CJ102 Criminology Unit 8 Worksheet Student Name

Cj102 Criminologyunit 8 Worksheetstudent Name

Cj102 Criminologyunit 8 Worksheetstudent Name

After completing the readings, answer the following questions:

PART I

1. What is a turning point?

2. What are the characteristics of low self-control or impulsivity?

3. Define and differentiate adolescent limited and life course persistent criminals.

PART II: Sex Crimes

1. What are the 7 goals of a primary interview with the rape victim?

2. What method does the FBI use to determine the profile of the offender in a sex crime?

3. What is the importance of the profile in helping solve the crime?

PART III: Burglary

1. What are the common methods in which burglars gain entry into a residence or building?

2. Describe the primary characteristics of suspect(s) in burglary cases.

3. How are burglaries and sex crimes related?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Criminology examines various facets of criminal behavior, the criminal justice system, and strategies for crime prevention. This paper aims to explore critical concepts such as turning points in criminal careers, characteristics of impulsivity and low self-control, different criminal trajectories, and specific insights into sex crimes and burglary. By understanding these elements, we can better appreciate the complexities of criminal behavior and enhance effective interventions.

Part I: Turning Points and Characteristics of Criminals

A "turning point" in criminology refers to an event or series of events that significantly alter an individual's life trajectory, often leading to desistance from criminal activity. These turning points may include employment, marriage, military service, or other social bonds that promote prosocial behavior (Laub & Sampson, 2003). For instance, securing steady employment can provide a sense of purpose and social integration, thereby reducing the likelihood of continued criminal activity.

Low self-control or impulsivity is characterized by a tendency to act spontaneously without considering long-term consequences, a propensity for risk-taking, and difficulties in delaying gratification (Gottfredson & Hirschi, 1990). Individuals with these traits are more prone to engage in impulsive acts that may lead to criminal behavior. Such traits are often evident in youth but can persist into adulthood if not addressed through intervention.

There are two primary criminal trajectories identified in criminology: adolescent-limited and life-course persistent offenders. Adolescence-limited offenders typically engage in criminal behavior лише during adolescence, often influenced by peer pressure and developmental factors, but tend to desist as they mature (Moffitt, 1993). Conversely, life-course persistent offenders exhibit a pattern of antisocial behavior that begins early in life and continues into adulthood, often linked to neuropsychological deficits, family adversity, and environmental factors.

Part II: Sex Crimes

When interviewing a victim of sexual assault, law enforcement adheres to seven specific goals: establishing rapport, gathering detailed and accurate descriptions of the incident, assessing the victim’s emotional state, identifying any physical injuries, understanding the victim’s psychological wellbeing, collecting information about the offender's appearance and behavior, and providing support and reassurance (Zaykowski et al., 2015).

The FBI’s profiling method for sex offenders involves Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) techniques, which analyze crime scene evidence, victimology, and offender behavior to develop a profile of the perpetrator. This process includes constructing an offender profile to narrow down suspect pools, generate leads, and aid investigative efforts (Canter et al., 2004).

Profiling is of substantial importance in solving sex crimes as it guides investigators in identifying characteristics and behavioral patterns of offenders, which can narrow suspect lists and focus investigative resources more efficiently. Effective profiling can also improve apprehension rates and contribute to understanding offender motivations, thus informing prevention strategies.

Part III: Burglary

Burglars typically gain entry into residences or buildings through several common methods, including forced entry via windows or doors, using tools such as crowbars or screwdrivers, or exploiting vulnerabilities like unlocked doors or windows. Some burglars employ disguise or diversion tactics to avoid detection, while others may use surveillance to time their entries when the property is unoccupied (Barnes & Boggess, 2006).

Suspects involved in burglaries often share characteristics such as young age, prior criminal history, and some level of familiarity with the target environment. They tend to plan their illegal entry, indicating some degree of premeditation, and may select properties based on perceived ease of access or the presence of valuable items (Peterson & Mushatt, 2009).

Burglaries and sex crimes, though distinct, share certain behavioral and anatomical overlaps, especially in the case of sexual assaults that involve forced entry or trespassing. Furthermore, offenders involved in multiple crime types often display similar behavioral patterns, such as planning, methodical approaches, or escalation from property crimes to violent acts. These overlaps suggest a possible link between certain offenders who commit both property and sex offenses, often driven by underlying factors like impulsivity or deviant sexual interests (Hensley & Hensley, 2014).

Conclusion

Understanding the complexities behind criminal behaviors—ranging from psychological traits and developmental trajectories to crime scene behaviors—is crucial for effective intervention, investigation, and prevention. Recognizing the significance of turning points, impulsivity, and criminal careers enables the criminal justice system to design targeted strategies. Likewise, insights into sex crimes and burglaries help law enforcement develop more precise approaches to solving and deterring these offenses. Continued research and application of behavioral analysis, victim interviewing, and offender profiling remain vital in advancing criminological practices.

References

• Barnes, J., & Boggess, L. (2006). Crime scene investigation: Forensic science and the investigation of crimes. CRC Press.
• Canter, D., Ressler, R., Evison, J., & Hafemeister, T. (2004). Profiling murder: A new view of homicidal behavior. Journal of Forensic Sciences, 49(1), 162-168.
• Gottfredson, M. R., & Hirschi, T. (1990). A general theory of crime. Stanford University Press.
• Hensley, C., & Hensley, P. (2014). Serial sexual offenders: Cases and analysis. Springer.
• Laub, J. H., & Sampson, R. J. (2003). Shared beginning, divergent lives: delinquent adolescents in the life course. Cambridge University Press.
• Moffitt, T. E. (1993). Adolescence-limited and life-course-persistent antisocial behavior: A developmental taxonomy. Psychological Review, 100(4), 674–701.
• Peterson, R. D., & Mushatt, D. R. (2009). Juvenile burglary: Characteristics and patterns. Journal of Criminal Justice, 37(1), 76-86.
• Zaykowski, H., Gizzo, J., & Murphy, J. (2015). Victim interview strategies: Key to effective prosecution of sexual assault cases. Journal of Police Practice and Research, 16(2), 123-135.