Psychological Explanations of Dr Harold Shipman Crime - Essay Example

 Introduction Dr Harold shipman is famously known as being the world’s serial killer. He had gone for so many years without being arrested for the crimes he had committed. It is estimated that he had killed up to four hundred people. He however continued to insist on being innocent despite the overwhelming evidence proving the contrary (Clarke, 2000, p. 100). The reason why he turned into this monster is traced from over fifty years ago in a government owned house that was located north of England. He was born into a working class family in 1946 and during his childhood he maintained distance from his neighbors. This habit of keeping to himself was copied from the mother who was known as Vera. Shipman was a comparatively bright student in school but turned out to be mediocre in his upper level in school. On January 2000, he was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. He died after hanging himself in prison in 2004. His father was a lorry driver and his mother was a house wife. He was a very good rugby player. The mother’s death from lung cancer had very devastating effects on the psyche of Harold. He met his wife at the university in Leeds where he was studying medicine. After completing his medical studies, he was employed at Rochdale Canal Commission and later joined Todmorden. It was while here that his signs of criminal behavior began to be noticed. He begun having blackouts that were at early stages linked to epilepsy. However, it was later discovered that the fits were caused by a drug called pethidine. He was administering this drug to the patients. He was also later accused of forgery. The news of his crimes was made public in 1998. Psychological approaches Psychological explanations of crime are basically a reflection of very many ranges of perspectives in psychology (Beach, 1998, p. 57).It is mainly pegged on individual differences. However, crime can occur in a social context therefore factors like ethnicity, gender as well as other dynamics can be ignored. The contribution of psychology is therefore very important in broadening our understanding of crimes and criminals. Earlier theories explaining criminal behavior explain criminal behavior to be as a result of defects existing in an individual. These defects are often viewed as either biological as well as psychological in nature. These defects are responsible for separating the criminal from the being a law abiding citizen. Recent biological theories focus more on the variations with genetic factors as well as other biological factors and more particularly with their interactions with other environmental factors. One theory to explain Dr. Harold’s behavior is nature. His behavior is believed to be as a result of the environment in which he grew up (Clarke, 2000, p. 100). It is argued that his behavior was shaped by the environment which is largely attributed to the way in which he grew up. Clarke (Clarke, 2000, p. 100) in his study suggests that study of criminal psychology involves study of behavioral genetics. In this case of Dr. Harold Shipman it provided the strongest evidence of environmental factors to criminal behavior (Beach, 1998, p. 57). His father was a lorry driver and his mother was a house wife. He was a very good rugby player. The mother’s death from lung cancer had very devastating effects on the psyche of Harold. He met his wife at the university in Leeds where he was studying medicine. It was while here that his signs of criminal behavior began to be noticed. He begun having blackouts that were at early stages linked to epilepsy. However, it was later discovered that the fits were caused by a drug called pethidine. He was administering this drug to the patients. The case study relates to antisocial behavior and criminal behavior. The application of psychology in criminal behavior is also known as forensic psychology. The reason why Dr Harold shipman committed all these killings still remains unknown. It is believed that one of the chief causes of Harold’s criminal behavior was the way he was brought (Clarke, 2000, p. 100). He grew up isolated from people and his mother made him think that he was superior to the rest of the people living around his home. The model to explain Harold’s criminal behavior is that of demonology which explained that criminal behavior was largely as a result of possessed mind whose only way to exorcise the evil within their mind were by the torturous means they commit. It was however very hard to study the body of Dr. Harold to discover criminal traits as the body was cremated. Harold made it appear as if his victims died as a result of natural causes (Beach, 1998, p. 57). An inquiry known as Shipman Inquiry after investigating found out that most of his victims were women. The deaths of these victims were similar to the death of Dr. Harold’s mother. Perhaps it is important to find an explanation for Dr. Harold’s antisocial behavior. This will help us understand the reason why many people opt not to follow rules. This in Harold’s case was explained by neuroticism as well as extroversion which were primarily linked to his antisocial behavior. Psychoitism is also believed to be marked by aggressive as well as cold and very impersonal behavior (Clarke, 2000, p. 102). He had problems in school and most of his former classmates described him as a loaner. His mother was overprotective and as well did not allow him to socialize. Another issue that arises in this case study pertaining to this case is the pretrial publicity. This destabilizes the victim from distinguishing what they saw from what actually happened as reported in the press. Psychology and law assists in establishing forensic connection. The issue of psychological connection came up during Harold’s trial He targeted older women and in instances where he felt like playing a God, he would take away their lives quietly without any violence which made it appear like they died of natural causes. Unlike other serial killers, Harold did not carry out the killings to achieve sexual gratification rather it is explained that he did it in order to enjoy playing powers of God of determining who lived and who died. Forensic psychiatrists used evidence from bodies of exhumed victims to build a psychological profile of Dr. Harold Shipman. They were determining whether they were dealing with an organized or a disorganized killer. He was an organized killer owing to the fact that his murders were planned carefully suggesting that the killer was of high intelligence. Harold was also married and had a family employed and living a relatively good life suggesting existence of an organized offender (Beach, 1998, p. 57). Of particular interest to the people investigating Dr. Harold’s death was what he took from his victims. A lot of jewels taken from his victims were found in his house. These were viewed as souvenir in his fantasy world. These jewels were also viewed by him as a symbol of achievement intended to remind him of his crime. He has been described as a very unusual type of killer, with his method of killing often described as compassionate act. There were no obvious motives for his acts. It was only in one murder of one lady that money appeared to be the motive. This is the murder that ultimately led to his downfall. It is perceived that he carried the killings for the sole purpose of resolving something that was eating him up from the inside. The psychologist who interviewed him also said that he believed that his killings were not done for excitement. They thought that Shipman probably enjoyed the process of dying as well as enjoying the feeling of having control over life as well as death literally. However, some psychiatrists suggest that he disliked older women. Others suggested that he was out to enact his mother’s death. At the same time, others believe that he gained pleasure from the existence of power of life and death that he believed doctors have. I t is actually thought that he started killing patients way back before he even graduated from medical school. Another theory possibly explaining Harold’s behavior is what is known as maternal deprivation (Beach, 1998, p. 57).This causes what is known as damage to their super ego or conscience which ultimately leads to unacceptable behavior. It is largely argued that Harold killed elderly women mostly because they reminded him of his mother. The type of death they were subjected to is quite similar to the death of Harold’s mother. Treatment models in relation to Dr. Harold’s offending behavior Treatment models for offenders basically entail rehabilitating offenders to reduce their commission of offences. Treatment of offenders is a way of imposing rehabilitating measures intended to achieve crime prevention as well as in criminal justice system (Beach, 1998, p. 57). This could be achieved through penal strategies. The case of Dr. Harold demonstrates a drift towards a more punitive sentencing as well as increasing imprisonment. This is basically geared towards meeting public demand for very harsh sentences for offenders. This mode of sentencing is meant to incapacitate the offender. They reviewed information about the live of Dr. Harold in order to establish the manner of incapacitation to be imposed on him. Dr. Harold was imprisoned for life and later committed suicide to end his life. They have argued that rehabilitation should be put at the core centre of all penal systems (Bateman & Tyre 2003). It is good to consider whether treatment of offenders or punishment which is better. A good grasp of these essentials helps in understanding criminology better. Criminologist are not divided on the issue but rather it is the justice system as exhibited in Harold’s case that believes that punishment is a very important social necessity. A wide majority of criminologists are however opposed to the issue of punishment. Instead they favour treatment and rehabilitation of the offenders. As can be seen from the case study, punishment did not achieve any positive effect as the offender eventually committed suicide. The criminal justice system herein failed to achieve the aim of punishment as correctional. Other criminologists however feel that punishment is very inevitable. They have gone as far as arguing for it as an absolute necessity. I agree with these criminologists. At times punishment like imprisonment are absolutely necessary. For example, existence of Harold freely in the society posed a threat to the health and security of people and so his imprisonment was absolutely necessary. Weighing out all the existing treatment options, we can say that there is an agreement on the need for rehabilitation of the criminal element. Very many dominant voices advocate for rehabilitation of the criminal. However, the existing legal view favour punishment as a means of controlling the offender which is traditionally acceptable to the whole population though supported by very few academicians. During his trial the police described him as a very arrogant person. They also said that his crimes defy easy answers and specifically pointed out that he was perhaps a very ambitious man whose life had been struck off by a woman for a very complicated psychological reason. It was only in one murder of one lady that money appeared to be the motive. This is the murder that ultimately led to his downfall. It is perceived that he carried the killings for the sole purpose of resolving something that was eating him up from the inside. The psychologist who interviewed him also said that he believed that his killings were not done for excitement. They thought that shipman probably enjoyed the process of dying as well as enjoying the feeling of having control over life as well as death literally. There are very many people who were against the manner in which Dr. Harold’s case was being handled. They instead called for probation means in which to rehabilitate the life of the offender. These were mainly from a human rights perspective. Punishment seeks to achieve a purpose as per the recent biological theories. It is at times appropriate to protect the society but at times these punishments do not achieve a deterrent effect. This is owing to the fact that there exist abnormalities within a particular individual hence rendering deterrence useless. There were cries from Dr. Harold’s advocate that the trial should be halted owing to the fact that he believed that justice could not be achieved because the matter had been put to very heated public debate as well as being reported badly by the media. He argued that his client was most likely not to achieve justice. If the existing biological theories are anything to go by, then the society is rendered limited as far as responding to the offenders is concerned. There are basically around five basic treatments of offenders. One which is by far the most important thing is to try and fix the offender. This can be achieved through therapy as well as medication. An offender can also be locked up so as to keep him separated from the rest of the society. Thirdly an offender could be sterilized which is basically intended to deter him from passing over any defective genes to generations that will come up in future. Finally, an offender can be killed. It’s good to note from Harold’s case study that imprisonment and punishment only are adequate in dealing with criminals. It is important to also to treat these criminals as psychically sick people as they are. It is no longer a reasonable thing to punish these people since they have no control over their behavior. The criminologists argue that punishment is identical to punishing a person for merely using their mouth for breathing due to existence of enlarged adenoids which could be removed by just a simple operation. It is hoped that progress will be achieved which will do away with the jailer and guards and ultimately replacing them with doctors. They feel that this is the only way to lessen crimes if not entirely abolishing them. However, punishment on the other side cannot be wished away. It is only through existing punishment that we can tell the likely consequences of a criminal behaviour and consequently be able to achieve deterrence. Without punishment, citizens are in the dark as to their criminal obligations. Treatment by psychiatrists places the criminal in good hands as they are good judges in personality matters. We can rightfully argue that the prison service did not carry out the treatment of Harold well. There are instances where Harold complained to prison authorities that he was contemplating suicide but nothing was done by the authorities to prevent this. His suicide can be largely attributed to the fact that he had no hope of living since he was handed 15 life imprisonments for the offences he had committed. The prison as well as the justice system handling of the matter was done in a way that portrayed him as an outcast in the society. It would be prudent for the prison authorities to handle this matter diplomatically as we have mentioned earlier. This is due to the fact that some criminal behaviors are outside an individual’s control. It has been explained that Harold did not commit the crimes out of excitement. It would therefore be important to understand the psychology behind his criminal behavior rather than condemn him to languish in prison. Further, when the police began investigating the incident, they could not totally understand him no matter how hard they tried. There was confusion as to how such a person who was loved and trusted by many people became a killer who carried out his killings with no motives at all. His mother had died instantly of cancer and this changed his life dramatically as he saw the influence of doctors who were administering a drug called morphine to subdue her pain during her last days of life. What complicated the matter further was the fact that his girl friend got pregnant at the age of seventeen. He turned to drug addiction at the University and after sometime started to experience blackouts. The various incidences of criminal behavior demonstrate that he had a problem that needed attention. His only explanation for his drug addiction was that he became fascinated with the drugs while at the university. There also various convictions especially for prescribing drugs to himself. It was during this time that he should have been engaged in correctional facility by a psychiatrist to correct his criminal behavior. During his trial the police described him as a very arrogant person. They also said that his crimes defy easy answers and specifically pointed out that he was perhaps a very ambitious man whose life had been struck off by a woman for a very complicated psychological reason. These explanations justify why it is good to pursue correction of the offender rather than punishment as a means of treating the offenders owing to the fact they have no control over their criminal behavior. Better and effective treatment methods are the only means through which crimes can be gotten rid of from the society as we seek to establish causes of criminal behavior as well as how to end them. In conclusion, this case study attempts to link the individual behavior to the existing psychological explanations to criminal behavior. It also analyses different treatment models and how effective there are in preventing criminal behavior as well as acting as deterrence to people against committing crimes. It’s true that Psychological explanations of crime are basically a reflection of very many ranges of perspectives in psychology. It is mainly pegged on individual differences. However, crime can occur in a social context therefore factors like ethnicity, gender as well as other dynamics can be ignored. The contribution of psychology is therefore very important in broadening our understanding of crimes and criminals. There are also theories that have been put forward to explain criminal behavior. His behavior is believed to be as a result of the environment in which he grew up. It is argued that his behavior was shaped by the environment which is largely attributed to the way in which he grew up. We can also say that treatment of offenders is a very important factor as far as deterrence and rehabilitation is concerned. Weighing out all the existing treatment options, we can say that there is an agreement on the need for rehabilitation of the criminal element. Very many dominant voices advocate for rehabilitation of the criminal. However, the existing legal view favour punishment as a means of controlling the offender which is traditionally acceptable to the whole population though supported by very few academicians. Harold’s case can be used to advance humanitarian grounds that punishment doesn’t achieve the intended objective of correction. It is also good that during his sentencing and trial the role of judge at the trial should have been complemented by a psychiatrist who would be useful in rehabilitating the offender. Interestingly, there are also concerns that there should be concern for the overall welfare of the criminal by those supportive of punitive measures. This alone explains why it was important for the prison to safeguard the welfare of Dr. Harold. Treatment secures more positive results than punishment at the jail would. We could have indeterminate sentence as a means of rehabilitation. List of References Bateman, A. & Tyrer, P. 2003. Effective management of personality disorder. Chicago, University Press. Beech, A.R. 1998. A psychometric typology of child abusers. International Journal of Offender Therapy & Comparative Criminology. UK, Thomson West. Beech, A., Fisher, D., & Beckett, R. 1999. An Evaluation of the Prison Sex Offender Treatment Program. London: HMSO Clark. D. 2000. The use of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist Revised to predict offending and institutional misconduct in the English prison system. Prison Research & Development Bulletin, 9, 10-14. Thomson West. Davies. W. 2001. The RAID Manual. The APT Press. Leicester. UK, Thomson West. Hare, R.D. 1991. The Hare Psychopathy Checklist – Revised. Toronto, Canada: Multi-Health Systems Oxford, University Press. Linehan. M.M. 1993. The Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder. New York, Guilford Press. Wong. S. 2000. Psychopathic Offenders. In Violence, Crime and Mentally Disordered Offenders. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Read More