A Framework for the Judicious Use of the Polygraph for Youth Who Have Committed a Sexual Crime

Among professionals working with youth who commit sexual crimes, there is a clear chasm between proponents and opponents of postadjudication polygraph testing. Polygraph use for juveniles is an issue at the forefront of conversation in the state of Colorado, as the Sex Offender Management Board has evolved on positions. Drawing on extant research base, they have conducted a state-level evaluation in Colorado to inform further determinations. Using probation files of youth adjudicated of a sexual crime (N = 62), regression models were run. Youths’ significant reactions on a polygraph test were statistically significantly associated with more disclosures. Nonsignificant reactions, significant reactions, inconclusive results, and more disclosures were statistically, significantly associated with more polygraph testing. Finally, youth with nonsignificant reactions were five times more likely to successfully complete treatment, but test results and number of tests were not associated with recidivism outcomes. A framework for the judicious use of the polygraph is proposed.