Polygraphs

Instant Offense Polygraphs: Conducted in cases where clients are in denial regarding the instant offense or offenses for which they are under supervision and/or treatment.  The primary purpose for the instant offense polygraph is to break denial barriers, and for the client to accept responsibility for the offense or crime committed.

Full Disclosure Polygraph: Conducted within the first three months of treatment.  Prior to being given this polygraph, the client will be given a Sexual History Questionnaire in which he/she is expected to disclose every individual victimized. The use of numerical identifiers will allow the client to disclose any deviant sexual history and at the same time eliminate reporting issues. An exception to this is if a client reveals a new sexual offense during the full disclosure polygraph. If the client reveals a new sexual offense during the maintenance polygraph the appropriate authorities will be notified.

Maintenance Polygraph: This polygraph is conducted on an as needed basis, at the discretion and direction of the referring worker and or treatment professional. Generally, this occurs every six months or when the client’s behaviors raise the suspicion of his/her probation officer or treatment provider. This polygraph focuses on verifying the client is not engaged in criminal sexual behavior and is not violating the terms of his/her probation or supervision. If the client reveals a new sexual offense during the maintenance polygraph the appropriate authorities will be notified.

The following protocol is followed for every polygraph:

• All polygraphs are recorded either in audio or video format.
• The test facilities shall afford privacy and be free from audio and visual distractions.
• The examiner will not display any bias, preconceptions or prejudgment of the guilt or innocence of the client.
• The examiner will advise the client of the purpose of the polygraph.
• The case will be reviewed with the referring worker prior to the polygraph.
• Clients will be advised that the results of the polygraph will not be completed until all data has been collected and a thorough analysis is completed.
• The examiner will provide the client with an explanation of the polygraph to include physiological activity to be recorded.
• The examiner will review the polygraph questions with the client and will insure he/she understands each question prior to testing.
• The examiner will verify the identity of the client and will obtain information regarding any medical ad physical condition to identify any barriers to the testing prior to the testing.

All polygraph files will be maintained for at least one year from the date of the polygraph.

Each polygraph will contact the following information:

• Name of client
• Date of polygraph
• Location of polygraph
• Copy of signed consent form
• Copy of the polygraph questions
• All case materials used in pre-polygraph briefing
• Copy of polygraph charts
• Examiner’s band score
• Examiner’s observation and or conclusions
• Length of time to conduct the polygraph

The National Counseling Group polygraph examiner, Brad Hughes, is licensed in the State of Virginia by the Polygraph Examiners Advisory Board. Brad has completed forty hours of additional post-conviction training beyond the basic examiner training.