Evaluation of “Fixed Propensity” to Commit Sexual Offenses

Abstract

The concept of “fixed emotional propensity” was explored by evaluating 62 sexual offenses committed by 23 male repeat offenders. Two general clusters of sex offenders were discerned, that is, more aggressive versus less aggressive offenders. In addition, sexual offenses committed by the same offender were much more similar than those committed by different offenders. The more similar the offense pattern, the greater the number of alleged offenses. In general, the results indicated that fixed emotional propensity is a useful concept in forensic evaluation.

Unravelling Crime Series Patterns amongst Serial Sex Offenders: Duration, Frequency, and Environmental Consistency

“…In other words, crime switching should be expected in the first few arrests, whereas crime specialisation should be found for more prolific offenders. In line with such a statement, a study conducted by Beutler et al () demonstrated that a more similar offence pattern throughout the offender's crime series was associated with a greater number of alleged offences. Other studies also found that specialisation for specific types of offences was more likely for more ‘experienced’ and prolific offenders (Blumstein et al, ; Lussier, Bouchard, & Beauregard, ).…”

“…By using different methodological and analytical strategies, studies' results indicate that offences committed by the same offender show greater similarity than crimes committed by different offenders (e.g. Beutler, Hinton, Crago, & Collier, ; Lundrigan et al, ; Santtila, Junkkila, & Sandnabba, ). Prior studies also revealed that it is possible to successfully distinguish between linked and unlinked crimes on the basis of the offender's behaviours displayed at the crime scene (e.g.…”

To link or not to link: a test of the case linkage principles using serial car theft data

“…An abundance of research evidence from the personality arena, therefore, addresses the existence of behavioural consistency. Indeed, much research now exists showing cross-situational consistency in both non-criminal (Funder & Colvin, 1991;Furr & Funder, 2004;Shoda, Mischel, & Wright, 1993, 1994Wright & Mischel, 1987) and criminal behaviour, including stranger sexual crimes against both adults and children (Beutler, Hinton, Crago, & Collier, 1995;Canter et al, 1991, cited in Woodhams & Toye, 2007Grubin, Kelly, & Ayis, 1997;Grubin, Kelly, & Brunsdon, 2001;Knight, Warren, Reboussin, & Soley, 1998;Santtila, Junkkila, & Sandnabba, 2005), homicide (Salfati & Bateman, 2005), arson (Santtila, Fritzon, & Tamelander, 2005), residential and commercial burglary (Bennell & Canter, 2002;Bennell & Jones, 2005;Green, Booth, & Biderman, 1976;Yokota & Canter, 2004), and commercial robbery (Woodhams & Toye, 2007).…”

Linking Serious Sexual Assaults Through Behaviour

“…Another approach that makes use of techniques able to take into account the interaction of a number of variables is described in a preliminary report by Beutler, Hinton, Crago & Collier (1995). They refer to the fixed propensities of an individual to behave in certain ways, which is in effect another way of referring to behavioural consistency.…”