Criminal psychology

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CRIMINAL PSHYCOLOGY

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What is psychology? Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the study and treatment of mental disorders—which include various affective , behavioural, cognitive and perceptual disorders. The term psychiatry (Greek ), coined by Johann Christian Reil in 1808, comes from the Greek (psukhē: soul or mind) and (iatros: healer). It refers to a field of medicine focused specifically on the mind, aiming to study, prevent, and treat mental disorders in humans

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Criminal psychology is the study of the wills, thoughts, intentions and reactions of criminals. It is related to the field of criminal anthropology. The study goes deeply into what makes someone commit crime, but also the reactions after the crime, on the run or in court.

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criminal psychology The application of psychological principles to criminal activity. Involves:  Criminal behavior Risk assessment Crime prevention The criminal justice system

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Criminal behavior Conditions resulting in criminal behavior include:  Antisocial personality disorder Sociopath Psychopath Conduct Disorder Borderline personality disorder

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Antisocial Personality Disorder  Manipulates, exploits, or violates the rights of others. Behavior is often criminal Chronic behavior that begins in childhood Fire-setting and cruelty to animals during childhood are often present Anti-social Personality Disorder  Symptoms:  Breaks the law repeatedly Lies, steals, and fights often Disregards the safety of self and others Demonstrates a lack of guilt Had a childhood diagnosis (or symptoms consistent with) conduct disorder

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Sociopath  Person having antisocial personality disorder Physical aggression Disregard for others Inability to keep a job or form relationships Violates the rights of others Lack of regret for inappropriate actions Psychopath:   No concerns for the feelings of others Egocentric, no sense of responsibility or consequence. Emotions are superficial, shallow, or absent Callous, Manipulative, Incapable of forming lasting relationships, Incapable of meaningful love. Acts only for personal benefit.

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Borderline Personality Disorder  Pattern of instability in: Interpersonal relationships Self image Affect (emotion) and mood Impulsiveness Anger and inability to control anger Often leads to self-damaging behavior Frequent history of physical fights and abuse.

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Types of criminal behavior  Arson Stalking Murder Mass murder Serial killers Gang Activity

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Arson  Most arsonists have unstable family history & background of humiliation Other motivations are excitement, anger ,revenge, thrills, sexual gratification Stalking Psychology  Resentful: have some grievance with victim & want to frighten them Intimacy: “loves” the victim & wants them Erotic-maniac: imagines the victim is in love with them (common with celebrities) Incompetent: feel entitled to intimacy despite poor social skills

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Multiple Murderers  Multiple murderers are people who have killed more than one victim. multiple killers are classified into two basic categories – mass murderers Serial killers Mass Murderers  kills four or more people at one location during one continuous period of time, whether it is a few minutes or over a period of days. Make no attempt to hide Often die by suicide or police after incident

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Serial Killers  murder three or more victims, but each is killed on separate occasions usually select their victims cooling off periods between murders plan their crimes carefully " "When I killed people I had a desire sexual excitement. This inspired me to kill more. I don't care whether they deserve to live or not. It is none of my concern“ Yang Xinhai

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Types of serial killers (patterns)  Characteristics: Socially competent, intelligent , a planner, generally targets strangers, someone who uses restraints. Very difficult to catch Typical behaviors: lives alone, knows victim, evidence present and does not change lifestyle as a result of the killing.

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Gang Advantage of being in a gang: Provide protection from other gangs Provide a sense of family or instant friends Provide income through drug sales Provide respect and recognition Disadvantages of being in a gang  Most don’t get rich – just the leaders Dealing results in Long hours and dangerous work Risk of death or incarceration is high Most gangs have severe initiation rituals

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How are criminals ‘made’?  Genetics/DNA/chromosomes Environmental factors Biochemistry Family traits Economic circumstances Neurological damage A combination of these factors can be devastating

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How are criminals made?  Biochemistry  Reduced glucose levels Reduced serotonin levels (serotonin mellows us out) Increased testosterone (creates need to dominate) Sometimes have high traces of toxic metals How are criminals made? Brain traits  Psychopaths have abnormal brain activities: Less active pre-frontal cortex (impulse control) Frontal Lobe damage causes lack of social behavior and self-control

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Crime Prevention  Criminal psychology is used to predict, identify, find, and convict criminals Criminal profiling is the primary tool What is Criminal Profiling?  Study and prediction of criminal behavior used to indicate:  How the criminal thinks Motivation for crime Modus operandi Signature

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Criminal psychologists may: Provide victim or witness evaluation and treatment Screen and treat police officers Juvenile Assessment, intervention, and crime prevention Criminal Psychology  and the Criminal Justice System   A criminal psychologist May: perform psychiatric evaluation for insanity or trial competency Provide expert testimony for trial Consultation for jury selection, child testimony, or expert witness Determine treatment or intervention for mentally ill defendants

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R Thank you.. Rachana Jha.