Criminal profiling

Introduction Criminal profilers study evidence collected and analyzed by crime-scene investigators to formulate a hypothesis about a perpetrator’s: Age Personality Lifestyle Social environment Through advancements in in behavioral science and forensic psychiatry, criminal profiling has become an advanced field for highly skilled scientists.

Historical development Cesare Lombroso (1876)—earned the title “father of scientific criminology” because he focused on the scientific method and because he was the first to suggest that certain factors increase the chances that an individual will commit crimes. Hans Gross (1906)—one of the founding fathers of modern day criminal profiling. With his research and data he was able to suggest ways to profile behaviors of criminals, including murderers, arsonists, and thieves. Encouraged investigators to focus on science rather than on intuition. Dr. Erich Wulffen (1935)—studied female criminal behavior. Since his research additional data has supported the idea that female offenders also suffer from poor self-worth, depression, and the inability to engage in normal social relationships. Dr. Paul L. Kirk (1953)—Appreciated the value of profiling criminal behavior in conjunction with evaluation evidence.

Modern-day profiling A forensic psychiatrist: Has advanced training in the study of criminal behavior and mental illness Training is focused on the application of behavioral science to legal cases Interviews criminals and suspects, evaluates personal history, and administers personality tests Acts as an expert witness, and is allowed to present his or her opinion of the suspect from a psychiatric perspective as testimony in court

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSfgY8sr46o What was the problem in the John Wayne Gacy case? What does Ressler mean when he says he has to “leave his psychological baggage” when he conducts interviews?

Stages of the profiling process Input Decision process models Crimes assessment Criminal profile Investigation Apprehension

Stage 1: input Begins with collecting as much information about the crime as possible and includes: Placement of the victim Placement of weapons and other physical evidence Body position Patterns of evidence, like blood spatter or broken glass A complete history of the victim (employment history, social habits, hobbies/interests, reputation, fears, behaviors) Autopsy information and lab reports Interviews with witnesses/victims Profilers DO NOT look at things like police files of a suspect because they could subconsciously generate a profile matching the suspect.

Review of the stages of the profiling process Input Decision process models Crimes assessment Criminal profile Investigation Apprehension

Stage 2: Decision process models Data gathered from stage 1 must be organized and classified Look for patterns from input stage— models (decision points) are used to compare and differentiate the information to from a basis for the profile Classifying the Crime examples of classes of crimes: arson, burglary, terrorist attack, homicide

Classification of homicides based on number of victims & time between events Locations Events Cooling-off period Single Homicide 1 Does not apply Double Homicide DNA Triple Homicide Mass murder Killing spree Serial murders

Stage 2 Decision process models: Classification questions Give a well-known example of a mass murder. Give a well-known example of a serial murder. What are two differences between mass murders and killing sprees? Between mass murder and killing spree, which crime would an impulsive person be more likely to commit? Explain your answer.

Stage 2 Decision process models: Determining motives Intent behind crime. Examples: Financial Sexual Emotional Serial offenders—commit the same or similar crimes repeatedly Often motivated by unhealthy sexual fantasies, voyeurism , or sadism

Stage 2 Decision process models: The risk level Profilers must consider the risk level of the victim prior to the crime High, medium or low risk? Factors include: Age Lifestyle Occupation Ability to resist Size Location Criminals often seek out victims who are the most vulnerable Risk taken by the person who committed the crime is also assessed Also consider clues about sequence of events leading up to a crime, whether a series of evenst exhibits a pattern of escalation, how long it took to complete the criminal acts, and information about the location(s).

Stage 3: Crime Assessment During stage 3, the profiler completes a crime reconstruction based on the behaviors of the criminal and the victim. This provides clues about the way a crime was committed, which proves clues about the person who committed the crime. A well-organized crime indicates that the criminal is clever and takes control over the victim. The crime is usually well planned and victim is specifically targeted. A disorganized crime indicates a suspect who is impulsive and tends to select victims at random.

Stage 3: Crime Assessment Modus Operandi (MO) & Signature Often, especially in the case of a serial criminal, there is a recognized pattern of behavior including the use of tools, weapon of choice, or preference of victims This is referred to as the modus operandi (MO), or method of operation Criminals who commit the same type of crime repeatedly also tend to repeat the same habits while committing the criminal act. When the MO includes something peculiar, the evidence is even stronger that the same perpetrator committed all of the crimes In some serial cases, the criminal also leaves behind a signature, something unusual or specific, at the crime scene. Boston strangler—the killer tied a bow under each victim’s chin Zodiac killer used a symbol in his messages to news agencies

Today we will look at: Finishing the profiling stages: 4: Developing the criminal profile 5: Investigation 6: Apprehension Victimology

Stage 4: Criminal profile Involves developing a description of the suspect Typical complete profile includes estimates of the criminal’s: Race Sex Physical characteristics Habits Values/beliefs Examples: A typical arsonist is a white male, age 18-27, usually a loner with a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Likely to have a criminal record and a poor employment history. Serial murderers tend to be white males, age 25-34. Usually of at least average intelligence and possess charming personalities. If the scene appears to have been carefully planned/orchestrated, the killer is likely to be older and very intelligent. Many have been victims of child abuse.

Stage 5: investigation Begins when the profiler’s written report is added to the information investigators have already gathered. Suspects matching the profiler’s description are evaluated. When field is narrowed the case will move into the final phase

Stage 6: Apprehension The ultimate goal of the profiling process Investigators interview and interrogate the suspect If this results in a confession, or physical evidence links the suspect to the crime, he/she is arrested.

Victimology The study of victims affected by crime, accidents, or natural disasters Often the most emotionally difficult part of the profiling process because it puts the investigator at risk of being consumed by the heinous nature of the crime By assessing a victim’s lifestyle, preferences, family , relationships, and routines, the investigators can get a glimpse at the potential list of suspects who may have access to the victim Profilers attempt to understand why a criminal may have selected the particular victim

Victim risk Profilers consider the degree of risk the victim was taking and try to determine if the location or events involved in the c rime may have occurred due to the high risk the victim was taking For example: if a female college student attends a party and leave her drink on an end table to use the restroom, her risk increases. It is possible that someone will place a drug into her drink, which increases the chances she will be sexually assaulted. This scenario does not intend to blame the victim. Rather it helps profilers determine the overall risk of the crime and the perpetrator’s MO. Often in these types of cases, the victims will blame themselves and the crimes usually go unreported.

Victim Risk Victim Risk Level Explanation Traits used to ID victim risk: Victim Risk Level Explanation The lifestyle and social environment of the individual does not predispose him or her to being a victim of a crime. The lifestyle and social environment of the individual can increase his or her risk of being a victim of a crime. The lifestyle and social environment of the individual often puts him or her at risk of becoming the victim of a crime. Aggressive nature Impulsive Anxious Passive Thrives on attention Self-inflicted injuries Poor self-image Negative Exhibits addictive behaviors