Violent Crime Linkage Analysis

The increasing portrayal of forensic investigative techniques in the popular media CSI, for example, has resulted in criminals becoming "forensically aware" and more careful about leaving behind physical evidence at a crime scene. This presents law enforcement with a significant problem: how can they detect serial offenders if they cannot rely on p

The aim of this thesis was to conduct research into the practice of crime linkage. A literature review was conducted in Chapter 1, finding that the process of crime linkage has started to be explored, although there is scope for much more research in this area. Similarly, while work has been started into crime linkage efficacy and the effect of computerised tools on the process, further work is required. Chapter 2 responded to a 2009 evaluation by Professor Margot of the University of Lausanne about the use of the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS). It highlighted a number of issues with the evaluation, but also noted that evaluation of ViCLAS is necessary and requires further exploration. Chapter 3 addressed some of the research gaps highlighted in Chapter 1 by exploring the process of comparative case analysis (CCA), conducted by analysts at the Serious Crime Analysis Section (SCAS). The process was mapped, and the analysts' decision making processes were discussed in detail, including the behaviours they found useful when linking crimes, the types of searches they conducted, how they decided whether cases were linked, and whether there was any academic research which assisted them. Finally, Chapter 4 aimed to fill some of the research gaps identified in both Chapters 1 and 2 by investigating the interrater reliability coding of ViCLAS in Belgium. Despite improvements to coding uniformity compared to previous research, there is still room for improvement, and the reasons for the associated difficulties of coding was discussed.

The increasing portrayal of forensic investigative techniques in the popular media—CSI, for example, has resulted in criminals becoming "forensically aware" and more careful about leaving behind physical evidence at a crime scene. This presents law enforcement with a significant problem: how can they detect serial offenders if they cannot rely on physical forensic evidence? One solution comes from psychology. A growing body of research has amassed in the area of behavioral consistency and the detection of serial offenders. A number of innovations are taking place in the field that have important implications for the practice of crime linkage and its use by police and the courts. Crime Linkage: Theory, Research, and Practice assembles this research and discusses its practical use. Topics include: Theoretical explanations for how, when, and why we may (or may not) see similarities in a person’s crime scene behavior Consistency and distinctiveness in sexual offending An overview of crime linkage research conducted to date The use of crime linkage in the United Kingdom, South Africa, and the United States New directions for research and practice, including linking across crime types to expand the suspect pool The range of statistical methods used in research of crime linkage principles The book represents a collaboration of researchers and practitioners from across the globe who are recognized as experts in the area of behavioral consistency and detection of serial offenders. They provide a comprehensive and informative text on the psychological and criminological theories underpinning crime linkage, how it is used in practice, the challenges practitioners face, and current innovations that will shape the future of crime linkage research and practice. This book is in the Advances in Police Theory and Practice series.

On psychological profiling of criminals

The purpose of the present study was three-fold; 1) to describe the behaviours exhibited by serial sexual offenders, including their criminal histories, 2) to gain a better understanding of the information that is used when linking (potential) serial sexual offences, and 3) to explore linkage outcomes and potential investigative barriers. Previous research on serial offenders has focused on how to link offenders to their multiple offences using a process known as linkage analysis. Through this process, trained analysts review case information and assess for potential links to other cases. Linking offences together allows investigators to focus their resources on investigating one offender that is responsible for multiple offences, rather than investigating each offence separately. Further, the linkage process facilitates communication between law enforcement agencies. This can help protect the public by aiding in the identification of offenders and potentially reducing victimization. There is a gap in the literature with respect to the information that is being used to link and confirm offences in practice. The current study aimed to address these limitations by reviewing a sample of 78 potential linkages (57 male sexual offenders) made by trained analysts from the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS) centre to examine the information and offence behaviours that were used to link serial sexual offenders to their offences. Further, this study described the current status of the linkages and potential investigative barriers. Overall, the information used to make linkages was consistent with previous research in that both consistent and distinctive offence behaviours were used. Regarding linkage outcomes, at the time of writing, the majority of linkages remain as potential (i.e., neither confirmed nor rejected) due to potential investigative barriers. As investigations continue, these may be updated and confirmed in the future. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Linking the murders of an alleged serial killer to successfully present a case in court involves a specific methodology that has been scrutinized by the judicial system but is largely absent in the current literature. Serial Violence: Analysis of Modus Operandi and Signature Characteristics of Killers fully explains the process of finding the nexus

This book introduces a novel approach to analysing and mapping criminal behaviours. Every crime occurs as a chain of behaviours and events, from inception and preparation through to commission and exit from the crime scene. These pathways in crime are complex, dynamic sequences that are by their very nature difficult to analyse. Keatley provides a clear and coherent introduction to Behaviour Sequence Analysis, and the chapters address a wide range of criminal offences, from deception in interrogations through to sexual assaults, serial homicide, and terrorism. Interesting additional similarities between Behaviour Sequence Analysis and other well-known methods, such as crime linkage, crime script analysis, and T-Pattern Analysis are also outlined in detail. Academic researchers in Forensic Psychology and Criminology, as well as applied practitioners and investigators will find this an invaluable book, and will gain clear insight and understanding into the method in order to apply it to their own cases.

Successfully analyze crime at any level of law enforcement! This book is a practical resource guide for the development of crime analysis in local law enforcement. The tragedy of September 11, 2001, has raised awareness on how crucial it is to analyze information and intelligence. Smaller agencies that cannot financially justify hiring a full-time analyst will find strategies and techniques to teach officers the methods of analysis. Introduction to Crime Analysis: Basic Resources for Criminal Justice Practice provides basic tools and step-by-step directions that will improve the skills and knowledge of new crime analysts. From the editors: “Military strategists have used analysis for centuries; it makes sense to know as much as possible about the enemy and about the conditions and causes of a situation if we hope to institute any kind of significant change for the better. Career criminals are the enemies of a community's well being. Now that advances in information technology give us the means and methods to fully examine and find meaningful knowledge in the vast amounts of existing information on crimes and criminals, we have an obligation to use our technological strength to protect innocent people. Systematic crime analysis as a law enforcement and public safety asset has become not only possible, but also truly necessary as a weapon in the war against crime.” Along with defining the various roles of the crime analyst, Introduction to Crime Analysis demonstrates how to: improve the personal skills necessary to make you a good crime analyst successfully work through the five stages—collection, collation, analysis, dissemination, and feedback and evaluation—of analysis select the appropriate crime mapping software for your agency evaluate the usefulness of your crime analysis products benefit from email discussion groups and professional associations create a crime analysis unit-including policies and procedures as well as marketing and funding This clearly written resource includes case studies, figures, and appendixes that will simplify the learning process. Links to Internet pages also offer resources and information beneficial to both new and experienced crime analysts. Introduction to Crime Analysis will benefit crime analysts, police officers, intelligence analysts, community groups focused on crime prevention, criminal justice students, and police departments and sheriff’s agencies.