The current paper is aimed at providing an overview of the current state of research regarding the potential of linking series of crimes to single offenders through repeated modus operandi behaviors. A systematic literature review was conducted to document findings from previous evaluation research as to the predictive accuracy of crime linkage specific to residential burglary. The findings indicate that predictions of linked burglaries can be made with moderate to high predictive accuracy. In order to get an understanding of the extent to which residential burglary offenders repeat their crime scene behaviors, the findings are discussed in relation to the criminological theories Routine activities theory and the Rational Choice perspective. Future research is suggested.

Introduction. The police and the investigation team has been manually doing behavioural analysis and connecting different crimes to an offender. With the help of computers technologies, databases, and automated system, the statistical analysis of the offender’s behaviour significantly improved. There we can transfer from a manual process to an automated one, and the investigator can allocate time and resources better by prioritising the offenders to investigate. In this study, we create and experiment with a proof of concept system that ranks and prioritise different offenders using the Random Choice method in combination with the state of the art Spatial-Temporal method. Objectives. In experimenting with the proof of concept system, we are aiming to understand the effect of different offender’s behaviour having on the offenders ranking and the effect of having multiple different numbers of reference crimes in the database. The objective is also to understand the role of consistency and distinctiveness in offenders ranking. Moreover, understanding the performances of our proof of concept system comparing to already existing methods such as Random Choice, Spatial-Temporal and a baseline method that based on pure randomness. Method. The method we chose for this study was an experimental study. With an experimental environment with independent and dependent variables, we presented and evaluated the system. We were using the experimenting approach because it has a stable presence and widely used in similar studies in this field. Results. After the experiments, we found that different Modus Operandi (MO)categories have a different effect on the ranking results and different distinctive combinations of MO categories also has different accuracy when ranking the offenders. Offenders that were consistent with more references crime in the database were often higher ranked and were linked more correctly. Our proof of concept system shows significant improvement over Random Choice method and the Spatial-Temporalmethod. Conclusion. From the results, we concluded that the proof of concept system displays a significant accuracy in ranking and prioritising offenders, there different MO categories and combinations of them has a different effect on the accuracy of the ranking. The ranking system was also affected by the number of reference cases that exist in the database. Future works can extend the study by trying to improve different aspects of the proof of concept systems, such as the Random Choice aspect or the Spatial-Temporal aspect.

No description available.

Os criminosos seriais que atuam no cometimento do crime de furto possuem modos de operação (Modus operandi) distintos e, que podem ser identificados através da análise dos exames periciais utilizando-se redes neurais. No sistema proposto, identificado um determinado modo de operação, um analista forense utilizando as informações adicionais coletadas e as hipóteses geradas pelos peritos de campo tem a competência de definir conjuntos de ações periciais complementares, que serão adicionados aos registros do modo identificado. Durante um novo exame pericial, em tempo real, a sub-rotina auxiliar analisa os blocos de dados enviados pelos peritos criminais de campo e, em caso de similaridade com um modo de operação anteriormente identificado, envia a eles um conjunto de ações complementares que, a critério do responsável em campo, pode ou não ser usado para alterar o procedimento de campo escolhido. Neste trabalho definimos Neurônios Espelho como sendo a associação das redes neurais para a identificação de padrões com a planilha de trabalho, utilizada pelo analista forense para a definição de ações complementares, com a sub-rotina auxiliar que verifica os blocos de informação recebidos e, que pode identificar partes de um modo de operação, remetendo para os peritos de campo um conjunto de ações complementares. Esta definição deve-se a descoberta pela neurobiologia de um tipo especifico de neurônio que tem a capacidade de disparar ao receber um input sensorial ativando uma área de memória que, em consequência, pode ativar outras áreas de memória ou enviar um comando motor. Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidos os programas de rede neural utilizados para a identificação dos modos de operação parcial e o final, além, das planilhas de trabalho para a elaboração das ações complementares e a sub-rotina auxiliar para identificação em tempo real dos modos de operação parciais. O treinamento da rede foi efetuado com 98 ocorrências e na verificação de validade foram utilizados 10 ocorrências. / The serial criminals who operate in the commission of the crime of theft have different modes of operation (modus operandi) and which may be identified through the analysis of forensic examinations using neural networks. In the proposed system, identified a particular mode of operation, a forensic analyst using the information collected and the hypotheses generated by field experts have the competence to define sets of complementary expert shares, which will be added to the records so identified. During a new forensic examination, in real time, the auxiliary subroutine examines data blocks sent by forensic experts in the field and, in the case of similarity to previously identified a mode of operation, sends them a complementary set of actions that the discretion of the responsible in the field, or can not be used to change the procedure chosen field. In this paper we define Mirror Neurons as the association of neural networks to identify patterns with the worksheet, used by forensic analyst for the definition of complementary actions, with the auxiliary subroutine that checks the blocks of information received and that can identify parts of a mode of operation, referring to field experts a set of complementary actions. This definition should be discovered by the neurobiology of a specific type of neuron that has the ability to shoot while receiving a sensory \"input\" activating an area of memory that, in consequence, can activate other areas of memory or send a motor command. This work programs of neural network used for identifying the modes of operation and the final part were developed, in addition, the worksheets for the elaboration of complementary actions and the auxiliary subroutine for real-time identification of the modes of partial operation. Network training was performed with 98 occurrences and validity check 10 events were used.

Os criminosos seriais que atuam no cometimento do crime de furto possuem modos de operação (Modus operandi) distintos e, que podem ser identificados através da análise dos exames periciais utilizando-se redes neurais. No sistema proposto, identificado um determinado modo de operação, um analista forense utilizando as informações adicionais coletadas e as hipóteses geradas pelos peritos de campo tem a competência de definir conjuntos de ações periciais complementares, que serão adicionados aos registros do modo identificado. Durante um novo exame pericial, em tempo real, a sub-rotina auxiliar analisa os blocos de dados enviados pelos peritos criminais de campo e, em caso de similaridade com um modo de operação anteriormente identificado, envia a eles um conjunto de ações complementares que, a critério do responsável em campo, pode ou não ser usado para alterar o procedimento de campo escolhido. Neste trabalho definimos Neurônios Espelho como sendo a associação das redes neurais para a identificação de padrões com a planilha de trabalho, utilizada pelo analista forense para a definição de ações complementares, com a sub-rotina auxiliar que verifica os blocos de informação recebidos e, que pode identificar partes de um modo de operação, remetendo para os peritos de campo um conjunto de ações complementares. Esta definição deve-se a descoberta pela neurobiologia de um tipo especifico de neurônio que tem a capacidade de disparar ao receber um input sensorial ativando uma área de memória que, em consequência, pode ativar outras áreas de memória ou enviar um comando motor. Neste trabalho foram desenvolvidos os programas de rede neural utilizados para a identificação dos modos de operação parcial e o final, além, das planilhas de trabalho para a elaboração das ações complementares e a sub-rotina auxiliar para identificação em tempo real dos modos de operação parciais. O treinamento da rede foi efetuado com 98 ocorrências e na verificação de validade foram utilizados 10 ocorrências. / The serial criminals who operate in the commission of the crime of theft have different modes of operation (modus operandi) and which may be identified through the analysis of forensic examinations using neural networks. In the proposed system, identified a particular mode of operation, a forensic analyst using the information collected and the hypotheses generated by field experts have the competence to define sets of complementary expert shares, which will be added to the records so identified. During a new forensic examination, in real time, the auxiliary subroutine examines data blocks sent by forensic experts in the field and, in the case of similarity to previously identified a mode of operation, sends them a complementary set of actions that the discretion of the responsible in the field, or can not be used to change the procedure chosen field. In this paper we define Mirror Neurons as the association of neural networks to identify patterns with the worksheet, used by forensic analyst for the definition of complementary actions, with the auxiliary subroutine that checks the blocks of information received and that can identify parts of a mode of operation, referring to field experts a set of complementary actions. This definition should be discovered by the neurobiology of a specific type of neuron that has the ability to shoot while receiving a sensory \"input\" activating an area of memory that, in consequence, can activate other areas of memory or send a motor command. This work programs of neural network used for identifying the modes of operation and the final part were developed, in addition, the worksheets for the elaboration of complementary actions and the auxiliary subroutine for real-time identification of the modes of partial operation. Network training was performed with 98 occurrences and validity check 10 events were used.

Le but de notre étude était de déterminer des variables du modus operandi de meurtres sexuels prédisant la résolution de l’enquête policière. Notre échantillon incluait 265 homicides sexuels de femmes codifiés dans le ViCLAS. La comparaison entre des meurtres sexuels résolus (N=178) et des meurtres sexuels non résolus (N=87), devait également permettre d’identifier les différences entre les issues de l’enquête, les stratégies du meurtrier pour éviter l’appréhension ainsi que les facteurs prédisant la résolution. D’après l’analyse de régression logistique, les prédicteurs tels que l’utilisation d’une arme, l’utilisation d’un bandeau/bâillon et l’agression impliquant une introduction par effraction ou un vol augmentent les probabilités que l’agresseur soit appréhendé. Au contraire, lorsque l’agresseur emporte un objet et que la victime est piétinée, les chances de résoudre l’enquête diminuent. Ces variables du modus operandi traduisent un déficit des compétences criminelles du meurtrier qui peut le pousser à multiplier les erreurs. De manière générale notre étude nous apprend que le contact rapproché entre l’agresseur et la victime favorise la dispersion d’indices propices à la résolution de l’enquête. Le nombre de ces indices est décuplé lorsqu’il y a pénétration vaginale ou anale et lorsque la victime est battue ou mordue. En outre, des contraintes intrinsèques à l’utilisation de stratégies d’évitement expliquent le fait que ces moyens, entravant l’avancée de l’enquête, ne sont que rarement exploités. Enfin, la faible proportion d’actes sexuels et violents observés dans ce genre de crime entrave le processus de résolution. Il en va de même pour l’impact limité des bases de données et de la spécialisation du meurtrier sexuel. / The aim of our study was to determine the characteristics of the modus operandi involved in sexual murder predicting clearance of police investigation. Our sample involved 265 sexual murders of women codified in the ViCLAS. The comparison between solved sexual murders (N = 178) and unsolved sexual murders (N = 87), should also help to identify the differences between issues of the investigation, the killer strategies to avoid detection and the factors predicting clearance. According to logistic regression analysis, murders involving use of a weapon, use of a blindfold/gag and aggression involving home intrusion or robbery are more likely to be cleared. On the opposite, when the murderer takes an object from the crime scene or when victim is stomped, the clearance rate decreases. These variables reflect a lack of criminal skills which can drive the murderer to make more mistakes. In general, our study reveals that close contact between the aggressor and the victim favors the dispersion of proofs facilitating the work of investigators. Such proofs are more likely to be spread when there is vaginal or anal penetration. The same process is involved when the victim is beaten or bitten. Moreover, most of the sexual murders are not able to clean the crime scene to avoid apprehension because of limited criminal skills. Finally, the low proportion of sexual and violence acts hinders the process of resolution. The same thing is observed concerning the limited impact of databases and specialization of sexual murderer.

Au cours des trois dernières décennies, plusieurs modèles théoriques de l’homicide sexuel ont été proposés. Ces modèles ont suggéré qu’il existe une diversité de facteurs associés à la commission d’un ou de plusieurs homicides sexuels, notamment des facteurs développementaux, psychologiques et de l’événement criminel et ont permis de proposer un profil des individus ayant commis un homicide sexuel. Cependant, aucun de ces profils n’a intégré l’ensemble de ces facteurs en un tout cohérent. De plus, ces modèles et profils, à l’exception du modèle proposé par des chercheurs associés au Federal Bureau of Investigation, ont été réalisés à partir d’échantillons d’individus ayant commis un seul homicide sexuel. En conséquence, bien que ces modèles et profils proposent une explication de l’émergence de ces comportements, ils ne permettent pas d’expliquer dans quelles circonstances ceux-ci se répètent et prennent fin. Étant donné que ces modèles et profils n’ont pas pris en considération les caractéristiques du parcours de vie de l’individu après la commission du premier homicide sexuel, ceux-ci n’intègrent pas de paramètres post-homicides, tels que les paramètres de l’enquête criminelle. En conséquence, il existe actuellement peu de certitudes concernant les caractéristiques du profil des individus pouvant constituer des facteurs permettant potentiellement d’expliquer pourquoi certains individus commettront une série d’homicides sexuels tandis que d’autres n’en commettront qu’un. L’objectif principal de cette thèse est d’identifier les caractéristiques distinctives des individus ayant commis une série d’homicides sexuels, afin de proposer des profils d’individus sériels et non-sériels. Afin d’atteindre cet objectif, une série d’études comparatives entre des individus ayant commis des homicides sexuels en série (HSS; n = 33) et des individus ayant commis un seul homicide sexuel (HS; n = 87) ont été réalisées. Les résultats de cette étude mettent en évidence que les caractéristiques qui distinguent les sériels des non-sériels ne se limitent pas à des facteurs individuels ou à la façon dont les individus commettent leur crime, mais aussi à l’échec des intervenants de l’enquête criminelle à appliquer les pratiques considérées comme étant indispensables à la résolution rapide d’un homicide. D’autre part, les résultats de cette étude mettent en évidence qu’il existe deux principaux profils d’individus ayant commis un homicide sexuel, celui des HSS et celle des HS. Finalement, les résultats de cette étude ont servi de fondations au développement d’un modèle conceptuel théorique de l’homicide sexuel sériel et non-sériel qui permet d’expliquer dans quelles circonstances le phénomène semblerait émerger, se répéter et prendre fin. / Over the last three decades, many theoretical models of sexual homicide have been proposed, which have made it possible to propose a profile of individuals. Although these models and profiles have suggested associations between the commission of one or more sexual homicides and a wide variety of factors—notably developmental, psychological, and crime-phase—none has produced a unified vision of sexual homicide that takes into account all factors. Moreover, these models and profiles, with the exception of that of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, have been based on samples of individuals having committed a single homicide. As a result, although they propose explanations of the emergence of sexual homicide, current models and profiles are silent on the determinants of its repetition and cessation. Additionally, these models and profiles do not address post-homicide parameters, such as those related to the criminal investigation, since they do not take into account the sexual murderer’s life course following the commission of the homicide. For all these reasons, considerable uncertainty remains about why some individuals commit a series of sexual homicides while others commit only one. The principal objective of this thesis’s research was therefore to identify the distinctive characteristics of individuals having committed a series of sexual homicides, in order to proposed profiled of serial and nonserial sexual murderers. To this end, comparative analyses of serial sexual murderers (HSSs; n = 33) and nonserial sexual murderers (HSs n = 87) were conducted. The results indicate that the two groups of participants in this sample can be distinguished not only on individual factors and the manner in which the homicide was committed, but also on the failure of criminal investigators to apply best practices and rapidly resolve the homicides. Finally, this thesis’ research establishes a foundation for the development of theoretical models of serial and nonserial sexual homicide that explain the circumstances responsible for the emergence, repetition, and cessation of this phenomenon.

No description available.

This diploma thesis is focused on the topic from the field of forensic psychology, mainly on the relationship between the personality of criminal offender and its reflection in the commission of crime. The theoretical part deals with the analysis of crime scene and crime scene investigation from the perspective of criminalistics with an overlap to other parts of forensic psychology. It also involves the typology of organized and disorganized offender and description of their personalities and behavior at the crime scene, specifically the issue of the characteristics of the modus operandi of murder in relation to the crime scene is classified. Attention is also paid to the forensic medical issues, injuries of the victim, from the point of view of forensic psychology. Last chapter of the theoretical part is focused on offender's personality, especially potential psychopathology. The empiric part is focused on searching for the relationships between personality variables of the offender and the way how the violent crime (murder) was committed. The research based on analysis of evidence and psychologists - experts testimony revealed particular connections and the data from the analyzed sample (of 40 crimes) refer in particular to the disorganized offender and behavior at the crime scene.

The nature and extent of vehicle hijacking is increasing world-wide. Vehicle hijacking is also one of the most serious crimes the South African Police Service has to deal with. The climate of violence that currently exists in South Africa and the need for more knowledge concerning priority crimes necessitate research on this topic. Although research that has been undertaken in South Africa to date focuses on the nature and extent of vehicle hijacking as well as the victim’s experience of the event, little empirical information exists regarding the modus operandi of offenders and the victim’s role in the commission of the crime. On account of this it was decided to investigate the planning, operational and escaping phases which reflect the modus operandi of the hijacker. An attempt was also made to determine the extent to which victims are vulnerable to vehicle hijacking and how individuals could contribute to their victimisation. To test the research expectations and hypotheses, 110 victims and 12 vehicle hijackers were involved in the study. A mailed questionnaire was sent to the victims, while interviews were conducted with 12 hijackers in the Pretoria Central Prison. Based upon the analysis and interpretation of the data it was found that most hijackers spend at least some time on the planning of a vehicle hijacking. They also considered both the positive (namely the financial advantage gained from hijacking) and the negative aspects (namely injuries, death, arrest and imprisonment) associated with committing the crime. Analysis of the data shows that vehicle hijacking does not occur involuntarily and that hijackers select specific targets. Although the misconception exists that the vehicle and the motorist are equally important during the selection of the target, the findings show that the vehicle which is on order, serves as the main reason for target selection. The race of the motorist as well as the number of passengers in the vehicle are the only two variables that influence hijackers not to select an identified target. Furthermore, it seems evident that the presence of policy officials is the only environmental factor that will deter a hijacker from committing the crime. The findings also show that hijackers prefer a specific day, time, place and circumstances to hijack a vehicle and that hijacking is a group activity that is executed by two to four males. Verbal threats as well as violence form part of the hijacking. It appears that race and occupation are the only two demographic variables that influence vulnerability. The make and value of the vehicle as well as the number of passengers in the vehicle could increase a victim’s potential risk for victimisation. The findings show that victims cannot be held accountable for a vehicle hijacking. Victims rarely neglect to take the necessary precautions against victimisation, enter potentially dangerous situations and/or drive recklessly. Based upon that findings, certain conclusions with regard to the aims of the study are reached. Based on this, recommendations are made concerning further research as well as suggestions regarding the prevention of vehicle hijacking. / Thesis (DPhil(Criminology))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work and Criminology / Unrestricted