Overview
This lecture explains the interplay between genetics, psychology, and experience in shaping criminal behavior, focusing on how behavioral analysis and profiling are used to investigate violent crimes.
Nature vs. Nurture in Criminal Behavior
- Both genetics and environment contribute to the making of a serial killer.
- "Genetics loads the gun; personality, psychology, and experience pull the trigger."
- Genetics give the potential; personality and experiences filter and shape outcomes.
Role of the FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU)
- BAU analyzes violent and sexual crimes to assist law enforcement.
- Profilers use behavioral evidence where forensics fall short.
- Crime analysis focuses on how and why crimes are committed to identify who did it.
Development of Criminal Profiling
- Early profilers interviewed convicted serial killers to study their backgrounds and motives.
- Examples: Ed Kemper’s issues with his mother, Berkowitz’s sexual frustration, Bundy’s use of charm and manipulation.
- Profiling involves reverse engineering crimes: analyzing victims, scenes, and behaviors to infer offender characteristics.
Elements of Profiling and Analysis
- Victimology studies the victim’s life and choices to uncover offender patterns.
- Crime location and scene details reveal offender skills, risk level, and sophistication.
- Offenders range from organized (planned, prepared) to disorganized (impulsive, careless).
- Weapon choice and cleanup efforts indicate offender’s personality and skills.
- Pre- and post-offense behaviors, like surveillance and fleeing, provide investigative clues.
Case Example: Double Homicide Analysis
- Victim analysis and scene evidence suggest the female was the intended target.
- Presence of drugs and cash indicates high-risk lifestyle, but not a drug-motivated crime.
- Low level of organization and intelligence inferred from sloppy cleanup and evidence left behind.
- Letters left at the scene might be dying message or staging by the offender.
- Motive may involve jealousy and a possible love triangle.
Case Example: DC Sniper Investigation
- DC sniper case involved random victimology and careful planning.
- Traditional profile (older, white male, lone offender) did not fit the case.
- Evidence pointed to a team: an older controlling male and a younger accomplice.
- Communication left at the scene revealed psychological traits like a god complex.
- Accurate profiling led to arrest of Muhammad and Malvo, breaking typical sniper case patterns.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Victimology — study of victims’ characteristics and routines to infer offender behavior.
- Organized offender — plans crimes, brings necessary tools, removes evidence.
- Disorganized offender — acts impulsively, leaves evidence, less criminal skill.
- Criminal profiling — deducing offender traits and motives from crime evidence.
- Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) — FBI division specializing in behavioral crime analysis.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review concepts of victimology and offender organization for the next class.
- Complete assigned reading on the history of criminal profiling.