged experts in a book which will illustrate some of the promising developments in this field, as well as caution about polygraphy's limitations and potential misuse."
–Roger Kennington, Senior Probation Officer / Project Coordinator, Sexual Behaviour Unit, National Probation Service Northumbria

"A valuable collection on the use of the polygraph with sexual offenders, combining practical suggestions, scholarly reviews and interesting stories. The editor should be commended for the care taken to position the polygraph within the larger domains of clinical evaluation, risk assessment, and lie detection. Even for readers who have no special interest in the polygraph, the research summarized in this volume has much to say about sexual offenders and sexual offending."
–R. Karl Hanson, Senior Research Scientist, Public Safety Canada

"This book critically evaluates a substantial body of evidence that polygraph-assisted interviews with sex offenders provide substantially more information than self report or file information alone. It is vital reading for those involved in the assessment, treatment or community supervision of sex offenders, and for policy makers who wish to provide these practitioners with the best tools to protect the public."
–Professor David Middleton, De Montfort University, UK, Former Head of Community Sex Offender Strategy and Programmes, National Offender Management Service

"This book should be required reading for all practitioners of post-conviction sex offender testing.  This singularly comprehensive and authoritative guide will be most helpful to psychologists, polygraphists, therapists, parole and probation officers in the assessment, treatment and supervision of sex offenders.  I highly recommend this book without reservations."
–James Allan Matte, President of Matte Polygraph Service, Inc., member of adjunct faculty of the Backster School of Lie Detection, American Polygraph Association,  Society for Psychophysiological Research, Association for Psychological Science, American Society for Testing and Materials, and Honorary President of the British Polygraph Association

"This publication likely will become a standard reference for professionals in polygraph, sex-offender treatment, management, and supervision. It is a wonderful compilation of information for those who want a clear and concise explanation of PCSOT and a glimpse at the role polygraph may have in the future world of post-conviction oversight. I am not aware of any publication today that offers such a broad spectrum of forward thinking views, information, and futuristic thinking as does this book by Daniel Wilcox."
–Eric J. Holden, Past President, American Polygraph Association and Chair, APA PCSOT committee, 2007-2009

From the Back Cover

In spite of its controversial past, the use of the polygraph has developed into an important new tool in the post-conviction management of sex offenders in Britain. The Use of the Polygraph in Assessing, Treating and Supervising Sex Offenders presents an in-depth examination of the contribution that polygraph testing can make to offender treatment programmes. In addition to featuring the works of such pioneers in the field as Dr. Daniel Wilcox -- one of the first in the UK to appreciate the polygraph's potential for monitoring offenders' post-release behavior -- the volume brings together leading researchers from Britain, mainland Europe, and the United States to share their latest findings and describe the practical applications of this new and controversial procedure. While focusing primarily on the use of polygraph testing for sexual offenders, forensic applications for personality disordered offenders are also addressed. The book also offers an in depth critical appraisal of the polygraph that covers ethical issues and questions about its reliability.

The Use of the Polygraph in Assessing, Treating and Supervising Sex Offenders offers an up-to-date assessment of the research and practical applications of a valuable new technique for the monitoring and management of some of society's most dangerous predators.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 358 pages
• Publisher: Wiley; 1 edition (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470742232
• ISBN-13: 978-0470742235
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #426,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)