Application of the Polygraph Examination in the Assessment and Treatment of Internet Sex Offenders

Mental health and criminal justice professionals have been faced with the emergence of a new category of sex offender who utilizes the Internet to initiate or commit deviant sexual acts. Although the number of sex-related Internet crimes continues to increase, there is limited information pertaining to the characteristics and offense patterns of this specific subtype of sex offender. This lack of information poses challenges in the assessment and treatment of this population. The polygraph examination, which may result in the revelation of previously undisclosed offenses or risk factors for re-offending, may have particular utility with Internet sex offenders given that little is known about the nature of their offense patterns. Although use of the polygraph may hold special promise for this population, caution is advised, given the limitations of polygraph techniques.