Problems with Serial Murder Investigations
Abstract
Serial murder investigations are normally hard for police to handle because of problems that appear internal and external to the police department. While the traditional techniques of investigating a crime (presence witness or witnesses, collecting evidence, and obtaining a confession from the suspect) are helpful in normal situations, their rare application to serial murder cases is only further complicated by other issues.
This recognition of investigative issues is critical for not only apprehending these dangerous types of individuals but also for preventing more murders. Case studies of six serial killers have been examined to clarify the issues, using the traditional techniques of investigation as a reference. The data have been interpreted in terms of the factors present in helping to apprehend the offender as well as the problems that hindered the investigation. A final discussion of solutions and the identification of other problems that have not been previously addressed in other works are offered.
It is imperative to take note of these issues and work to diminish and/or resolve them for more effectively pursuing serial killers. With acknowledgement of where law enforcement is deficient, a larger effort can be made to not only minimize but possibly even eliminate the errors within an investigation.
Notes
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Thesis Completion
2005
Semester
Spring
Advisor
Fabianic, David
Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
College
College of Health and Public Affairs
Degree Program
Criminal Justice
Subjects
Dissertations, Academic -- Health and Public Affairs; Health and Public Affairs -- Dissertations, Academic; Serial murder investigation; Serial murderers
Format
Identifier
DP0021985
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Document Type
Honors in the Major Thesis
Recommended Citation
Maykrantz, Jessica, "Problems with Serial Murder Investigations" (2005). HIM 1990-2015. 465.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/honorstheses1990-2015/465