Offender Profiling - PSYC4900 Lecture Notes

A set of flashcards created from the lecture notes on offender profiling to aid in exam preparation.

Offender Profiling

A psychological approach to understanding criminal behavior through the analysis of crime scenes and offender characteristics.

Prediction

The act of forecasting potential future behavior based on past actions and evidence.

Crime Scene Analysis

The examination and exploration of a crime scene to gather evidence and understand the offender's actions.

Offender Characteristics

Traits or behaviors that are associated with individuals who commit specific types of crime.

Victimology

The study of victims and the patterns of how they are chosen and affected by crime.

Linkage Analysis

The process of connecting different crimes that may have been committed by the same offender.

Modus Operandi (MO)

The specific method and patterns an offender uses when committing a crime.

Signature (in crime)

An act carried out by the offender that reflects their unique style or psychological needs.

Behavioral Investigative Advisors

Professionals who assist law enforcement in understanding the behavioral aspects of crimes.

Forensic Psychologists

Mental health professionals who apply principles of psychology to the field of criminal justice.

Cultural Differences

Variations in behavior, translations, and understanding based on cultural backgrounds that can affect offender profiling.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for gaining knowledge that includes observation, experimentation, and validation.

Inequalities in Profiling

The perception that offender profiling is not always scientifically sound leading to potential biases.

TPD: Theories, Principles, and Deduction

The framework used to structure offender profiling theories and methods.

Investigative Psychology

An area of psychology that applies psychological principles to assist law enforcement in criminal investigations.

Geographical Profiling

A technique that analyzes the spatial patterns of crimes to identify the likely areas where an offender resides.

Case History

The documentation and review of previous crimes and offenders as part of the profiling process.

Psychological Profiling

Assessment of an individual's psychological traits in relation to their criminal behavior.

Assessment Strategies

Approaches used to evaluate evidence and offender characteristics effectively.

Professional Issues in Profiling

Challenges such as lack of standardization and potential biases in developing crime profiles.

Art or Science

The debate over whether offender profiling is based on intuitive art or structured scientific methodology.

Dr. Thomas Bond

A historical figure known for creating a psychological profile of the infamous Jack the Ripper.

Profiling Techniques

Methods used in offender profiling, including behavioral analysis and crime scene assessment.

Final Paper Requirements

A written assignment that reviews research in APA style applying knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Weekly Quizzes

Short assessments on assigned readings and lecture content aimed at reinforcing understanding.

Participation Marks

Grades awarded based on active engagement in class discussions and activities.

Course Description Overview

Introduction to the psychology behind offending and the application of psychological principles in investigations.

Crime Reconstruction

The process of re-enacting the sequence of events during a crime to better understand it.

Terrorism Profiling

Analyzing criminal behavior associated with acts of terrorism to inform prevention and intervention.

Comparative Case Analysis

A method used to evaluate similarities and differences between different criminal cases.

Dr. Shannon Vettor

Instructor of the course on offender profiling offered at Ontario Tech University.

Threshold Assessment

Evaluating the level of seriousness of a crime to determine necessary investigative actions.

Short Answer Assignments

Written responses requiring a concise answer based on lecture materials.

Reading Week

A scheduled break in which there are no classes and students focus on their studies.

Professional Credentials

Required qualifications and experience to comprise a credible profiler in criminal investigations.

Public Misconceptions

Common misunderstandings that police and forensic psychologists are the primary profilers.

Interview Strategies

Techniques developed via profiling principles to effectively interact with suspects.

Crisis Intervention

Strategies aimed at providing immediate support to individuals in critical situations, including offenders.

Assessment of Escalation

Determining the likelihood of an offender increasing the severity or frequency of their crimes.

Two Truths and a Lie Activity

A group activity that fosters interaction among students and helps them learn about each other.

Geographical Offender Profiling

A subset of profiling that focuses on where a criminal is likely to reside based on crime locations.

Supplementary Content

Additional materials, such as videos and articles, provided to enhance understanding of course topics.

Introductory Lecture Content

Early discussions that provide groundwork for understanding offender profiling fundamentals.

Assessment of Evidence

Evaluating different types of evidence collected from crime scenes to support profiling.

JACK THE RIPPER Case Study

An examination of historical profiling methods applied to one of the most infamous serial killers.

Criminal Investigative Analysis

A method that combines various profiling techniques to analyze crimes.

Elderly Female Profile (Witch Hunt)

1800's profiling characteristics often mistakenly attributed to witches.

Crime Scene Indicators

Distinct features observed at crime scenes that can provide insight into the offender's psychology.

Scientific Biases

Systematic errors in profile interpretation due to personal prejudices or lack of evidence.

Final Exam Protocols

Guidelines concerning assessments taken at the conclusion of the course.