NCJ Number
223313
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior: A Review Journal Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: March-April 2008 Pages: 88-106
Date Published
March 2008
Length
19 pages
Annotation
The literature on profiling homicide offenders was examined with regard to its underlying assumptions of offender consistency and specificity.
Abstract
When considering the literature about offender consistency and specificity, it appears that the psychopathology and the deviant fantasy of the offender can go some way in explaining offense-offender relationships. Additionally, the offender’s motive was able to explain some offense-offender relationships. The review on homicide offenders provides some support for the consistency and specificity assumption, but also points to some criticisms against the current view on offender profiling which are discussed. In conclusion, considering the homicide offense scenario as a collection of underlying concepts between offense and offender characteristics could provide a coherent theoretical framework encompassing the different explanations for the offense-offender relationships as stated. Offender profiling as defined by the FBI is a technique for identifying the major personality and behavioral characteristics of an individual based upon an analysis of the crimes he/she has committed. This paper investigates the extent to which the different theories in offender profiling are supported, specifically in the homicide offender population and concludes with a proposition for a new offender profiling model that can account for current criticisms. Tables, references