NCJ Number
123588
Date Published
1990
Length
238 pages
Annotation
This book presents state-of-the-art theory and research on serial murder.
Abstract
A synthesis of current literature and research is followed by an analysis of incidence and prevalence estimates, the etiology of victimization, and an overlooked psychopathology (dissociative states). Case studies of serial murderers provide microanalyses resulting from both nomolithic and idiographic methodologies. The current law enforcement responses to serial murder are then presented in the form of a taxonomy, followed by a discussion of the problem of "linkage blindness," i.e., police failure to link various murders to a single perpetrator. Recommended improvements in serial murder investigations are in the areas of new or revised training programs for patrol officers and criminal investigators, the promotion of a relatively new kind of thinking for supervisors of the criminal investigation function, more effective use of new technology by the police, greater reliance on forensic investigative services, and the further development of forensic support services. Suggested training areas include definitions of serial murder, crime scene search and identification of physical evidence, "linkage blindness," case law of serial murder cases on appeal, serial murder solvability factors, and psychological profiling. Chapter references, 322-item bibliography, author and subject indexes.