Profiling Violent Crimes
An Investigative Tool

Fourth Edition

Ronald M. Holmes - University of Louisville, USA
Stephen T. Holmes - University of Central Florida, USA

Other Titles in:
Forensic Science & Investigation (General) | Sociology (General) | Violent Crime (General)

January 2009 | 344 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc

As in previous editions, this book is appropriate for criminal investigation, forensic psychology, criminal behavior and interpersonal violence courses, generally as a supplement to a core text or as one of several paperbacks. The authors continuing research and involvement in field investigation are a source of relevant and often high profile case studies to illustrate theory and application of methods shown. Chapters include Arson, Pedophilia and Psychological Profiling and Rape. This edition features a new chapter on Lizzie Borden, analyzing this historic murder case with fresh insight and a unique analysis. The text is particularly readable and engaging, making frequent use of illustrative tables, figures and occasional photos.

Preface

1. Psychological Profiling: An Introduction

Inductive Versus Deductive Profiling

Goals in Profiling

Profiling: An Art, Not a Science

Conclusion

2. Profiling in Fantasy and Fact

Introduction

Sherlock Holmes: The Master Detective

Will Graham and The Red Dragon

Clarice Starling and The Silence of the Lambs

Zoe Koehler: A Female Serial Murderess

Alex Cross

Dr. Laszlo Kreizler: The Alienist and Angel of Darkness

Other Works of Fiction and Psychological Profiling

Profililng in Fact

Profile of a Rape Case

Case Profile: Mrs. Charlene L. Miller

Conclusion

3. The Rationale for Psychological Profiling

Personality and Crime

Biology

Culture

Environment

Common Experiences

Unique Experiences

New Ways of Viewing the Personality

Assumptions of the Profiling Process

Conclusion

4. Criminal Theories and Psychological Profiling

Theories of Crime and Criminality

Inidividual Theories of Crime

Social/Ecological Theories of Crime

Combining the Disciplines

5. The Analysis of the Crime Scene

Beyond the Physical Evidence

Psychological Profiling Typology

Crime Scene Differences

Conclusion

6. Arson and Psychological Profiling

What Is Arson?

Statistics on Arson

A View of the Firesetter

Typologies of Firesetters

Firesetting Experience

Organized Versus Disorganized Personality

Conclusion

7. Profiling Serial Murderers

Typology of Serial Murderers

Spatial Mobility of Serial Killers

Serial Murderers: General Characteristics

Profiling A Serial Murder Case

Conclusion

8. Psychological Profiling and Rape

Definitions of Rape

Statistics on Rape

Selected Characteristics of Rapists

Psychology and Rape

Typology of Rapists

Conclusion

9. Pedophilia and Psychological Profiling

Definition of Terms: Child Molester or Pedophile

Types of Pedophiles

Profiling Child Molester Types

Common Threads Among Child Molesters

Conclusion

10. Autoeroticism

What Is Autoerotic Sexual Behavior?

Traits and Characteristics fo Autoeroticism Practitioners

Autoerotic Scene Indicators

Conclusion

11. Profiling Satanic and Cult-Related Murders

Roots of Satanism

Satanism in the United States

The Satanic Bible

Types of Personal Involvement in Satanism

General Beliefs in Satansim

Satanic Masses

Satanic Ceremonies

Crime Scene Elements

Santeria and Occult Crimes

Conclusion

12. Geography, Profiling and Predatory Criminals

The Elements of Geographic Profiling

The Nature of Geographic Profiling

Computerized Geographic Analysis

Conclusion

13. Jack the Ripper

Introduction

Victim: Mary Ann "Polly" Nichols

Victim: Annie Chapman

Victim: Elizabeth Stride

Victim: Catharine Eddowes

Victim: Mary Kelly

Who Was Jack the Ripper?

Conclusion

14. Lizzie Borden

Key People in the Lizzie Borden Case

The Murders

The Crime Scene

Additional Thoughts

Conclusion

15. The Victim in Criminal Profiling

Elements in the Victim Profiling Process

Conclusion

16. The Future of Criminal Profiling

Additional Uses for Profiling

Education and Training for Profiling

Computerized Monitoring

Computerized Profiling

Online Graduate Programs, Seminars, and Degrees

Conclusion

This text will be particuarly useful for analysts working in or hoping to go into the criminal field. It provides an understanding of profiling for a number of crime types that will be useful to analysts.

Ms Helen Poole

Social Science , Coventry University

July 15, 2010

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Provides excellent information on categories of behaviors.

Dr Gerald Fisher

Government Sociology Dept, Georgia College / State University

April 2, 2010

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This book is an excellent suggested reading book for my criminology course.

Dr Pat Nation

Sociology Dept, Park University