NCJ Number
139446
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (August 1992) Pages: 227-234
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article explores impediments to police networking that have impeded investigation and apprehension efforts in serial murder cases.
Abstract
A review of recent serial murder cases indicates that, at least at the local level, police networking has not become a prerequisite of homicide investigations. Many shortcomings of police efforts to isolate and capture serial killers concern the complex nature of serial murder rather than police incompetence. The strain on police in serial murder investigations is twofold, department pressure to solve extremely violent cases and public pressure to find the murderer. Computerization is important in police efforts to investigate and solve serial murders because it allows instant access to information all across the country by homicide investigators and it facilitates comparative analysis. The success or failure of police serial murder investigations will depend on the ability to interact and share information among law enforcement agencies. 19 references