Homicides Including Serial Theories Of Criminolo

Serial killers attract a lot of attention because of
their motives and brutal methods of committing heinous crimes. At the
heart of studies of serial killers is the nature versus nurture
argument. This argument can be expanded by asking whether serial
killers commit crimes because of genetic dispositions or whether a
person can be taught to be a serial killer. A lot can be learned from
the in depth study and profiling of serial killers. As a victimologist,
it is important that you understand that the serial killers don’t
necessarily fit nicely into a little box with a theory label attached.
Therefore, you know how and why a particular theory is used in these
cases. This will help you predict and possibly prevent future
victimization.

Victimology is important in the overall investigative
process because it not only provides information about the victims
(their health, personal history, social habits, and personalities) but
also explains why they became victims.

To understand victimology, it is important to understand
the method of approach, the method of attack, and the risk assessment
by the offender. If we know the victim’s personality, then we may be
able to determine, in conjunction with an analysis of the crime scene,
how the offender initially approached the victim. The same will apply to
the way the victim was attacked and overpowered.

If this information cannot be obtained by studying the
crime scene, then an analysis of the victim’s overall risk, that is, the
chances of his or her becoming a victim, may help. If we examine this
along with the risks the offender was willing to take to acquire a
certain victim, then we will get an overall picture of who the victim
was and what drove the offender to choose a particular person as a
victim.

Learning about the victims of serial killers is not less
important than learning about carjacking, robbery, or theft victims.
Learning about serial killers’ victims is as important as studying the
victims of carjacking, robberies, or thefts. In the criminal justice
system, the community and the government place a higher priority on
homicides—including serial killings—than on other crimes. Police
officers, detectives, and victim services workers are expected to
prioritize cases involving homicides and serial killings even if they
happen rarely.

Task:

Select a serial killer you find interesting. Using online library , write a
2–3-page report that includes the following:

• Any relevant information that was used or that you feel could have been used in profiling the serial killer.
• Theories of criminology you feel might help explain the serial killer’s criminal behavior.
• The theory of victimization you think best explains the selection of the victim.
• For each theory selected:
  • Discuss the key points.
  • Apply the key points to explain the serial killer’s specific criminal behavior (method of operation).
  • Identify the characteristics (for example: ethnicity, gender, age,
    profession, and socioeconomic status) of his or her victims and discuss
    how the characteristics seem to be associated with the type of serial
    killer you chose.

Include an APA-formatted reference page that links back
to your in-text citations and supports your recommendations. Remember,
you cannot have only in-text citations or only references. You must have
both because in-text citations and references link to each other.