Basic Information on Criminology & Criminal Profiling

Criminology means the scientific study of the nature, causes, extent and control of criminal behaviour. It is mainly used in the Behavioural Sciences. One department of the FBI that uses Criminal Profiling alot is the Behavioural Analysis Unit. There is also a show based on the work of that unit called Criminal Minds. It delves into how profling helps to catch a serial killer.

There is a term known as the Homicidal Triad and contains three different behaviours: Animal Cruelty, Obsession with setting fires and Persistant Bedwetting.

The Homicidal Triad is also called the MacDonald Triad as it was discovered by a man called J.M MacDonald in 'The Threat to Kill', which was a paper in the Americal Journal of Psychiatry.

Criminal Profiling, also known as Offender Profiling, is a tool used by Investigators to profile the behaviour of an unknown suspect. To build the profile of an offencer, investigators try to collect the personality through a series of questions.

What fantasy or plan did the murderer have in place before the act? What triggered the murderer to act some days and not others? What type of victims did the murderer select? What manner was the victim killed: shooting, stabbing, strangulation, or something else? Was the body disposed of at another site? Is there one person in particular that is injecting themselves into the investigation?

Investigator aslo search for a signature, which is a unique mark left by every different killer to show Police that the victim belongs to them.

Serial killers often keep trophies or memories of each of their victims. These can range from a lock of hair, to an organ, or a bone in some cases.

Criminal Profiling takes alot of skill and mental capacity. You have to understand the workings of the mind and psyche to get a profile as accurate as possible.

Fred West

The Crime

Fred West was an english Serial killer. He, along with his wife Rosemary, totured, raped and murdered at least 12 women. He found sexual release raping and killing the girls but it wasn't enough for him. He decided to film himself raping the girls, to use later for personal use.

Rosemary murdered Fred's daughter while he was being questioned. He had raped her and filmed her. He was caught when Charmaine went to school the next day and told her friends what her Father had done to her. A concerned parent called the police and he was arrested.

Geography of Area

Gloucester is in the region of Gloucestershire which is in the South West region of England. It lies close to the Welsh border and is North-East of Bristol.

During the Winter, it can get surprisingly cold and during the summer, it has reached over 20 degrees.

Jack The Ripper

The Crime


Jack the Ripper was a serial killer, who's real name is unknown. He was very active in the area around Whitechapel, London. He picked up female prostitutes, from the slum areas of Whitechapel. His signature was his callous mutilations, performed post-mortem. Prior to these mutilations, he would cut their throats to prevent struggling, therefore making his later job easier.

Because of the fact that he removed organs from at least three of his victims, it was suggested that he had some form of surgical or medical knowledge. He sent a letter, known as the 'From Hell' letter, to a man called George Lusk, a member of the Whitechapel Vigilance Committee. This letter contained half of a preserved human kidney, he claimed it was from one of his victims.

Many different murderers and psychopaths have copied the workings of Jack the Ripper, adding their own mark, making their mark on their victim.


Geography of Area.
Jack the Ripper committed most of his murders and mutilations in Whitechapel, London.
Whitechapel is a built-up inner city area of London. The resident population are varied ethnic origin, mainly bengali.

It is the birth place of many famous people, such as Ashley Cole, Chelsea and England footballer, Roger Delgado, known for playing 'The Master' in Doctor Who and many more.

Geography Project introduction.

For my hobby map, I chose to do Criminal Profiling and the study of Criminology. I chose this because I love studying serial killers and watching programmes based on these killings. It facinates me. It is something I could see as a future career.

I chose 5 serial killers that are quite famous throughout the world. They are:
-Jack the Ripper: Whitechapel, London
-Fred West: Gloucester, England
-Ted Bundy: Burlington, Vermont
-The Zodiac Killer: California, USA
-David Berkowitz.: Brooklyn, New York City

I chose these killers because I find their style different and interesting.
They are all from either America or England.

In my blog posts I shall be explaining their crimes and the geography of where they committed their crimes .

Retreat

OK I know I was supposed to blog about this like ages ago but my computer broke and I havn't had IT in a while. Anyways, so on thursday we went to Glendalough for our retreat with Mr. K. There was only 20 of us so the bus was very spacious. When we got there, it was so peaceful. Our first act of the day was for us to go into a field and sing a song to connect us with the earth and our surroundings. That was really nice. Next we went into the centre to watch a short film about the History of Glendalough. The time flew by and before we knew it we were going outside to meet our tour guide. Micheal was his name and he was really nice. He brought us to a labyrinth and Mr. K sent us all off seperately and we followed the path in silence. It was really nice and peaceful. Next we went on a walk and were told to take the first section of the walk in silence, and to take in our surroundings. We had to climb loads of steps and hills but we made it to our destination. At first we were heading to the site were St. Kevin's cave was but we ran out of time and instead went to a statue of St. Kevin with the bird that nested in his hand. It was beautiful. Lunch was next and we sat by the lakeside and had our food. Next we went and sat beside the lake and we were told to just look at it and sit in silence. The view in front of my eyes was spectacular. I truly enjoyed the day and would definately reccomend for future years to have an outdoor retreat instead of being stuck in a room all day. Blog again soon, Kellie xx

Technology

OK. So I had technology with Mr. W first thing this morning. There was only 8 of us in the class because all of Amina were gone on their Retreat. The class was really quiet. I was really tired because I was at he 02 last night and I had no idea what I was supposed to do in that class. We ended up doing practical work, much to our dislike. I don't hate practical work, it's just that I can't do it. I always end up messing it up one way or another. Like I sawed off a good chunk of my key before, while talking to Roisin I might add. Still. And I am always a bit behind, because of the F1 project, and the fact that I missed my last few tech classes because I was sick. Anyway, I am all but finished my key now and I get to move on to some go-kart contraption that looks very complicated. Blog again soon. Kellie xx

English Film

In english, we watched a film based on the life of Sylvia Plath. The rest of the class started to watch it last monday, but I was sick so I will have to watch it on YouTube when I go home. The summary of the film is that she attempted to commit suicide by drowning herself in the sea but it didn't work. She is married to another Poet called Ted Hughes. From what I have seen, he doesn't seem to love her, always hanging around, or sleeping in one case, with other women. They have 2 children together and he doesn't seem to spend alot of time with them. Apart from 2 scenes, one where his first child is born, and when they are on holiday in Devon, he is never seen holing or interacting with his children. Ms. G said the rest of the film can be quite disturbing and if you want to leave you can. After watching Sometime In April, I have become alot more sensitive towards scenes in films, and I think I may be one of the people who walk out. Blog again soon, Kellie xx