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 The forensic psychology book of the month for November is Forensic Psychology: Research, Clinical Practice & Applications by Matthew T. Huss Click on the following link for full details. Forensic Psychology Book of The Month Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks.      www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Book of The Month (November)        
  Photo Credit: Zach Klein Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Psychology Jobs        
  SAGE publications are providing free online access to over 500 journals until October 31st 2008. With full unrestricted content available from 1999 until the present day this is a wonderful opportunity for anybody looking for quality peer reviewed research findings. There is a host of forensic psychology related material available. The following journal article titles represent just a small sample of what you can get hold of. Graduate Students’ Experiences, Interests, and Attitudes Toward Correctional/Forensic Psychology A Role For Forensic Psychology In The Probation Service? Celebrating the Twentieth Anniversary of Criminal Justice and Behavior: The Past, Present, and Future of Forensic Psychology Human Rights, Ethical Principles, and Standards in Forensic Psychology Selecting Tomorrow’s Forensic Psychologists: a Fresh Look at Some Familiar Predictors Criminal Psychological Profiling: Validities and Abilities All you have to do to get free access to SAGE Journals Online is to register, which you can do by Clicking Here Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Journals        
  (Photo Credit: John Griffiths) This post follows on nicely from the criminal profiling debate alluded to in the last blog entry, as it demonstrates how criminal/offender/psychological profiling has evolved over the years. There is a page on the forensic psychology website where I discuss the scientific credibility of forensic psychology. In doing so I suggest that students should seek out a more balanced view when evaluating the credibility of forensic psychology as a whole and individual topics within the discipline. To back up this assertion I make the point there is more than one approach to criminal profiling, the guiding principles of which can differ markedly. With this in mind, I'd like to draw your attention to the concept of the behavioural investigative advisor. According to an illuminating article produced by the psychology department at Liverpool University (UK), the term behavioural investigative advisor reflects the fact that offender profiling has evolved from the traditional process of predicting the likely socio-demographic characteristics of an offender based on information available at the crime scene; toward a broader emphasis which embraces a range of reliable, tested and transparent evidence-based methods that psychologists can draw upon to assist the police during investigations. "Extending well beyond attempts to set suspect parameters or explain the behaviour of offenders in one-off critical incidents, advisors can now assist on issues such as media strategy, interview strategy, DNA intelligence led screening, risk assessments, geographical analysis, veracity of victim statements and the linking of a series of crimes." More Information Click Here to read the offender profiling article from the psychology department at Liverpool University. Click Here to access the scientific credibility of forensic psychology webpage. Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Offender Profiling        
 Criminal Profiling Debate
 I've just finished reading a very interesting article on criminal profiling that appeared in the New Yorker last November. Written by Malcolm Gladwell the article documents the historical roots of criminal profiling, beginning with the pioneering work of psychiatrist James Brussel and how the work of Brussel influenced FBI profiling. The article then presents a critical review of the work of prominent FBI profilers, in particular John Douglas; a review that clearly questions the usefulness of criminal profiling as an investigative methodology. If you would like to read Gladwell's article on criminal profiling in full, you can do so by Clicking Here Learn More About Criminal Profiling Don't forget that there are several pages dedicated to criminal profiling on the All About Forensic Psychology website. Criminal Profiling (First Documented Use) Criminal Profiling (The FBI Legacy) Criminal Profiling (Methodology) Geographic Profiling Criminal Profiling (A Realistic career aspiration?) Have Your Say So what do you think about criminal profiling? Do you agree or disagree with the points raised in the New Yorker article? To have your say on criminal profiling or anything else related to the fascinating world of forensic psychology simply fill out the Forensic Psychology 2.0 form via the following link and you'll be a published guest author on the All About Forensic Psychology Website in no time. Forensic Psychology 2.0 Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Criminal Profiling        
 Forensic Psychology
 The forensic psychology book of the month for September is Forensic Psychology by Graham M. Davies, Clive R. Hollin & Ray Bull. This comprehensive textbook is divided into four parts: The Anatomy of Crime covers definitions and measurements as well as theories of why crime is committed. Investigating Crime includes interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects, detecting deception and identifying perpetrators. The Trial Process offers detailed coverage of judicial processes, safeguarding witnesses, evidence, and the role of experts in a number of contexts. After Sentencing includes a discussion of the role of sentencing and therapeutic work with offenders. You can get full details by visiting the forensic psychology book of the month page. See following link. Forensic Psychology Book Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Book        
 Forensic Psychology
 I'm very pleased to announce the launch of Forensic Psychology 2.0 which allows anybody to share their passion for forensic psychology on the All About Forensic Psychology website. As a guest author, you can write about absolutely anything as long as it's related to the wonderful world of forensic psychology. For full details on this exciting development just click on the following link. Forensic Psychology 2.0 Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology 2.0        
 Forensic Psychology
 I've just added a forensic psychology articles page to the main Forensic Psychology Website. The authors whose forensic psychology related articles are included on the page have very kindly given permission for their work to be included on the site in the hope that they will spark interest in the issues and research areas covered. Article topics include: To read these expert forensic psychology articles for free, just click on the following link. Forensic Psychology Articles Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Articles        
  The M.A. Program in Forensic Psychology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey is the latest course to be added to the USA forensic psychology degree directory. The following information is taken from a press release announcing the launch of the course. Dr. Christopher Capuano, director of the School of Psychology, said, “There are few programs available in the tri-state area for students to obtain a graduate degree in the exciting and rapidly growing field of forensic psychology, and this program is unique in that it provides both practical and research experiences in forensic psychology, both of which are integrated throughout the curriculum.” The program prepares students for a variety of careers as forensic specialists in civil and criminal justice settings, including preparation as legal/forensic consultants in several areas of forensic psychology such as crisis intervention, custody matters, expert testimony, forensic assessment, jury selection, probation and parole, and victim assistance. The 48-hour program in forensic psychology is a two-year, full- time graduate program that includes an externship and optional master’s thesis. The program encompasses three content areas of study: concepts of psychology, foundations of forensic psychology, and applied knowledge/practical skills in forensic psychology. Specifically, the program provides training in psychopathology, psychological testing, forensic assessment and evaluation, forensic intervention strategies, and professional standards and ethics. Foundation and applied courses include psychological bases of criminal behavior, psychological profiling, evaluation and treatment of juvenile offenders, victims, sex offenders and alcohol and substance abuse disorders, and interviewing techniques. Graduates of the program will not only be skilled practitioners, but will also possess the skills necessary to design, carry out and evaluate research in forensic psychology, analyze and interpret data, and report research findings through scholarly means. The new program is part of the University’s nationally recognized School of Psychology. The school offers two doctoral programs, four master’s programs (including a postdoctoral M.S. in clinical psychopharmacology), and a strong undergraduate program with specializations in clinical social work, forensic psychology, and mental health. Visit The Course Webpage For details of other forensic psychology degrees available visit the: USA Forensic Psychology Degree Directory UK Forensic Psychology Degree Directory Online Forensic Psychology Degree Directory International Forensic Psychology Degree Directory Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Degree        
 Forensic Psychology
 (Photo Credit: Jenni Ripley) Came across details of a very interesting study exploring the link between self-control and why people get into crime. The study by Dr Mei Williams a forensic psychology lecturer at Massey’s School of Psychology in Auckland, New Zealand is important because the relationship between self-control and criminal activity, although often cited, lacks explanatory power, particularly in psychological terms. You can get more details on this study by Clicking Here Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Why Criminals Cannot Say 'No': The Psychology of Self Control        
  Forensic Psychology Q & A is a new knowledge sharing resource on the All About Forensic Psychology Website where anybody can ask or answer a question relating to the fascinating world of forensic psychology. So don't be shy, if you have a forensic psychology related question, ask away and if you think you can answer any of the posted questions, please do so. Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Q & A       
 Forensic Psychology
 (Photo Credit: Martha Perez) It's generally accepted that if you watch somebody's facial expressions carefully enough when they are talking, you can tell whether they are lying. The thinking behind this commonly held belief is that certain facial communications can not be controlled and as such help to reveal the talkers true emotions. However, this line of thinking has rarely been studied in detail. In attempt to redress this situation Stephen Porter and Leanne ten Brinke from the Forensic Psychology Lab at Dalhousie University in canada have just had their research into the subject published in the academic journal Psychological Science. The paper entitled "Reading Between the Lies: Identifying Concealed and Falsified Emotions in Universal Facial Expressions" has generated lots of interest in the popular media, however, if you would also like to read the authors research in full, you can do so by Clicking Here Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology The Psychology of Lying       
 Forensic Psychology
Insanity: Murder, Madness, and the Law by Charles Patrick Ewing  Book Description In this book, Professor Ewing tackles the most complex of all legal/psychological issues: the insanity defense. It has been employed thousands of times, but there is still little understanding by lawyers and psychologists of its proper use. By analyzing some of the most well-known insanity cases in legal history, this book sheds light on the particularities of this defense; when it is successful, and when it is a sham. The casebook is an established format in which to illuminate legal questions, and yet no such book exists yet for this topic. Professor Ewing will examine 20 of the most influential and controversial insanity cases, from the recent D.C. sniper trial to Jack Ruby's failed plea in his trial for the assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald. The cases are all carefully chosen to illuminate different ways in which the courts have handled this defense. Throughout, the author will add his own analysis of the cases and the reasons for the verdict. This book will be an excellent introduction to the subject for students of law or forensic psychology, and a concise overview of the issues at stake for professionals in the field. See following link for more details: Insanity: Murder, Madness, and the Law  UK Visitors Click Here  www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Book of The Month (March)       
  Dear All I've just launched a new psychology website designed to help anybody looking for informed and detailed information on psychology. Definitions, history, topic areas, theory and practice, careers, debates and study skills are all covered in detail. With free and comprehensive coverage, information and resources, you should find the All About Psychology Website useful and engaging whatever your connection with psychology - student, educator, professional or general interest. All the best David www.all-about-psychology.com Please share this Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. New Psychology Website       
 Forensic Psychology
 With respect to the application of psychology within a legal context, the Colin Stagg case is a very important one as it raises the issue of ethical practice and questions the efficacy of criminal profiling and expert evidence within forensic psychology. Background To The Case In September 1992 Colin Stagg was arrested on suspicion of murdering Rachel Nickell. Following his release without charge, the police in conjunction with the psychologist Paul Britton began a "covert operation" which involved an undercover female police officer befriending Colin Stagg. According to Gudjonsson & Haward (Gudjonsson assessed Stagg while on remand), the operation was designed to elicit a confession from Stagg. The covert operation continued for several months during which time Stagg consistently denied the murder but revealed fantasies that could possibly be seen as incriminating. However, following a detailed psychological assessment of Colin Stagg, it was concluded that: "There is no doubt that Miss James subjected Mr Stagg to psychological manipulation in order to elicit responses from him that fitted Mr Britton's profile of Miss Nickell's murderer. His 'fantasies' involving domination, humiliation and aggression were clearly a product of a subtle process of influence and should not be relied upon as representing Mr Stagg's genuine sexual preferences and fantasies." As a result of the psychological reports, the judge ruled that the correspondence and tape recordings elicited from the covert operation were inadmissable and no evidence was entered against Colin Stagg. Related Reading To find out more about the case from the perspective of Colin Stagg himself, you should get hold of Pariah, described by Dr. Laurence Alison, an expert in psychological profiling at Liverpool University as “An important book and a bloody good read”. See following link for full details. Pariah: Colin Stagg   How you doin? Let people know with our unique personality trait t-shirts and gifts. Whatever your mood, express it with style with our innovative design range. Or why not show your family and friends that you know what makes them tick; psychological profiling has never been so cool. Any profit made from the Personality Trait Cafepress store will be put towards the hosting and development costs associated with the All About forensic psychology and All About forensic science websites. Click Here to visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology The Colin Stagg Case       
 Forensic Psychology
Ethical Practice in Forensic Psychology: A Systematic Model for Decision Making by Shane S. Bush, Mary A. Connell & Robert L. Denney  Book Description While most psychologists working in forensic contexts aspire to practice in a manner consistent with the highest ideals of ethical practice, they face numerous and complex concerns and may be unclear about how to apply the Ethics Code and Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists to their real-world issues. In Ethical Practice in Forensic Psychology, Shane S. Bush, Mary A. Connell, and Robert L. Denney explore common ethical dilemmas forensic psychologists may encounter in procedures including referrals, evaluations, documentation of findings and opinions, and testimony and termination. The authors present and apply a practical ethical-decision making model to timely case vignettes in the areas of civil, criminal, and child/family law to demonstrate how to approach the ethical challenges faced in forensic psychology; they also offer suggestions for addressing potential ethical misconduct by colleagues. This balanced and comprehensive volume will be a valuable addition to the library of forensic psychology students and trainees, and career forensic psychologists. See following link for more details: Ethical Practice in Forensic Psychology: A Systematic Model for Decision Making  Visitors From The UK Click Here How you doin? Let people know with our unique personality trait t-shirts and gifts. Whatever your mood, express it with style with our innovative design range. Or why not show your family and friends that you know what makes them tick; psychological profiling has never been so cool. Any profit made from the Personality Trait Cafepress store will be put towards the hosting and development costs associated with the All About forensic psychology and All About forensic science websites. Click Here to visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Book of The Month (February)       
 Forensic Psychology
 (Photo Credit: Mindgutter) Given that forensic psychologists often conduct competency-to-stand-trial evaluations, I thought it would be useful to draw your attention to a number of insightful posts on the topic. All the posts listed below come courtesy of the always engaging blog "Postcards From The Id". I strongly recommend that you bookmark this great blog which is described by the author as follows, "A father, husband, and forensic psychologist examines the "lighter" side of clinical and forensic psychology, with pop culture and other personal interests thrown in for good measure." An Introduction To Competency The Doctrine of Competency The Legal Process for Competency to Stand Trial Competency Myth 1 : Incompetence to Stand Trial = Mental Illness How you doin? Let people know with our unique personality trait t-shirts and gifts. Whatever your mood, express it with style with our innovative design range. Or why not show your family and friends that you know what makes them tick; psychological profiling has never been so cool. We've also just added a new forensic design range. Any profit made from the Personality Trait Cafepress store will be put towards the hosting and development costs associated with the All About forensic psychology and All About forensic science websites. Click Here to visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Competency To Stand Trial       
 Forensic Psychology
 Psyris stands for "psychology resource information system" and is the brainchild of licensed psychologist Paul G. Mattiuzzi, ph.d. It is designed "To serve the public and to serve the professional psychology community, along with those in the allied behavioral health professions." This is an excellent resource for anybody interested in psychology and there are a number of useful forensic psychology links e.g. Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists, which can be accessed via the professional resources page under the heading APA Practice Guidelines. You can check out the psychology resource information system by Clicking Here How you doin? Let people know with our unique personality trait t-shirts and gifts. Whatever your mood, express it with style with our innovative design range. Or why not show your family and friends that you know what makes them tick; psychological profiling has never been so cool. We've also just added a new forensic design range. Any profit made from the Personality Trait Cafepress store will be put towards the hosting and development costs associated with the All About forensic psychology and All About forensic science websites. Click Here to visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Psyris: A Very Useful Psychology Resource       
 Forensic Psychology
 David Canter is the director of the International Centre for Investigative Psychology and professor of psychology at the University of Liverpool. In 1994 he established the MSc in investigative psychology which was the first degree course in the world to incorporate the study of criminal profiling as part of a broad examination into the ways in which psychology can be employed within criminal investigations. Professor Canter recently gave an interview to the BBC where he talks about Investigative Psychology in more detail. You can read the transcript of the interview by Clicking Here David Canter's work on Investigative Psychology is also featured on the main forensic psychology website, which you can access by Clicking Here How you doin? Let people know with our unique personality trait t-shirts and gifts. Whatever your mood, express it with style with our innovative design range. Or why not show your family and friends that you know what makes them tick; psychological profiling has never been so cool. We've also just added a new forensic design range. Any profit made from the Personality Trait Cafepress store will be put towards the hosting and development costs associated with the All About forensic psychology and All About forensic science websites. Click Here to visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Investigative Psychology: Professor David Canter       
 Forensic Psychology
Beyond Common Sense: Psychological Science in the Courtroom Edited by Eugene Borgida & Susan T. Fiske.  Book Description Beyond Common Sense addresses the many important and controversial issues that arise from the use of psychological and social science in the courtroom. Features original chapters written by some of the leading experts in the field of psychology and law including Elizabeth Loftus, Saul Kassin, Faye Crosby, Alice Eagly, Gary Wells, Louise Fitzgerald, Craig Anderson, and Phoebe Ellsworth Each chapter identifies areas of scientific agreement and disagreement, and discusses how psychological science advances an understanding of human behavior beyond what is accessible by common sense. The issues addressed include eyewitness identification, gender stereotypes, repressed memories, Affirmative Action, and the death penalty. Commentaries written by 7 leading social science and law scholars discuss key legal and scientific themes that emerge from the science chapters and illustrate how psychological science is or can be used in the courts For more details and/or to get hold of this recommended forensic psychology book, just click on the following link. Beyond Common Sense: Psychological Science in the Courtroom  UK Visitors Click Here How you doin? Let people know with our unique personality trait t-shirts and gifts. Whatever your mood, express it with style with our innovative design range. Or why not show your family and friends that you know what makes them tick; psychological profiling has never been so cool. We've also just added a new forensic design range. Any profit made from the Personality Trait Cafepress store will be put towards the hosting and development costs associated with the All About forensic psychology and All About forensic science websites. Click Here to visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Book of The Month (January)       
 Forensic Psychology
 If you head over to the official website for David Fincher's Zodiac film not only can you find out all about this infamous serial killer case, but you can also watch videos discussing the case in relation to Geographic Profiling, Behavioral Profiling & Linguistic Analysis. You can visit the Zodiac website by Clicking Here Related Material Last year I did a forensic psychology blog post on Douglas Evander Oswell who has spent over 10 years researching the methods, motives, psychological attributes and connection between the Unabomber and the Zodiac. This forensic psychology blog post included a link to an interview with Oswell in which he outlines the striking connections between the two cases as well as discussing the distinction between serial killers, recreational killers and mass murderers. You can access this forensic psychology blog post by Clicking Here Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. How you doin? Let people know with our unique personality trait t-shirts and gifts. Whatever your mood, express it with style with our innovative design range. Or why not show your family and friends that you know what makes them tick; psychological profiling has never been so cool. We've also just added a new forensic design range. Any profit made from the Personality Trait Cafepress store will be put towards the hosting and development costs associated with the All About forensic psychology and All About forensic science websites. Click Here to visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Forensic Psychology Blog: The Zodiac       
 Forensic Psychology Blog
 (Photo Credit: Ghostbones) Happy New Year everyone. When you teach and study forensic psychology, your interest in the topic stays with you all the time. For instance my holiday TV watching not only included the usual Christmas offerings (It's a wonderful life, Home Alone, Die Hard etc) but also Jack the Ripper: The First Serial Killer. To be fair I came across this very interesting documentary by chance when flicking through the TV channels; but it's precisely the type of thing I would record and show my students as a way of stimulating discussion and debate. Jack the Ripper: The First Serial Killer was very useful in this respect as it touched on a number of concepts and issues that can be considered within a forensic, psychological and investigative context e.g. can criminal profiling reveal the behavioural make-up of an unknown offender? Jack the Ripper: The First Serial Killer - Programme Details For decades the crimes of Jack the Ripper have inspired both horror and intrigue. Theories abound as to the identity of the killer, but few are based on facts. This film follows Laura Richards, a behavioural analyst at New Scotland Yard's Violent Crime Directorate, as she re-opens the case of Jack the Ripper, the first modern serial killer. With the benefits of modern criminology and psychological analysis, and the aid of Britain's best detectives, Richards uses 21st century forensic techniques to understand a 19th century killer, dispelling the many myths that have grown up around the case and revealing the truth about Jack The Ripper, the first modern serial killer. In the autumn of 1888 Jack the Ripper launched an unparalleled reign of terror onto the streets of London, leaving at least five women severely mutilated. To this day the case remains one of history's greatest mysteries. Drawing together a team who are all experts in their field, Richards sets aside all the suspects and focuses her attention on what the crimes have to say about the killer. Using geographic profiling, they uncover the location where he is likely to have lived and with modern techniques, reveal an accurate E-Fit portrait of the killer. Richards builds a picture of a man who was perfectly sane, frighteningly normal, and yet capable of extraordinary cruelty. For the first time, we are able to understand the kind of person Jack the Ripper was; we can name the street where he probably lived; and we can see what he looked like; and we can explain, finally, why this killer eluded justice. Jack the Ripper: The First Serial Killer Related Material  Going Beyond The Mo: Criminal Profiling, Jack The Ripper And Signature Behavior This was the title of a forensic psychology blog post I did last year and I thought it would be worth re-publishing here. The primary aim of criminal profiling is to reveal the behavioral make-up of an unknown offender. To understand how this can be achieved, this blog item draws upon Robert Keppel's analysis of the Jack the ripper murders in order to examine the concept of signature behavior and how this differs from the offender's Modus Operandi. Modus Operandi I'm sure you've all watched a film or TV series where a detective at a crime scene asks what's the MO?. MO stands for Modus Operandi and it literally means way of working, and it's what an offender does in order to carry out a crime. For example, a burglar who always uses a glass cutter to gain access to a house is demonstrating an aspect of his or her MO or way of working. From an investigative point of view analysis of the offenders MO can be used to link cases at crime scenes, however, a major stumbling block is that an offenders MO (way of working) can change. Consequently, according to criminal profilers you have to analyse behavior that transcends the MO. Innate behavior that is static and rigid; behavior that remains the same over time. This behavior relates to the things offenders are psychologically compelled to do over and above what it takes to commit the crime, and in the world of criminal profiling, this type of behaviour is known as signature behavior. Signature behavior A very useful two part definition of offender signature is provided by Brent Turvey. Signature Behaviors Signature behaviors are those acts committed by an offender that are not necessary to complete the offense. Their convergence can be used to suggest an offender's psychological or emotional needs (signature aspect). They are best understood as a reflection of the underlying personality, lifestyle, and developmental experiences of an offender Signature Aspects The emotional or psychological themes or needs that an offender satisfies when they commit offense behaviors. Robert Keppel has written widely on criminal profiling and signature behavior and analysis. In 2002 I was fortunate enough to hear him speak at a forensic science conference in Atlanta. Entitled: A signature analysis of the eight Whitechapel murders attributed to Jack the Ripper in 1888 Robert Keppel's presentation sought to explain the processes involved in linking murder cases through Modus Operandi and signature. The reason I want to include it here is that I remember thinking at the time, and still do, that it provides an excellent way of showing how the MO and signature differ in terms of what they tell you about a particular crime. The following information is taken from Keppel's abstract in the conference proceedings. Jack the Ripper's Modus Operandi He attacked white female prostitutes in their 40's in a cluster of victims within a short distance of each other. The first four victims Mary Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride and Catherine Eddowes were killed and found outdoors in the Whitechapel area; then he changed his MO by killing and leaving the fifth victim Mary Kelly, indoors. By choosing to murder Kelly indoors, the killer demonstrated that he was an experienced night time cat burglar and stalker, as he attacked all his victims in the early morning hours when dawn was approaching Jack the Ripper's signature Remember this relates to what he did over and above what was necessary to commit the crime, it transcends the MO Each victim was posed in a sexually degrading position, intentionally left that way so the discovery of the bodies would startle the people who found them. They were not concealed or hidden away, but placed in locations where they would be easily discovered. The placing of the victims on their back, grotesquely laid out with their throats cut and viscera exposed or missing, reflect the cruel reality of the killer, his total mastery over their bodies. The pleasure for the killer was demonstrating each victims vulnerability. Incidentally Keppel does not believe that all the murders attributed to Jack the ripper where in fact carried out by him. He claims that in the case of three of his alleged victims there were fundamental differences in the signature of the crimes. However, there is no doubt that like his fellow writers on the topic Keppel firmly believes that signature behaviour represents a real and intrinsic part of the offender's personality. "Hidden among the evidence, often gleaned from the marks and wounds on the victim's body these signatures are the only ways the killer truly expresses himself." (Keppel & Burns). Further Information From The Forensic Psychology website Geographic Profiling Criminal Profiling: First Documented Use Criminal Profiling: The FBI Legacy Please share this Forensic Psychology Blog Post with others by adding it to your social bookmarks. How you doin? Let people know with our unique personality trait t-shirts and gifts. Whatever your mood, express it with style with our innovative design range. Or why not show your family and friends that you know what makes them tick; psychological profiling has never been so cool and a new forensic range has just been added. Any profit made from the Personality Trait Cafepress store will be put towards the hosting and development costs associated with the All About forensic psychology and All About forensic science websites. Click Here to visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Jack the Ripper: The First Serial Killer       
  Touching Evil: Getting to know a serial killer is the title given to a three part series published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The story surrounds a class of senior forensic science majors at Dunquesne University who contacted and corresponded with the serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson for a class project. Keith Hunter Jesperson murdered at least eight women between 1990 and 1995. Background To The Forensic Science Project The idea for the project was put forward by course teacher Ronald Freeman as a way of providing students with an alternative perspective on forensic investigation. "In school, they talk to professors, scientists, and I'm an ex-cop. They get our perspective on the criminal justice system. I thought, 'Why not try to look at it from a different side?'" Having suggested and ascertained that the forensic science class wanted to contact Jesperson, approval was also sought from the students parents, the director of the forensic science and law degree program and the dean of the school. Making Contact Click Here to read the first letter the forensic science students sent to serial killer Keith Hunter Jesperson. In addition to the original letter, a further dozen or so were exchanged between Jesperson and the forensics class and on the 5th of November the class held a live Q&A session with Jesperson via conference call. Audio Excerpts You can listen to several excerpts from the conference call by clicking on the following links. How Jesperson Killed His Victims The Happy Face Killer Nickname Things Jesperson Regrets What Compelled Jesperson To Kill Why Jesperson Agreed To Particpate In The Class Project What Went through Jesperson's Mind As He Killed What Do You Think About This Project My personal view is that generally speaking it evokes all the normal reactions associated with anything to do with serial killers i.e., compelling, fascinating, intriguing etc but I have to say that this project makes me feel very uncomfortable on a number of levels. I have no doubt that the intentions of the project were honorable and genuinely designed to provide a unique learning experience for the students involved, but I am struggling to see how this experience would translate into improved forensic investigation skills and/or knowledge in the field. Even if this could be qualified in some way I strongly believe that Jesperson got so much more out of this that the students ever could, not least beacuse it provided him with the perfect platform to do what he loves doing best, namely manipulating, dominating and controlling. The following quotes from class members were just two of many that made me wince. "I had no idea that he was going to turn out to be actually such a pretty nice guy aside from the fact that he killed a bunch of people." "I guess I expected someone who would be a little more harsh and callous, but he was really nice, like an uncle kind of nice, which is kind of strange," I also found aspects of the reporting crass in the extreme. The start of second part of the Touching Evil: Getting to know a serial killer series begins: The student's blood-red T-shirt was a big hit. "Friends help you move," the front said. And on the back, "Real friends help you move a body." The dark humor was dead-on funny for the 30 Duquesne University forensic science and law majors. Gallows humor is common place within the forensic community and serves as a useful coping mechansim, but it's nearly always kept in-house and I think to document something like this in such a public way shows a basic lack of respect for the victims and the their families, however, unintentional. You can have your say by clicking on the comments link at the end of the post. More Information A number of video clips regarding this project have been produced which can be accessed by Clicking Here You can read the first part of the Touching Evil: Getting to know a serial killer series by Clicking Here You can read the second part of the Touching Evil: Getting to know a serial killer series by Clicking Here Related Reading "I": The Creation of a Serial Killer by Jack Olsen  Library Journal Book Review During the 1990s, the Pacific Northwest was besieged by a serial killer, Keith Hunter Jesperson, who taunted the police for incarcerating the wrong people for one of his eight victims; he signed his letter to the police with a happy face and hence became known as the Happy Face Killer. Renowned true-crime author Olsen (Hastened to the Grave) uses diaries, court records, and interviews with the killer himself to present Jesperson's version of why he became a serial killer and how he killed his victims. As a truck driver, he was able to travel cross-country and kill young women who, he thought, were going to present a problem for him. With each of his victims, he played a "death game" in which he choked them, then revived them a few times before killing them. The book's flaw is that it is one-sided. The reader is not told how law enforcement officers caught on to Jesperson or about the trial. Nor does it provide details as to what happened to the wrongly convicted. Nevertheless, Olsen's popularity in the genre will make this a popular choice for public libraries. For more details and/or to get hold of this book, just click on the following link. I: The Creation of a Serial Killer  UK Visitors Click Here How you doin? Let people know with our unique personality trait t-shirts and gifts. Whatever your mood, express it with style with our innovative design range. Or why not show your family and friends that you know what makes them tick; psychological profiling has never been so cool and a new forensic range has just been added. Any profit made from the Personality Trait Cafepress store will be put towards the hosting and development costs associated with the All About forensic psychology and All About forensic science websites. Click Here to visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store. www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology Touching Evil: Getting To Know A Serial Killer |
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