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Investigating the criminal mind

Investigating the criminal mind. Examination of physical evidence  helps determine the who , what , and how of crime Forensic psychiatrists help determine the why . Clinical vs. Forensic Psychiatry. Role of forensic psychiatrist may include:.

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Investigating the criminal mind

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  1. Investigating the criminal mind

  2. Examination of physical evidence • helps determine the who, what, and howof crime • Forensic psychiatrists • help determine the why

  3. Clinical vs. Forensic Psychiatry

  4. Role of forensic psychiatrist may include: • Assess the role of alcohol and drugs in a defendant’s conduct • Determine competency to stand trial • Assess a subject’s understanding of reality and responsibility • Offer a judgment regarding the suspect’s state of mind at the time of the crime (NOTE: Sanity is ruled on by the court) • Create a psychological profile of the type of individual who likely committed the crime

  5. Techniques of assessment of suspects: • 1st: medical history or physical exam—can reveal medical problems that may alter thinking or understanding • 2nd: testing the mind—3 categories Personality inventories: assess subject’s basic personality type; highly standardized and reliable Projective testing—evaluate person’s thought processes; less standardized and more subjective but may help uncover obsessions and fantasies that drive crime (ex. Inkblot exam) Cognitive testing—assess subject’s intelligence and ability to understand his other own behavior (ex. IQ test)

  6. Projective testing Interpret an ink blot Draw a picture Interpret a picture

  7. Techniques of assessment of suspects: • 3rd: interview the subject—investigate areas of concern from earlier tests • --Questioning starts out broad gradually becomes more probing • --Focus is to uncover motivations • --Be cautious of lying and false confessions • **controversial techniques= hypnosis and “truth serum” • Read case study • (“Hypnotizing Kenneth Bianchi,” page 57)

  8. Serial Offenders List common crimes: List possible motives for such crimes: How do serial killers differ?

  9. Definition/characteristics of serial killing: • Suspect kills more than one person at different times and locations with cooling-off periods between the killings. • Most often prey on strangers • Motives are private and personal (not obvious) • “Fantasy” plays large role Zodiac Killer

  10. Criminal Profiling Purpose: the profile may not lead to an exact individual, but may help narrow the focus of the investigation Rational behind profiling: behavior reflects personality Descriptors used in profiling: Age Sex Race Residency Proximity Social skills Work history Educational level

  11. Linking Criminals Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (VICAP) and PROFILER= FBI databases to help match serial offenders with crimes and profiles

  12. Source of content: Lyle, D.P. (2004). Forensics for Dummies. Indianapolis: Wiley Productions Inc.

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