LS 272 - Week 5 Flashcards
In a scenario where a crime scene shows signs of premeditation, how would a profiler determine if the offender is organized or disorganized?
A profiler would look for indicators such as cleanliness of the crime scene, use of restraints, or evidence of planning (organized)
What was Cesare Lombroso’s theory in criminological typing?
Lombroso, theorized that some individuals are born with criminal tendencies and that physical traits or appearances can signal a predisposition to criminality.
How does the historical evolution of tracking and observation techniques (e.g., hunters, birdwatchers) inform the foundational theory of criminal profiling?
Early tracking methods involved careful observation of patterns, behaviours, and environments to predict animal movements. Similarly, criminal profiling uses behavioural and environmental patterns to infer an offender’s characteristics and motives.
How would a profiler apply the equation B = f(P, E) when investigating a case of a serial offender targeting specific victims in nightclubs?
The profiler would analyze the behavior (B) by assessing their characteristics (P), the environment (E), the victim’s traits (V), and the context of the crimes (C)
How would a profiler approach a crime where the offender staged the scene to mislead investigators?
A profiler would look for inconsistencies between the apparent crime scene and the behavior of the victim or offender. They might examine whether the staging fits the offender’s M.O. or if it seems out of place
In cases where an offender leaves behind personal items such as a cigarette butt or a note, this could be an indication that the offender is seeking _____.
attention/notoriety
What are the steps of the Reid Technique in police interrogation?
Step 1: Positive confrontation (accusing the suspect).
Step 2: Theme development (shifting blame).
Step 3: Handling denials.
Step 4: Overcoming objections.
Step 5: Retaining the suspect’s attention.
Step 6: Handling passive mood.
Step 7: Posing the alternative question.
Step 8: Detailing the offense.
Step 9: Obtaining oral and written statements.
What are some sources of investigator bias during police investigations?
Bias can stem from the investigator’s values and worldview, personality traits (e.g., “cop culture”), prejudices or stereotypes (e.g., racial profiling), and prior expectations based on similar cases or witness accounts.
Of the different ways to approach lie detection, which method would focus on detecting subtle, non-verbal cues or “leakage” that may indicate dishonesty?
Leakage hypothesis
Which theory would argue that early experiences and unconscious motivations play a significant role in criminal behavior?
A. Feminist theory
B. Social learning theory
C. Psychoanalytic theory
D. Conditioning theory
C. Psychoanalytic theory
What is one of the major challenges in profiling, specifically related to evidence collection and interpretation?
A. Memory recall of investigators
B. Bias and interpretive distortions
C. Criminals leaving no evidence
D. Lack of forensic technology
B. Bias and interpretive distortions
In the profiling process, what potential problem arises from focusing solely on offenders who have been apprehended?
A. A distorted understanding of how criminal behavior develops over time
B. Inaccurate conclusions about victim behavior and the context of the crime
C. Profilers will overemphasize environmental factors over psychological traits
D. The profiler’s understanding of offender behavior becomes limited to those who have been caught, missing insights on unapprehended criminals
D. The profiler’s understanding of offender behavior becomes limited to those who have been caught, missing insights on unapprehended criminals
Which profiling task involves analyzing the physical, demographic, and reputational aspects of the crime scene?
A. Context
B. Victimology
C. Behavior Analysis
D. Signature Identification
A. Context
Which of the following is considered a source of bias during police investigations?
A. Limited forensic evidence
B. Ignoring the crime scene
C. Specific prior expectations from past cases
D. Witness reliability
C. Specific prior expectations from past cases
