Hickey Ew 2014 Personal Research United States Homicide Rate ✓ Solved

Hickey Ew 2014 Personal Researchunited States Homicide Rates 198

This assignment involves analyzing potential threats to U.S. national security through provided scenarios. You will evaluate whether each scenario appears to be a legitimate threat by considering behavioral, psychological, and contextual factors. Additionally, the assignment references case studies of significant criminal acts and the role of forensic psychology in law enforcement.

Based on these prompts, you should develop a comprehensive analysis discussing indicators of threat versus non-threat behaviors, the role of forensic psychology in threat assessment, and case insights into criminal profiling and law enforcement strategies. Your paper should be approximately 1000 words, include scholarly references, and be well-structured with clear headings and in-text citations.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Assessing threats to national security is a complex process that requires careful analysis of behavioral indicators, motivations, and contextual factors. In a democratic society like the United States, the balance between individual rights and security measures is delicate. This paper evaluates the provided scenarios to determine whether they pose legitimate threats to national security, examines the role of forensic psychology in threat assessment, and analyzes real-life case studies to underscore effective investigative strategies.

Analysis of Threat Scenarios

Scenario 1: Mark, the Angry Elder

Mark, a 70-year-old former business owner, sends frequent messages to the President and Congress that escalate in anger and veiled threats. While his behavior shows frustration with government policies, his age, lack of concrete plans, and non-specific threats suggest a lower immediate risk. Such vocal frustrations are common in societal discourse; however, law enforcement must monitor for escalation, especially when threats become direct or include credible threats of violence (Silke, 2012). The absence of a history of violence, access to weapons, or overt plans diminishes the threat level, though continuous monitoring is advisable.

Scenario 2: Jim, the Hacker

Jim’s enjoyment of hacking into accounts, including government documents, indicates malicious intent and potential national security implications. Cybersecurity threats are a significant concern, as hackers accessing confidential data pose risks ranging from espionage to identity theft (Bada et al., 2019). The nature of Jim’s activities suggests a high threat level, especially if he possesses or could acquire information valuable to malicious actors or terrorist groups. Investigation, cyber threat profiling, and potential criminal charges are warranted.

Scenario 3: Ken, the Discharged Veteran

Ken served in Iraq, is currently angry at immigration policies, and has recently joined a neo-Nazi organization while firing his AR-15 in the woods. His PTSD-like symptoms, discontent, and affiliation with extremist groups point towards a potential threat. Military veterans with combat experience can pose risks if their grievances escalate into violence, especially when combined with extremist ideologies and access to firearms (Hoggatt et al., 2018). Law enforcement should evaluate Ken’s psychological profile, monitor his activities, and assess for intent, but immediate threat depends on his behavior and plans.

Scenario 4: Malik, the Radicalized Convert

Malik, a U.S. citizen, visits websites sympathetic to jihadists, plans to visit relatives in the Middle East, and advocates for Sharia law in the U.S. While his views indicate ideological alignment with radical elements, there is no evidence of imminent violence. Radicalization alone does not equate to threat unless accompanied by actionable plans (Conway et al., 2019). Profiling Malik involves assessing his online activity, intentions, and any intentions to act violently. Preventive intervention could be appropriate if indicators of imminent attack emerge.

Role of Forensic Psychology and Investigative Techniques

Forensic psychology plays a critical role in threat assessment, criminal profiling, and intervention strategies. Professionals trained in law enforcement psychology assist in screening individuals, evaluating mental states, and conducting fitness-for-duty assessments (Bartol & Bartol, 2019). Criminal profiling uses behavioral and psychological analysis to generate suspect pools, often guiding investigations. Techniques such as interviews, deception detection, and behavioral analysis are vital in delineating threats and preventing violence (Canter & Lundrigan, 2018).

In the case studies presented, law enforcement’s ability to analyze behaviors, motives, and contextual clues is exemplified. The Aurora theater shooter, the Sandy Hook shooter, the San Bernardino terrorists, and the Ft. Hood attacker each displayed warning signs—social withdrawal, ideological radicalization, access to weapons, and planning—that could inform threat assessment models.

Case Studies and Lessons Learned

Holmes’ Attack in Aurora, Colorado

Holmes exhibited overt signs of mental instability, social disconnect, and premeditation, emphasizing the importance of psychological evaluation in threat detection. His obsession with violence and social isolation was identifiable, yet subtle warning signs sometimes go unnoticed (Miller et al., 2013).

Lanza’s Massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary

Severe depression, social withdrawal, and access to firearms marked Lanza’s profile. Risk assessments should include mental health evaluations and monitoring of access to lethal means (Patel et al., 2014).

San Bernardino Terrorist Attack

Extensive planning, radical online activity, and travel to terrorist hotspots indicated a high-risk profile. Intelligence sharing and community-based interventions are critical in intercepting such plots before execution (Gibbs & Knutson, 2017).

Ft. Hood Shooting

Radicalization and ideological indoctrination, along with access to firearms and military mental health assessments, were relevant factors. Enhanced screening and cultural assessments could mitigate similar threats (Borum et al., 2018).

Conclusion

Assessing threats within a democratic society requires a nuanced understanding of behavior, ideology, and context. Forensic psychology provides essential tools for threat assessment, criminal profiling, and intervention. Real-life case studies underscore the importance of early detection and multidisciplinary collaboration in preventing violence. Continuous research, community engagement, and technological advancement are necessary to adapt to evolving threats.

References

• Bada, A., Sasse, M. A., & Nurse, J. R. C. (2019). Cybersecurity threats from hackers: A review. Journal of Information Security, 10(3), 123–135.
• Bor, R., et al. (2018). Strategies for mitigating insider threats in military environments. Security Journal, 31(2), 424–440.
• Borum, R., et al. (2018). Radicalization and ideological extremism among military personnel. Journal of Threat Assessment and Management, 5(2), 123–135.
• Canter, D., & Lundrigan, K. (2018). Investigative psychology: Offender profiling and crime analysis. Applied Psychology & Crime Prevention.
• Conway, M., et al. (2019). Radicalization of the online space: A systematic review. Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, 42(9), 793-823.
• Gibbs, J. P., & Knutson, S. (2017). Terrorist threat assessments: Strategies and challenges. Homeland Security Review, 13, 23–33.
• Hoggatt, S. E., et al. (2018). Veterans and extremism: Analyzing risk factors. Military Behavioral Health, 6(3), 141–149.
• Miller, T., et al. (2013). Behavioral markers in threat assessment. Forensic Psychology Review, 4(1), 45–59.
• Patel, D., et al. (2014). Mental health and mass shootings: Risk factors. American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(4), 362–370.
• Silke, A. (2012). The psychology of terrorism: An agenda for control. Routledge.