Criminal Profiling - Assignment Example

Criminal Profiling 1. Explain the key elements of serial murder and profiling. The process of serial killer criminal profiling is by far common in practice than first thought. Determining the MO and the signature are parts of profiling. In 1970, the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI developed a profiling process, and Ted Budy was the first serial killer to have the profiling conducted on (Douglas, Ressler, Burgess, & Hartman, 1986). Studies by the psychiatrists and psychologists are blended together with information decoded from serial murders of the past to come up with a profile of the perpetrator who is further supported by witness statements and information of crime-scene analysis (Winerman, 2004). For instance, if victims of the serial murders are Caucasian, then it is very likely that the offender is Caucasian too. If the information gathered from the crime scene demonstrates vigilant planning, then the offender is more likely older and intelligent, probably schizophrenic and people suffering from schizophrenia are often thin and unkempt. These profiles are not always hundred percent precise, but they are often not far from the truth. For instance, the profile assembled by Robert Keppel, the detective working on Budy’s case was near perfect. They had even predicted that he had a step-brother, and it turned out to be that Budy had a step-brother (Douglas et al., 1986). 2. Identify the typologies and motivations of serial killers. Holmes came up with two main typologies of serial killer offenders; organized and disorganized. Later on, Douglas added the third category of mixed delinquents, those not satisfying explicit criteria of falling in either category. Organized serial killers These perpetrators are defined as criminals living an orderly life, which is demonstrated in the way they execute their crimes. In this light, they are reported to be of average and even higher intelligence, a higher likelihood of having skilled employment compared to the disorganized and are socially competent (Canter, Alison, Alison, & Wentink, 2004). They also bring crime tools into the crime scene and remove them to take them away to remove evidence, demonstrate control of the victim such as the use of restraints and apt to prior planning of his offenses. Disorganized serial killers On the other hand, a crime scene of a disorganized serial killer reflects little if any prior planning and generally, give the impression of disorderly. The perpetrator carelessly leaves behind a trail of evidence such as murder weapon, fingerprints, semen, and blood (Canter et al., 2004). There is minimal victim control and open view display of the body. Mixed In this classification proposed by Douglas, offender’s reasons cannot be discriminately classified as disorganized or organized. The crimes may have been committed by multiple offenders, the victim possibly resists, and unanticipated events may occur that the perpetrator had not thought about, or the offender escalates in their routine crimes (Canter et al., 2004). The crime scenes may have some evidence of poor planning and perpetrator is often young and or involved in alcohol and drugs. 3. Describe the meaning of pyromania and arson; explain the different types of arson categories. Pyromania Pyromania is a psychiatric condition, which makes a person to commit a crime due to an upsurge of impulses. It is an impulse control disorder, rendering its victims to have an irresistible desire to commit a particular act (Mavromatis, 2000). According to American Psychiatric Association, a pyromaniac intentionally starts a fire on two occasions or more. Symptoms of this disorder include tension and excitement before executing the act and feeling of relief and accomplishment after committing the act. They are also obsessed with fires, and it is a rare condition. Arson Arson is a criminal offense committed by a person to gratify their vengeance. An arsonist purposefully sets fire on someone else’s property for revenge and these crimes amount to the most common sources of property loss and damage in many countries (Mavromatis, 2000). Most of the perpetrators had a troubled childhood (such as alcoholism, abuse, and divorced parents). An arsenic crime can easily be coupled to a terrorist attack as it provides an easy way for property and life loss, which is why it is highly punishable in a law court. Types of arson categories a. Reckless burning. A person unintentionally causes an explosion or fire causing damage to occupied or unoccupied buildings, property or wildlands. This crime is under class 1 misdemeanor b. Symbol or unlawful cross burning- illegal burning of a cross or symbol on another person’s property without their consent or a public place or a highway c. Wildlands burning. Unlawful burning of wildlands is class three felony. d. Arson of property or structure. This is setting fire of any structure (an object that has a floor and wall) or property (anything else apart from structures with a tangible or intangible value tag). 4. Explain and analyze the profiles of rapists and arsonists. Rapists Seventy-five percent of these perpetrators are aged below 25 years and up to eighty percent are aged below thirty years. Over the age of thirty years are sadistic types. They are commonly male, a hundred percent of all violators. Seventy-five to ninety percent are of black race and crimes are committed intra-racial. They are often unarmed, and twenty-five percent of them use a knife or another instrument. Majority of the perpetrators are often from a poor background with antisocial personality (Mavromatis, 2000). They are often involved in alcohol and drugs and sexual maniac and phillia tendencies. In general, 16 percent are sadistic, 24 percent have an anger retaliation, 30 percent are power assertive and 30 percent crave for power reassurance. Arsonists 17 percent of offenders commit arson for crime concealment, 5 percent for profit, 7 percent commit arson for vandalism 30 percent for excitement and 41 percent for revenge (Mavromatis, 2000). Majority of offenders are under 18 years and if adults, majority are in their late twenties. When offenders are above 35 years, then the motive is usually profit or revenge. Most are male (about 90 percent), and when female, it is often for vengeance. 3 in four offenders are white and first timer blacks’ average of about 20 percent. Many of the perpetrators have a low IQ, but in cases of people with normal to high IQ, then excitement or vandalism is the motive. They are commonly social misfits with abusive or absent fathers (Mavromatis, 2000). References Canter, D. V., Alison, L. J., Alison, E., & Wentink, N. (2004). The organized/disorganized typology of serial murder: Myth or model? Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 10(3), 293. Douglas, J. E., Ressler, R. K., Burgess, A. W., & Hartman, C. R. (1986). Criminal profiling from crime scene analysis. Behavioral Sciences & the Law, 4(4), 401–421. Mavromatis, M. (2000). Serial arson: Repetitive firesetting and pyromania. Serial Offenders, 67–102. Winerman, L. (2004). Criminal profiling: the reality behind the myth. Monitor on Psychology, 35(7), 66–69.  Read More