1. Abnormal and Deviant Behavior
Nicole Duranceaux, Ph.D.
Albuquerque Police Department
Behavioral Sciences Division
(505)
Cell: (505)

2. Law Enforcement Involvement
You see abnormal & deviant individuals regularly
Thus, it is important to understand:
Types
Reasons

3. What is Abnormal Behavior?
‘Away from the norm’
Deviation from social norms
Culture
Time Period
Context
Status
‘Abnormal’ does not necessarily mean ‘bad,’ undesirable, or harmful

4. Elements of Abnormal Behavior
Suffering
Key is context
People who are abnormal may not suffer: Personality Disorder
People who are suffering may not be abnormal: Grief

5. Elements of Abnormal Behavior
Maladaptiveness
Adaptation
Change in behavior or capabilities in response to new/changing environment
Normal
Failure to adapt is likely abnormal
Impairs well-being of the person or society

6. Elements of Abnormal Behavior
Irrationality & Incomprehensibility
Behavior that seems illogical, irrational, incomprehensible
For example
Bulimia
Phobias
Repetitive behavior
Thought disorder—absurd, bizarre, no basis in reality

7. Elements of Abnormal Behavior
Unpredictability & Loss of Control
We expect predictability, consistency, and control
Violent, unpredictable behaviors considered abnormal.
Healthy people can give up control when necessary, often in predictable way
Rigidity with control or lack thereof likely abnormal

8. Elements of Abnormal Behavior
Unconventionality & Vividness
Convention always changing
Often difficult to identify abnormality purely based on this
Vividness
May be determined by rarity
Rare and undesirable, ‘bad’
Rare and desirable, ‘gift’ or ‘genius’

9. Elements of Abnormal Behavior
Observer Discomfort
People who
Overly ingratiating
Dependent
Violate written/unwritten rules of society
Often functional for the person

10. Elements of Abnormal Behavior
Violation of Moral and Ideal Standards
Culturally bound
Way people SHOULD behave
Work, pay bills, be honest, loyal, etc
Usually a continuum:
Abnormal to be ‘too’ shy, aggressive, ambitious, unambitious, etc

11. What is Deviant Behavior?
Recognized violation of social norms
Formal and informal social controls attempt to prevent/minimize deviance.
By definition deviant behavior requires:
Act
Norm violation
Potential consequence
Observer with ability to pass judgment

12. Some Types of Deviant Behavior
Sexual
Criminal Activity
Cognitive Deviance
KKK, militias, cults, mental illness, etc.
Identity Deviance
Tattoos and body art, gangster, etc.
Drug use (illicit)
Violence (some types)

13. Theories of Deviant Behavior
Compulsion
Possession
Mental illness
Lack of viable options
Frustration
Peer pressure
Labeling Theory
Free Will
Social learning
Rational Choice
Drift Theory, Slippery Slope
Developmental Training
Utility--pleasure vs pain

14. Who Works With Abnormal and Deviant Behavior?
Psychiatrists
Clinical Psychologists
Counselors
Psychiatric Social Workers
Psychiatric Nurses
Case Managers

15. Who Works With Abnormal and Deviant Behavior?
POLICE OFFICERS

16. Law Enforcement & Deviant Behavior
Law enforcement involvement likely when:
Discomfort of others
Danger to society
Danger to officers
Others’ (over)reactions to abnormal or deviant behavior

17. Keys for Law Enforcement
Expect the unexpected: Approach with caution
Anticipate abnormalities in behavior
Deviance is not necessarily a threat, but it often can be
Range of harm
Be strategic in your interventions