Linking in serial rape: Is consistency a must?

• In Event: Profiling & Linking - At the Intersection of Theory and Practice

Abstract

Studies that examine the linking potential of offending behavior find that few offenders remain consistent in their behaviors across series. The successful use of behavioral evidence for linking crime series depends on two things: 1-the appropriateness of the unit of analysis (i.e. what behavior(s) is expected to remain consistent) and 2-what exactly is meant by consistency. The present study examined the notion that redefining consistency as predictable behavioral trajectories may be a more successful approach. A sample of 30 rape series was analyzed for behavioral trajectories in three behavioral domains: Control, Sexual activity, and Violence. Results show that, indeed, an identifiable behavioral trajectory is present in all but one crime series in the sample. Moreover, it appears that identifying consistency and trajectories of change within the smaller behavioral domains rather than across all offenders’ behaviors may be most efficient. Implications for practice and future research avenues will be discussed.

Authors

• Marina Sorochinski, John Jay College of Criminal Justice / CUNY Graduate Center

• C. Gabrielle Salfati, John Jay College of Criminal Justice