Serial murderers' spatial decisions: factors that influence crime location choice

Snook, Brent; Cullen, Richard; Mokros, Andreas; Harbort, Stephan

doi:10.1002/jip.35

Cited by 57 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Using the data on the IQs of 95 serial killers (Aamodt et al, 2007), we find that the mean IQ is 103 and the median is 102-figures that place serial killers in the average range of intelligence. Similar averages were found in a study of 29 German serial killers (M = 100.5; Snook, Cullen, Mokros, & Harbort, 2005). But, as one would expect from Principle 3, serial killer IQ is complicated and depends on several factors.…”

Section: Principle 3: Things Are Always More Complicated Than They Seemsupporting

confidence: 81%

Reducing Misconceptions and False Beliefs in Police and Criminal Psychology

Aamodt

2008

Criminal Justice and Behavior

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Although certainly not alone, the field of police and criminal psychology seems to be an area that is highly susceptible to myths and misinformation. Whether it is the notion that police have higher suicide and divorce rates or that crime rates greatly increase during a full moon, there are many commonly held beliefs that are not supported by scientific evidence. This article discusses research conducted by the author and his students over the past several years to investigate the accuracy of some common beliefs in police and criminal psychology. Four principles are proposed that, if considered, might reduce the level of misinformation in police and criminal psychology. These principles include using primary sources, comparing apples with apples, avoiding the oversimplification of what is being studied, and understanding that in general, human judgment is not a good predictor of behavior.

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Section: Principle 3: Things Are Always More Complicated Than They Seemsupporting

confidence: 81%

Reducing Misconceptions and False Beliefs in Police and Criminal Psychology

Aamodt

2008

Criminal Justice and Behavior

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“…Other researchers noted different findings, but still support this theory, with the meeting between killer and victim ranging between 14 to 22 kilometers from the killer's home, and the dumping of the body ranging from 24 to 40 kilometers [38].…”

Section: Geo-profiling: Geographic Profiling and Mapping In Serial Mumentioning

confidence: 95%

“…In line with the principle of "the smallest effort" of spatial profiling, and in correlation with the theory of rational choice, the serial killer will consistently choose the shortest and most accessible route from his home to his victim [37,38]. For example, the offender will choose the shortest route from his home to a place where street prostitutes, homeless youth, or others, are concentrated.…”

Section: Geo-profiling: Geographic Profiling and Mapping In Serial Mumentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This method was tested and found to be correct in 89% of cases of serial murder [38,39,[41][42][43]. The researchers concluded that in cases of serial murder, this method can be used with a certain degree of security.…”

Section: Geo-profiling: Geographic Profiling and Mapping In Serial Mumentioning

confidence: 99%

“…One argument is that this radius becomes smaller as the number of victims rises, and eventually is reduced to a radius of about three kilometers [40]. These researchers noted that this phenomenon, "home dump site," characterized some of the better known serial murderers such as Gacy and Dahmer.Other researchers noted different findings, but still support this theory, with the meeting between killer and victim ranging between 14 to 22 kilometers from the killer's home, and the dumping of the body ranging from 24 to 40 kilometers [38].Geo-profilers assert that the simple way to determine the diameter of a serial killer's circle of activity is to identify the distance between the two murders that took place farthest from one another, and place the killer's home in the center of the circle that can be sketched between these points. This method was tested and found to be correct in 89% of cases of serial murder [38,39,[41][42][43].…”

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confidence: 96%

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Serial Murder Profiling: Our Contemporary Understanding

Edelstein¹

2016

J For Med Leg Aff

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In this article we examine if, and to what extent, profiling can help to solve serial murder cases. We consider the unique characteristics of serial murder and their relationship to profiling, and examine the benefits and limitations of offender profiling. We conclude that using profiling as an investigative tool may help to capture serial murderers and prevent further murders. Notwithstanding, profiling does not guarantee, solving each serial murder case, due to both the limitations of profiling as an objective investigative tool and the distinct characteristics of serial murderers, making them difficult to profile.Keywords: Serial Murder; Profiling; Crime Scene; Geo-Profiling; Modus Operandi; Signature Serial Murder Profiling: Our Contemporary UnderstandingThough serial murder is a relatively rare occurrence, it causes great concern among the general public. The fact that most serial murderers are classified as sane (possessing antisocial personality disorders) is even more worrisome [1].Movies, books, and television series (such as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and Criminal Minds) have generated a certain degree of public conception that forensics and the ability to think like a murderer can solve every occurrence of serial murder. It is important to remember that profiling (criminal profiling or offender profiling), in its different forms and contexts such as crime scene analysis, personality analysis, spatial analysis is at most an important tool for police investigations. Advocates of profiling relate to it as a science while critics of profiling refer to it as an art form [2].The effectiveness of profiling in general, and profiling of serial murder specifically, has not been widely studied. Hodges and Jacquin [3] argued that only two-thirds of murder cases in the United States have been solved, with the unsolved third of murders including at least some serial murders. They maintain that the efficiency and accuracy of criminal profiling has not been investigated sufficiently, although their findings suggest that law enforcement officials have a higher rate of accuracy using profiling than other investigative methods.Other critiques include the fact that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) refuses to report on the efficiency of using profiling in solving cases of serial murder, which raises questions about the method [4]. Conversely, recently published books and articles attempt to identify the important tools that profiling uses, and their significance as investigative tools [5].This article proposes that the use of profiling as an investigative tool for murder cases, specifically cases of serial murder, is marked by many inadequacies, stemming in part from problematic criminology typology, as well as human error. However, continued development of the theoretical tools, empirical testing, and improved training, can change profiling into a more reliable and PO Box 13001, Beersheba, Israel 84536, E-mail: arnonede@gmail.com efficient investigative tool for solving murder cases in general, ...

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