Understanding Serial Killers in America: A Criminological Analysis
Scenario
You are a lead criminal profiler assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. Last week, you were selected to be a presenter at the International Homicide Investigators Conference in Washington, D.C. that will be held in two months. You will be discussing serial killers in America. At your speaking engagement, you will discuss two case studies derived from the scholarly journal article, Serial Murder in America: Case Studies of Seven Offenders. You will provide an expert opinion as to which criminological theories most likely explain the criminal behavior and which theories apply to the offender based upon the case study. You will focus on comparing and contrasting not only the theories and application of the theories for each case, but also any behavioral, sociological, and environmental factors in each.
Directions
Using the provided scenario and resource, choose two case studies to focus on for your speaking engagement. (Note: It is important to consider the theories and their application when reading and selecting the cases to use for this project. Some theories may not be applicable to certain cases.)
For each case, do the following:
Describe the criminal behavior present in each case. Include the following in your description:
Identify the case.
Provide a brief summary of the case, focusing on the criminal behavior.
Describe how the classical school of thought has influenced criminal justice practices specific to each case. Include the following in your analysis:
How has classical theory impacted the criminal justice system in regard to the criminal behavior, laws, and policies in each case?
Analyze the criminal behavior in each case by focusing on how the positivist school of thought (biological, psychological, sociological theories) has influenced criminal justice practices. Include the following in your analysis:
Which theory in each category (biological, psychological, and sociological) is most applicable to the case?
How may this theory influence criminal justice practices in relation to the criminal behavior in the case?
Explain how critical and interactionist theories interpret social structures and influence professional practice specific to each case. Include the following in your explanation:
What are the social structures and professional practices identified in the case?
Which critical and interactionist theory is most applicable to the case?
How may critical and interactionist theories influence professional practices in the case?
Explain the similarities and differences between the two cases you chose. Include the following in your explanation:
Which theories are used to analyze each case?
How is the application of theories similar or different in the cases?
How are behavioral and environmental factors similar or different in the cases?
Title: Understanding Serial Killers in America: A Criminological Analysis
Introduction
As a lead criminal profiler at the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, I have been tasked with presenting at the International Homicide Investigators Conference in Washington, D.C. My presentation will focus on two case studies of serial killers in America, derived from the scholarly journal article, "Serial Murder in America: Case Studies of Seven Offenders."
Case Study 1: The Green River Killer
- Criminal Behavior: The case of the Green River Killer, Gary Ridgway, involved the murder of numerous women in the Seattle area over two decades. Ridgway's victims were predominantly young women who were vulnerable and engaged in sex work.
- Classical School of Thought: The classical theory influenced the criminal justice system by emphasizing deterrence and punishment. In this case, the focus was on apprehending Ridgway through traditional investigative methods and building a case based on evidence.
- Positivist School of Thought: The psychological theory of psychopathy is most applicable to the Green River Killer case. Understanding Ridgway's psychopathic tendencies can influence criminal justice practices by informing risk assessment and treatment strategies for similar offenders.
- Critical and Interactionist Theories: The social structure of marginalized communities where Ridgway's victims resided plays a significant role in understanding the case. Critical theories highlight systemic inequalities that may contribute to victimization. Interactionist theories focus on how societal norms and values influence behaviors.
Case Study 2: The BTK Killer
- Criminal Behavior: Dennis Rader, known as the BTK Killer, terrorized Wichita, Kansas, by committing a series of brutal murders over several decades. Rader's crimes included stalking, torturing, and killing his victims, showcasing a pattern of sadistic behavior and a desire for control.
- Classical School of Thought: The classical theory influenced the criminal justice system in the BTK Killer case by emphasizing the importance of law enforcement cooperation and public awareness campaigns to capture the offender.
- Positivist School of Thought: The psychological theory of narcissism is most applicable to the BTK Killer case. Rader exhibited narcissistic traits that fueled his need for attention and control. Understanding these traits can inform risk assessment and treatment approaches.
- Critical and Interactionist Theories: The social structure of suburban neighborhoods in Wichita and the professional practices of law enforcement agencies are critical in analyzing the BTK Killer case. Critical theories may highlight societal pressures and status symbols, while interactionist theories may focus on communication patterns within law enforcement.
Comparing and Contrasting the Cases
- Both cases involve serial killers who targeted vulnerable individuals within their communities.
- The application of classical theory emphasizes law enforcement strategies and public safety measures in both cases.
- Behavioral factors in the Green River Killer case may be more influenced by psychopathy, while narcissism plays a significant role in the BTK Killer case.
- Environmental factors such as community dynamics and law enforcement practices differ between the cases, highlighting the importance of contextual understanding in criminal investigations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, analyzing serial killers in America through various criminological theories provides valuable insights into understanding criminal behavior and informing professional practices within the criminal justice system. By examining cases like those of the Green River Killer and the BTK Killer, we can enhance our knowledge of serial offenders and improve strategies for prevention and intervention.
References:
1. Egger, S. (2002). Serial Murder in America: Case Studies of Seven Offenders. Journal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling, 1(1), 7-21.
2. Douglas, J., Olshaker, M. (1999). Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit. Scribner.
3. Holmes, R., Holmes, S. (2009). Serial Murder. SAGE Publications.