Cops: Criminal Mastermind's Disguise 'Ineffective'

(Newser) – Pro tip: When the law is after you and you'd like to alter your appearance so as to avoid speaking with the aforementioned law, maybe try a fat suit or dyeing your hair. Probably what you don't want to do is spraypaint your face black, which is what police in Madera, Calif., say Jose Espinoza tried and which they term, via a wry Facebook post, "an effort to camouflage himself. The camouflage was ineffective." Police say that Espinoza was busted with a stolen car Saturday night; per KTLA, the 23-year-old fled the scene, only to return to his house sporting his less-than-clever disguise. Police were unfooled. Charges were filed. And bail was set at $35,000. In evidence: one spray paint can, a police rep tells ABC.

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Stupid Criminal Gets Owned By Ninja Sword

By JJ Duncan on I was just saying the other day how I wish more crime stories involved swords.

What strange attraction do swords hold for perpetually adolescent males? Whatever it is, if you have a friend who buys swords, he probably gets made fun of a LOT (and deservedly so). But from Florida today we have the story of one man whose nerdy little thing for swords will never be mocked again.

Names have yet to be released, but apparently a knife-wielding thief forced his way into an apartment in Melbourne, Fla. Unfortunately for him, the guy living there was prepared... with a friggin' NINJA SWORD!

The thief was soon arrested and taken to a hospital with a big-ass cut on his arm from the katana blade wielded by his would-be victim.

Not only did the guy pull out a ninja sword to fend off his attacker, he actually got to use it. I admit it. I'm jealous.

Check out the photo gallery from WFTV-Ch. 9 in Florida. (Full story)

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Sex Crimes - Personal Responsibility for Criminal Behavior

Why do people commit crimes? Answer, because they want to. Criminal behavior is the expression of deviance within all of us. Basically, criminals are us, and we are them. Some do minor things, like run a stop sign, cheat on their taxes, or take property from their employer. Others do serious acts of criminal behavior that cause death, trauma and destruction. The criminal underworld is composed of all kinds of people. Like you and me, they come from all walks of life. And, they are not much different than the rest of so called "law abiding" citizens. Criminals are males, females, young, old, single, married, etc. Of special interest to law enforcement is the area referred to as sex crimes. In this regard, again the criminological question arises about the nature of sex crimes and the reason for their commission. Often, the various media, politicians and some in law enforcement assert a causal connection between such crimes and adult oriented entertainment. In reality, there is no scientific data to support such a connection. But, what is the "want to" within the rubric the human psyche? Or, instead of the "want to", the so called "desire, urging, yearning," and so forth often heard from so many criminals. That's an age old question that may defy conventional explanation.

Many studies have tried over the years to draw a direct correlation. Basically, there is none. Keep in mind, people act in criminal ways because that is their preference. We need to alert to spurious notions about such behavior. Criminals serving long terms in prison, or facing execution, have sometimes indicated a connection exists. But, you have to wonder about their motivation. After all, criminals will tell you whatever you want to know. Making stuff up and lying about their intentions is generic to the criminal. Their opinions on matters of criminal behavior should be taken a suspicious. In short, behavior is not a notion of some simply mirroring behavior they viewed in a magazine, video or on television. Criminal behavior is more than "monkey see - monkey do". Just like other crimes, sex crimes are acts of opportunity, personal motive, individual gain versus risk and ability. These criminal acts stem from premeditation and the individual pursuit of power and control over other people. Crimes involving a sexual dimension represent innate motives of personal expression. In fact, in some countries, the dramatic increase in adult materials has shown a corresponding decrease in sex crimes.

Some researchers have pointed out that criminals would probably lose interest in doing something that was made legal by society. Rape, for example, is not motivated by sex. Instead, sex is a weapon, but the motive relates to power, anger, aggression and violence. Crimes boil down to issues of gain, opportunity and ability. As such, criminal acts of a sexual nature concern potency, power and perception on the part of the perpetrator. Criminals are people who refuse to obey the law and act in a responsible manner. In order to obtain the personal gain, the criminal pursues the exhibition of his or her fantasy world. This might include playing con games with potential victims. He or she may capitalize upon exceptional interpersonal communication skills. Criminals may assert a façade of decency in order to snare their objective. Using various skills, they may find intimidation often works.

Like a bully, the criminal seeks out those who appear vulnerable. They learn early how to manipulate others. Domination and taking something raises the excitement level to heightened degrees. Sex crimes become an expression of anti-social behavior. According to some researchers, criminals who commit sex crimes show a significant resistance to changing their "deviant behavior patterns". In spite of various treatment approaches, success rates with such criminals remains extremely low. And, on top of that, there is little definitive evidence that shows treatment reduces repeat behavior. But, before they are caught, why do they commit such acts? A host of reasons have been suggested. Is it genetic, hormonal, or social? What is the gain they received from the commission of heinous acts of brutality?

Criminal behavior demonstrates the offender's ability to carry out his or her need to fulfill a fantasy. The inner workings of an individual's psyche can defy the imagination. Freedom of choice is at the core of criminal behavior. The criminal's motives become an extension of their personality. At a crime scene, this is the signature by which the criminal defines his or her actions. Behaviors are motivated by internal desires that stem from the fantasy life of the individual. The passion or power behind the motivation to commit an act of deviance or criminal behavior relates to basic desires of control, dominance, anger, revenge and displays of perceived inadequacy. As such, our crime control strategies and tactics must consider what really motivates the criminal. The who, what, where, why and how, provides the basis for the continuum by which solve the puzzle of criminal behavior.

Manipulation, domination, power and control become expressions of the complex internal thinking by which perpetrators act out sexual proclivities. Everyone has sexual motivations. Not everyone carries them into the reality of injuring another person. These inclinations are most likely associated with behavioral learning processes, social interaction, personality and psycho-physical dynamics. The personality is the strongest factor. This is important from a criminological perspective. Yet, in spite of the overall interaction of the person's makeup, the decision-making processes are important. People do things out of their own desire to do them. Desire, opportunity and ability become influential aspects in deciding on a course of action. That course of action may hurt or kill another person. Human sexual behavior is connected to the psychological state of the individual.

For some, crime has a sensual nature. Criminal behavior expresses a seductive attraction for committing crimes. For those who choose to commit crimes, the apparent rewards for such actions are more pleasurable than the apparent risks. The process involves weighing the gain minus the pain. This plausible benefit over the risks delivers a positive reinforcement for the perpetrator. Criminality becomes a hedonistic approach to life's experiences. Human efforts are aimed at maximizing the rewards and minimizing the potential penalties. To the criminal, crime is a way by which sexuality becomes expressive. Fantasies inside are released to the external reality. The motivation is stimulated by the satisfaction of criminal behavior.

In many acts of violence, criminals seek out victims to express issues of power and control. These elements relate to domination, enslavement and supremacy. In addition, there is a cause/effect connection in acting core fantasies within the individual's ideation. Sexuality, while not necessarily the weapon, becomes the "vehicle" by which violence and death are inflicted. Offenders may demonstrate similarities among different acts of criminal behavior. At the same, there may also be differences in the behaviors expressed by the criminal behavior. "Signatures" unique to the individual criminal may be left behind at the crime scene. The challenge is understanding what the message means. Such efforts fall on the investigative resources available to foster crime solution.

Sex crimes are perpetrated by people intent on carrying out their personal fantasies. Sexually offensive behaviors that violate established legal constraints emanate from the fantasy life of the perpetrator. Fantasies are the basis, or templates, by which the criminal will implement his or her plans. Criminals mentally sketch out, or otherwise rehearse how they intend to commit certain acts. In this planning process, the criminal will consider his or her motives, means and opportunities, given their individual skill levels. Within their mental calculations, they contemplate what it will be like to actually do the crime. This mental "role play" seldom satisfies the real fantasy going on in their thinking processes.

So, planning is essential to their motives and intentions to inflict their desires upon others. If caught, the criminal can be expected to assert all manner of defenses, rationalization or excuses. He or she will try to be very persuasive in minimizing the criminal behavior. Victims and the crimes are sometimes referred to as "things" or "objects" in order to devalue the significant of what the criminal did. And, further investigation will often reveal there were other victims prior to the perpetrator being caught. Power and control, using sex as a weapon, are key elements in the ideation of the criminal. Overall, the criminal does not empathize with the condition, position or importance of the victim. In the mind of the criminal, only he or she is important. Dominating and blaming the victim is essential to the acting out of the fantasy. Criminals will defend themselves by saying the victim "wanted it". Every effort will be made to deflect, deceive and avoid the truth.

Criminal behavior, in particular sex crimes, is directed toward the ends justifying the means. To the criminal, he or she strives to get what they want by whatever means possible. Excuses will be plentiful. Especially when they get caught. They will begin building the basis of a justifiable defense. In time, they will be so convincing that they will become the victim. The true victim will be forgotten, in the public's rush to be sympathetically gullible. Yet, desire, opportunity, ability and vulnerable victims remain central to the ingredients of criminal behavior. The challenge for society and the criminal justice system will be understanding the games criminals play. Human sexuality is at the core of criminal behavior inclinations. In order to ensure a high level of public safety, criminals must be held accountable and punished to fullest extent of the law. There can be no exceptions, regardless of socio-economic or political status.

Bio-Sketch - Randy Gonzalez
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Randy Gonzalez has been an active member of the criminal justice field for the past 39 years. He has been a police officer, deputy sheriff, and police instructor, as well as a private detective. Dr. Gonzalez has been a former police chief and police academy director, and serves as a professor of criminology on the faculty of a major private university. Dr. Gonzalez holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Criminology, an M.P.A. degree in Public Administration, a Ph.D. in Philosophy.

Stalking to be criminal offence

David Cameron's plans to bring in a new law of stalking will leave the police needing to prove a fear of violence and will not solve the problems with the current system, Labour has said.

Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the plans risked being "half-hearted and over-complicated" and would not give victims the protection they needed.

Her criticism came after the Prime Minister told victims at a Downing Street reception to mark International Women's Day that the Government was determined to ensure "justice is done".

But Labour said bringing in two new offences in England and Wales - stalking, and stalking where there is a fear of violence - would leave police and prosecutors with the same problems.

Proving a fear of violence "has been very hard to make work in practice and has meant too many serious cases fell through the net", Ms Cooper said.

"Under the government's proposals there is a serious risk that low sentencing will continue and many persistent stalkers could still be out of prison within weeks free to continue their behaviour. The Government must not waste time with half-hearted measures which deny victims the protection they need."

She called for a system based on the Scottish model instead, saying the Government should back a Labour amendment to the Protection of Freedoms Bill on the issue in the House of Lords on Monday.

But Mr Cameron said the Government was explicitly criminalising stalking, which he said "makes life a living hell for victims", to "show beyond doubt that stalking is a crime".

Home Secretary Theresa May added: "Stalking is an issue which affects many lives, often in devastating ways. That is why we are taking it seriously and introducing these new offences. Offenders need to know that they will be brought to justice for making others' lives a misery."

Police will also be given new powers of entry to investigate stalking offences, the Home Office said. At the moment, officers only have a right of entry in respect of conduct that puts people in fear of violence.

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Juvenile Crimes and the Criminal Justice System

If your son or daughter has been arrested for a crime, then you are probably very apprehensive about your child's future. Unfortunately, even the best kids can get mixed up with the wrong crowd. You may be wondering what to expect if your child was arrested, will they be returned home to you? Will they have to go to a detention facility?

What are juvenile crimes? They are crimes that are committed by a person who is under the age of 18. Juveniles can commit the same crimes as an adult, the difference is that the criminal justice system has more faith in America's youth then they do in their adult counterparts.

The juvenile justice system aims to rehabilitate child offenders, as opposed to imposing severe penalties. However, if the crime was especially heinous or violent, then the offender may be tried as an adult. When this happens, the minor will face the same penalties as an adult would.

Children and teens can commit the same crimes as adults such as: assault, battery, drug crimes, sexual assault, rape, vandalism, grand theft auto, theft crimes, burglary, manslaughter and murder. However, there are certain types of crimes that are naturally associated with minors such as underage drinking, underage DUI, and using a fake ID.

As a parent, you would want your child's case to be handled through the juvenile courts, as opposed to the adult courts. If your child's case is handled through the juvenile system, they would be handled with a rehabilitative approach, and would be much more likely to avoid incarceration, or would at least be returned to you in a shorter period of time. If they are tried as an adult, they could face the same penalties that an adult would face for the same crime.

When your son or daughter is arrested, they will either be kept in custody, or they will be returned to you. Whether or not they are kept in custody will be based on a number of factors including: the nature of the crime, their potential threat to themselves, their potential threat to others, whether or not they are a flight risk, and the need for them to appear in another jurisdiction.

Whether their case is handled through the juvenile or the adult courts will be based on the violent nature of the crime. Especially violent cases such as murder or violent gang-related crimes may be diverted to the adult courts. It's extremely important to make every attempt to keep your child's case from going to the adult courts. Every effort should be made by your child's attorney to obtain alternative sentencing and rehabilitation so they can experience the least amount of penalties possible. If your son or daughter was arrested for a juvenile crime, contact a skilled and compassionate criminal defense lawyer today!

The Law Office of Randolph D. Toscano, PLLC is proud to represent the residents of Scottsdale, Arizona. Their criminal defense firm has extensive experience in handling all types of misdemeanor and felony crimes. Whether you are facing a bench warrant, a kidnapping or murder charge, or if you are a parent in need of representation for your son or daughter, they are prepared to fight on your behalf. They will thoroughly investigate your case and challenge the evidence against you. Their goal is to help their clients obtain maximum satisfaction in the charges against them. They will make every effort to get the charges against you reduced or dropped where possible. Take action now by contacting a Scottsdale criminal defense attorney at the firm by calling (877) 748-7978.

Sex Crimes and Criminal Consequences

There is a vast array of criminal offenses that are sex-related. A sex offense conviction can have lasting ramifications including social isolation and sex offender registration for the accused.

In our society, non-consensual sexual contact is a criminal offense. Even some forms of consensual sexual acts are criminalized as well. In some instances merely showing too much skin or too much affection in public can be prosecuted as indecent exposure. Engaging in prostitution as the "prostitute" or the "John" is illegal when money exchanges hands, even though it is entirely consensual. People can be guilty of committing a sex crime without even knowing it; for example, when a young man engages in a sexual act with a young teenage girl who is below the age of consent (without being aware of her age), or when one performs certain "acts" in view of the public eye.

Our society is relatively conservative in its sexual practices, and unlike many other countries, you will get into trouble if you show too much flesh, engage in sexual acts in public or have sex with someone that is too young. It is not difficult to break a state law and be guilty of committing a sex crime. Unfortunately, however minor or innocent the offense might have been at the time, you can suffer significant criminal consequences as a result.

These types of crimes vary in degrees and severity. The more force that is involved in the crime and the younger the victim, the greater the criminal penalties. Some sex crimes are prosecuted as misdemeanor offenses and involve no more than one year in jail; however, more serious sex crimes can be prosecuted as felonies and involve incarceration in a state prison for a minimum of one year and can extend for a number of years.

Common examples of sex-related offenses include: sexual assault, sexual battery, rape, forcible rape, molestation, sodomy, child rape, and child molestation, possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography. More serious sex crimes such as sexual battery or child rape involve mandatory sex offender registration. Failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements can send a convicted sex offender right back to state prison.

Certain sex crimes which involve the use of the internet are considered federal crimes because they cross state lines. These types of sex crimes typically involve crimes against children. Crimes such as possession of child pornography and distribution of child pornography are considered federal offenses.

Being accused of a sex offense is very uncomfortable and embarrassing because it questions your ethics and morals. Sadly, as serious as sex crimes are, many innocent individuals are either falsely accused or entangled in a web of lies by the supposed accuser. Innocent fathers can be falsely accused of molesting their daughters by their ex-wife in a bitter child custody battle, or adult men can be fooled into believing an underage girl was over eighteen. It isn't unusual for innocent men to be the target of an unscrupulous and manipulating scheme out of vengeance. If you have been accused of a sex crime, you could be facing serious criminal consequences. Not only that, but a sex crime conviction can have a detrimental impact on your career and future relationships. You have no other choice but to hire a tough criminal defense attorney who can protect your legal rights throughout the criminal process.

Superior Law Center represents clients facing all types of criminal charges throughout San Diego County. With over a decade of legal experience, they can provide you with the dedicated and sound legal representation that you are looking for. They will not take a passive and apathetic approach to your case; instead they will work aggressively on your behalf, fighting for your freedom every step of the way. Their legal team assists people with criminal charges ranging from drug crimes, to juvenile crimes, to sex crimes, white collar crimes and many more. If you would like to speak with a highly experienced attorney about your case, contact a San Diego criminal defense lawyer from their firm at (888) 258-6185 for a confidential consultation.

Criminal Law Information: Fraud, Hate Crimes & Child Abuse

Criminal law is one of the most common types of law practiced in the United States. People make mistakes, and when these mistakes involve the law, it is absolutely critical that if you find yourself on the wrong side of the law that you have the best lawyer at your side to help you protect your rights and freedom. Some of the most common infractions that people find themselves involved with are child abuse laws, fraud, and hate crimes.

Child abuse laws are in place to help protect innocent people, but more and more often these days these laws are used to take advantage of innocent people. Unscrupulous people use the stigma attached with child abuse accusations to force innocent people into situations that they never wanted to be in the first place. Unfortunately, because people often instantly judge people those accused of child abuse crimes to be guilty, it takes the best lawyers to help those wrongfully accused of these reprehensible crimes to see the light of justice again.

Fraud is also one of the most common crimes that people have to deal with in the 21st century. These business crimes include insurance fraud, government fraud, tax fraud, stock fraud, financial fraud, healthcare fraud, and telemarketing fraud, and the technologies available in the computer age can turn simple and innocent mistakes into devastating and life-altering consequences. Without the expert counsel of the dedicated and experienced fraud lawyers at resource4criminallaw.com, you or someone you love could end up in jail without hope of getting the justice they deserve.

Hate crimes are another type of special crime that few people understand unless they are facing charges. What few people understand is that hate crime laws are so hazy and nebulous that virtually any act can be construed as a "hate crime" if the "victims" and lawyer have an agenda to prove or an axed to grind. People accused off these crimes need to be represernted by the best legal minds possible, and the attorneys at resource4criminallaw.com have decades of combined experience in helping people on the wrong side of hate crimes get the justice they deserve.

Resource4criminallaw.com is your one stop shop for all your criminal defense needs. Why should you trust your freedom, your fortune or even your life to secondrate public defenders? Explore Resource4thepeople.com today and see what we can do for you.

To learn more about child abuse, fraud or hate crimes, please visit our website. This article may be freely reprinted as long as this resource box is included and all links stay intact as hyperlinks.

The Crime Scene Technician Career in the Criminal Justice Field

Are you considering becoming a crime scene technician?

This career calls for someone who is detail-oriented and doesn't mind a little gore. As someone who gathers evidence at crime scenes, you will definitely need to possess the ability to tolerate some gruesome images. However, if you feel this career is for you, then there is no reason why you should hold back.

One fact in particular that you may find especially exciting about becoming a crime scene technician is that your average annual salary will be between 40K and 60K per year. Obviously, it's very possible to live a comfortable lifestyle off of this type of salary. In addition, you may be required to work overtime, especially when evidence is needed as soon as possible, which means more money in your pocket at the end of the week.

To top it off, this job is full of excitement. Some of the required job duties include physical evidence examination and analysis, taking pictures of crime scenes, collecting various forms of evidence, fingerprint analysis, as well as working alongside local and county special agents and police officers. In many ways, a crime scene technician career is very similar to that of a crime scene investigator.

Fortunately, there are quite a few ways that you can train to become a crime scene technician. A lot of schools now offer this program. Another one of the ways you can train is by becoming a police officer. However, in order to become a police officer, you need at very least an associate's in criminal justice. A lot of people are quick to attempt to skip over the required educational requirements only to find that no matter where they turn, they run into the same barrier.

You'll need to understand how to analyze evidence, fingerprints, etc. Obviously, unless you're able to receive training through your job as a police officer, it's highly recommended that you go for your bachelor's degree instead.

Although it generally takes four years to obtain a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, you can always begin work as an intern as you work on completing your associate's. Unfortunately, interns are not paid, but nevertheless are able to snag the highest-paying starting salaries when they are hired.

The majority of crime scene technicians also take certification courses such as evidence collection, fingerprinting, forensic science, as well as numerous other courses to ensure they are prepared for their future career. Regardless as to how you choose to go about working your way into this career, keep in mind that you have more than one option.

According to the US Bureau of Labor, there are over 6,000 new crime scene technician jobs available each year. Fortunately, this number is expected to rise in the future. A lot of people may shy away from this particular career due to the requirements.

However, if you're looking for something exciting, fun, and nevertheless, interesting, this might be the perfect job for you. You can rest assured that if nothing else, everyday will be a new adventure.

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Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a Writer, Expert Author, and Publisher. He currently writes for Criminal Justice Schools. Get free scholarship report and find Crime Scene Technician Schools by visiting.

Crime Shows - Fine Tuning the Criminal Mind?

There are numerous crime shows filling the prime time slots. And you can find some version of Law and Order, CSI etc. on at any time of day on a number of channels. The writers are increasingly creative and have a tireless supply of inspiration from real life events that they can put various spins on. The actors are dedicated and the directors are creating stories that are engaging and elicit emotional responses.

I know that personally they are my favorite thing to tune in to when I watch television. I watch a complicated crime unfold and the story develop around it until the criminals minimal error is exposed and the perp is collared! Usually this error is exposed by using a combination of a mastermind underpaid detective and the limitless resources of forensic science. I have often feared that this information may be misinterpreted by some as instruction. The program lays out how to commit the crime, what errors to avoid and if arrested how to see your trial through to acquittal.

The truth of the matter is that the numerous crime shows and frequency with which they air are in fact having an effect on real-world expectations. This effect has earned its own buzz phrase named the "CSI Effect" which is also referred to as the "CSI Syndrome". This effect is described as the viewing of crime shows raising victims and jury members expectation of forensic science. The television writers can overstate the accuracy of forensic techniques as well as exaggerate the ability of forensic science. The expectations of crime scene investigation and DNA testing are especially affected. Prosecutors are being pressured to present more forensic evidence in court. Potential jurors are sometimes asked if they are viewers of Forensic Crime shows as this trend is being considered.

In a similar vein, there are findings that suggest that forensic science shows help criminals cover their tracks. According to Joshua Marquis, an Oregon prosecutor, "It's not uncommon for criminals to now bring bleach with them to sanitize the crime scene." Criminals are learning what not to leave behind at crime scenes and getting much better at covering their tracks. Crime show effects on criminals can also be looked at on a flip side which is much more positive. It is likely that the message being conveyed to many is that no matter how they try to cover their crime, forensic science will reveal their identity.

Whether we look at the positive or negative effects on the criminal, victim or juror, the cultivation theory is supported by any one of the findings. The cultivation theory holds that television cultivates a distorted world view in which one's perception of social reality resembles the reality portrayed in the television program. When looking at crime shows, the cultivation theory would say that the impact on an individual would be the tendency to overestimate the rate of violent crime or the prevalence of law enforcement officials.

We are exposed to a plethora of crime shows. The writers are increasingly creative and have a tireless supply of inspiration from real life events. And it seems that life events are being equally affected by the shows themselves! The emotional responses that these shows tend to elicit are carried over into our views, opinions and expectations of real life scenarios.

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Is the Criminal Mind a Product of Learned Behavior? Examining the Causes of Crime

Crime, as we all know, is an antisocial behavior. But why do people commit crimes? Why some commit crimes without considering the repercussion of their actions? Is it a learned behavior? Could be, but there are several other factors that can lead to a criminal mind. And these factors could be psychological, biological, social or economic. As a matter of fact, for every crime committed, one or combination of these factors is often the reason behind it.

It is of utmost importance for parents to maintain a healthy relationship with their children. Caring and loving parents who cherish and support their children instill in them a positive self image. These children are generally well-balanced in relating to others and are less likely to commit crimes later in their lives. On the other hand, children that grew up in an abusive and disruptive home will most likely abuse their own children. Therefore, children that were neglected and abused are more likely to commit crimes later in life. Equally, kids who have been sexually abused growing up often become sexual predators as adults. Studies have shown that most serial rapists had experienced some form of cruel abuse in the early stages of their lives.

Researchers have also discovered that there is a connection between brain activity and criminal behavior. They concluded that certain substances released by the brain to generate body activity, plays a major role in influencing antisocial behavior. These substances are called neurochemicals. Serotonin and dopamine are the two major neurochemicals that can significantly affect a person's emotional state of mind. Serotonin decreases aggression while dopamine other hand increases aggression. The researchers discovered that there were higher levels of dopamine and lower levels of serotonin in people that commit violent crimes.

Now, let us examine the social and economic causes of crime. When you take a look at most of the people that commit crimes such as burglary, robbery, car theft and shoplifting you'll find out that a lot of them have a very poor educational background. Most of them cannot read or write above sixth grade level. They rarely have employment history and if they do their earnings are at the minimum wage or below. So, some of these people have to make a choice between living in poverty and a lucrative crime. Peer pressure is another factor that can influence people to commit crimes. Kids wanting to "belong" tend to do things they will not normally do to "fit in" with their peer group. Kids not participating in any sports or social programs tend to fall into this trap. Also, children who have been neglected by their families often become gang members. And we all know what these criminal gangs do. Drug and alcohol abuse is yet another factor that causes people to commit crimes. Both alcohol and drugs greatly impairs someone's ability to make good decisions and reduces a person's restraints, therefore giving them more courage to commit a crime. People commit crimes to support their drug habit.

In conclusion, now that we understand the major causes of crime in our society, we must all work together to do the best we can to make crime more difficult to commit or reduce the opportunities for criminals to commit them.

Michael Imana is a freelance writer. His articles focuses mainly on personal, home and business security issues. He has published several ebooks on self-defense and home security products. He helped started Prosafety Systems, an internet-based company that specializes in providing the very latest in personal, home and business security products. He is dedicated to helping people protect themselves, their homes and their businesses.

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The Roles And Duties Of The Crime Analyst In The Criminal Justice Field

A crime analyst is as important to the criminal justice field as the police officers who make the arrest. This profession is one of the most interesting and intriguing fields of study that is available. If you think you would be interested in becoming one, read on to find out just how exciting and fulfilling this position can be.

This analyzer of crimes performs many roles and duties. In this article, I will discuss those roles and duties. In no order of importance, they are:

1. The crime analyst is available for law enforcement to detect patterns in crimes so they can be linked with other crimes of the same pattern. This may tell law enforcement officers that this particular crime is being committed by the same person. In addition to detecting patterns, they may be able to see a trend that will stop this offender from committing other crimes.

2. Crime analysts use another research tool in searching for known offenders when faced with crimes of a certain nature, such as child molesters. Every long term criminal has certain aspects that are attributed to the crimes he or she commits. This is called the modus operandi.

When a crime is committed using a certain modus operandi, the first person the analyst will look at is the criminal who uses this method. This will allow police officers to question this person as to their whereabouts when the crime they are investigating was committed.

3. The analyst also investigates and distributes information they may uncover about trends in crimes. This allows police officers to use their resources to come up with solutions to certain problems. When the analyst and the police officers work together, the apprehension of criminals is much more likely.

4. In addition to searching for criminals, the crime analyst will generate reports for the police agency on how well their system is working. How many man hours the department is using, an analysis of all the complaints communicated to police officers is analyzed and prepared as a report for the appropriate agency.

5. Generating reports on how the police activity will rise or fall with the future is another job that crime analysts perform. This enables law enforcement agencies to prepare for the future. If the prediction is that crime will rise, then the agency must look into hiring more police officers.

6. Community surveys on certain matters have to be analyzed and reports filed with the appropriate department. The police department on a whole depends on the analyst to detect and predict a host of information to help them do their job.

As you can see, the crime analyst performs a lot of roles and duties when it comes to crime prevention, apprehension, and implementation. The position is one of the most interesting in the criminal justice field. There are many more responsibilities that are undertaken by crime analyst. It is difficult for me to cover them all in this short article.

If you think this is the profession for you, check out internet websites that cover the profession in more detail. This will help you gain a full understanding of the profession.

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Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth writes for Criminal Justice Schools. Get free scholarship report and learn to become a Crime Analyst by visiting.

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Psychic Detectives and Criminal Profilers - Are They Solving More Crimes?

Do psychic detectives and criminal profilers really solve crimes? Or, are they doing what B.T. Barnum would've been proud of? Good questions in a supposedly enlightened era of post-modern America. But, the answer is no. Actually, with all the "psycho gadgets and gizmos", we're solving fewer crimes against persons. And, no, the bad guys aren't getting smarter.

Yet, we all want to believe in "supernatural" quick easy answers. So that, to answer complex social issues, we can explain away the mysterious nature of human behavior. Both psychics and profilers use extraordinary conjecture. Absent of course, any credible scientific evidence of a sound basis. In other words, these sleight of hand tactics use techniques any con artist, palm reader or magician would be proud of. Each of these areas invokes clever legerdemain to embellish upon broad generalizations. A shotgun approach with the hope getting a few hits on target. People, naturally, remember the hits and forget the misses. The fallacy of inference, in reality, smoke screens an illusion in using the pretext of natural science to prove metaphysical pseudo-science. Often overlooked are the dedicated time, energy and efforts the real practitioner puts into his or her investigation. In the real world, police officers work very hard to establish the facts. As opposed to summoning the advice of "ghost busters".

Overall, aren't the psychics and the profilers doing the same thing? Gazing into the mystical realm of crime causation's crystal ball? Pseudo-science, creative guesswork, right? We could conclude it's all very clever sleight of hand trickery, designed to hoodwink the gullible public. And, justify funding, reputations or other hidden agenda. Long term, such deception has a profound affect on public policy. Thereby influencing police operations and subsequent investigative processes. Our thinking is likewise impinged. We seem to be fixated on the surreal contrived manifestations of fantasy instead of actuality. Most of us want to find the ultimate cause and effect reason to rationalize the mystery of human criminality. So, when science doesn't answer the entire question we want answered. People invent stuff. As we strive to comprehend criminal motivations, the search for the quick fix, easy conclusion for simplistic solution stirs the drama of imagination. Rather than applying the logical deduction of serious critical thinking, we turn to movie magic. Get ideas from television shows. Instead of following the facts, we conjure "experts" who consult the spirit world. People want comfortable, uncomplicated and trouble-free solutions. As a result, people get excited the closer they get to the edge of metaphysical illusions, charmed by effortless thinking.

If psychic detectives and criminal profilers are so successful, then how come the national violent crime clearance rate is dropping? In an assessment of major offenses, crime solution rates slipped for the last fifty years. For several decades, we've witnessed a decline in solving the serious crimes. In spite of psychic detectives, criminal profiling and a multiplicity of associated theories, we seem to be doing worse. Now, add to this, the vast array of "investigative reporting" from the media entertainment industry. Shows that dramatize the theories, causes and subsequent solutions concerning major crimes. Instead, the televised guesses serve to collude with the other speculative fallacies. All of which helps to confuse and distort the reality of criminal investigations.

From movie magic to mainstream news coverage, instantaneous responses to crime problems suggest we've got all the answers. Bottom-line, we don't. For want of such, a myriad of seemingly profound generalizations purport rapid solvability. Naturally, this reflects our obsession with "reel" to real fantasy to reality infusions. These are pretended in the fabrication of getting inside the "criminal mind". In the same instance, these melodramatic assertions juggle the avoidance of clear, compelling and convincing proof. Not to forget of course the obligation of requisite scientific replication. To make matters more perplexing, talk shows are good at calling up an array of "experts". From the hallowed halls of academia, or retirement from government service, arrogance of ego rushes to fill clever sound bytes. By rhyme more than reason, a hygienic face is disguised over questionable allegations of what fact versus fiction.

Again, with an array of non-practitioners practicing psychic and psycho-profiling help, what's wrong with our solution rate? Politics for one, which affects agency budgets, which affects personnel and resources at the local level. Recruitment, training and education of criminal justice personnel for another. These are issues for a much broader discussion in another project. Suffice it to say though, there's a criticality in filling the ranks of law enforcement personnel these days. Despite that, why aren't the clearance rates soaring and jail populations burgeoning even more so? You'd think with all the pretense of social "expertise", we'd be arresting criminals in significant numbers. But, we're not. Another analysis offers that the homicide clearance rate in 1960 was around 93%. Today, by contrast, that rate dropped to about 63% in 2000. After all, if you've got connections with the spirit world, don't they know what's going on? Aren't the poltergeists sharing the clues? Shouldn't we have a ghost of chance of getting all the bad guys with special help from crystal balls, or psychic sketch artists? Especially the serial killers. And, don't forget the cannibals. Since they all look like Hannibal Lecter, one would think they'd be easy to capture. Unless of course, they're a famous English actor. Naturally, latest television crime drama. And, certain official dogma. Tells us they all fit the same "profile", just like in the movies. At the same time, fictional detectives appear to have all the resources they need.

Again, the "why" question. This by itself creates more questions than answers. Instead, let's use "what" to pose the query. What then, with all the high tech sci-fi stuff, that every police department must have, is the problem? Because after watching the movies, we all know every police agency has the most well-equipped crime lab in the world. Right? Not to mention, local law enforcement manages unlimited budgets, plenty of over-time and easily cleared caseloads. You think? Plus, there are plenty of psychics, who claim numerous cases solved across the country. By their own admission of course. And, if you're a "mind hunter", and you've figured it all out. Got all the latest answers. Developed a "profile" from vast statistical data bases. Then, shouldn't the rest be pretty simple? Hold on a second though. If the "mind" is an illusion created by the brain. Then, aren't we hunting something that doesn't exist? How do you get inside of an illusion? How do you interview a phantom, ghost or a specter? Okay, back to the psychics and the paranormal world of investigations. Such extraordinary sensory perception, from profiling to clairvoyance, should be right on target. Correct? Wrong!

These days it seems easier for some of us to talk to the dead. That is, than getting the dead to talk to us. In the market place of communal intercourse, we can sell snake oil curatives all day long. Post-modern times provide opportunities for anyone to be an "expert" at just about anything. Doesn't matter if you've ever had any real world experience. Or, worked the streets in a police car. You don't have to be a practitioner anymore. Just be clever, assert spurious notions and know how to work the crowd. Besides, when it comes to accuracy of prediction, how come "profilers" miss the criminal target consistently without any sense of accuracy? The reality is that none of the nebulous assertions are solutions in and of themselves. It's a veil, a cloak and a mirror over what cops usually do. That is, analyze the crime scene and theorize about the M.O. based on the facts of evidentiary considerations. Specious allegations claim something new and different. Which isn't really different from an assessment of more traditional approaches to modus operandi. It is different in a unique sense. Such faux replication declares scientific credibility. Unfortunately, this type of thinking into criminality is deficient in regard to the complex nature of human behavior. Generic "profiles" are turned out to "keep it simple" for others to understand. That's trickery in creating the deception.

Perhaps we're looking at this all wrong. Maybe the psychics are on to something. Why not? If nothing else works, then let's go paranormal. Forget the scientific methodology of applying reason, logic and rational thinking. When in doubt, we can emphasize pseudoscience. Make it up as we go along. Most people won't question you. This stuff gets better every time you don't think about it. Just when you wondered it was safe to go outside your dreamscape, the magicians are telling you the dream was reality. Instead of being "mindhunters", they now call themselves "criminal behavior consultants". They have websites, write blogs and help real police find real suspects. And, some of them do this by talking to the spirit world. Others, in official government circles, discuss such things with their ego instead of ghosts.

How gullible do we get in solving crimes? For the arena of non-practitioners, very susceptible to cognitive bias striving for subjective affirmation. Fictional crime writers, for instance, make stuff up all the time. Likewise, so do certain aspects of the pseudo-sciences. In the so called "social and behavioral sciences" we expect you to believe it. Just because we're from academia. Even if we don't do the research very well. At least the publisher will still market the text book. For fictional crime writers though, isn't that why we call it fiction? More often than, it's getting harder to tell the difference. Especially from those theorizing about criminal behavior. Since they've never been to the police academy, written a police report, or made an arrest.

For many, their salacious excitement stems from prurient passion of socialistic construction, pursuing deterministic precursors of crime causation. Some are influenced by crime fiction, movies and related theatrical productions. Collectivist thinking extends from feelings instead of facts. Many academic theorists, for instance, do the same thing as the crime writer. Sometimes, the academic turns crime writer. Then cleverly finds a way to lecture the police practitioner on how to catch criminals. They might even "borrow" research papers from their students. Misappropriate a colleague's tentative project proposal. Use it to their own ends. Pilfer from colleagues, plagiarize and so on as the magic tricks continue. Meanwhile, the nature of criminality gets blurred in the mix.

The illusion continues. Along with the distractions of academic oriented "criminal profiling", the "psychic profilers" have joined the internet "tube" circuits. In addition to that, every Psychology 101 student, and wannabe undergraduate criminologists, wants to be "forensic profilers". Could that be a post-modern oxymoron? If "forensic" means scientific application of scientific principles to crime solving. And, suggests the criticality of "forensic evidence" with a degree of specificity. Along with the addition of "profiler", which means one who sketches, outlines or shapes an overview. Then, don't we strain the meanings of the words? Whatever, some still like the card tricks angle. You got to admit these are great schemes. Make it up as you go along. Say as often as possible. Act like you know what you're talking about. Use fallacies of logic and you've got it. Simply tell us you got a vision. Some spirit gave you the answer. How do we test the validity of that? Something that doesn't exist in a three dimensional plane of reality. Can we replicate to test for the truth of such an assertion? How come the "spirit world" is not more cooperative? At the same time, why can't visions, clairvoyance and precognition be more precise? As in say physics, astronomy or biology. You know, give us the name, date of birth, addresses and incriminating evidence for the perpetrator.

Whether "criminal profiler" or "supernatural profiler", nothing is ever foolproof, absolute or certain when it comes to the criminality of human behavior. Except the foolish arrogance of one's self-centered intentions. Profilers get conned by the illusion of their own game. Perhaps the conceit of sociological misconceptions about determinism fools us all. For instance, one profiler became the victim of a notorious Nigerian email scam. In his case, he'd allegedly developed special techniques to "reveal" a suspect's "unique needs, desires and probable behavioral responses". In dealing with his criminal "accomplices" he failed to recognize with due diligence exactly that. The "needs, desires and probable responses" of the perpetrators who chose crime as a lifestyle. In this instance, it should've been easy. The suspects were present at the crime scene. In cases in which people try to apply "profiling techniques", or "psychic" intervention, the suspect is unknown. Gone, flown the coop, unknown. Note the irony here.

But, beliefs become ingrained because we want them to. Once in place long enough, it's hard to ensure corrective countermeasures. Public officials don't like to backtrack. Having bought into some gee whiz, quick fix latest fad "crime solving" technique. Even if they're fairy tales based on the mythology of needful illusions. Movie magic pervades the public senses. Instead of truth, supported by fact, conclusions are based on questionable "evidence" or entrenched theories. Serious forensic applications of scientific effort, supported by strenuous crime scene analysis, may get brushed aside. In place, "psychic profilers", non-practitioner academicians, and, a host of "criminal profilers" rush to the scene of the crime. Pandering the politicos, they might get called in to "consult" on the case. Naturally, this helps a resume'.

Fake it, say it and play it until the legends unfold. This sets the stage for potentially detrimental social policies and disastrous societal consequences. These masquerade in the disguise of some factual molding. Eventually, the magic tricks find comfort in the communal mainstream. From which, we get the "devil made me do it" mentality. So we can find multiple ways to deny accountability and responsibility. If "demonic forces of evil" are busy at work. No one has to be responsible for his or her crimes.

Therein resides the problem of "profiling" anything and turning into a "serialized" event. Conventional viewpoints search for reasons. In so doing, we instantly have "no fault" crimes. Because there's an absolution for everything, since the culpability hides in the realm of the supernatural. How do you cross-exam a figment of the imagination? May be its "evil spirits", or damaged DNA, or allusions to studies in phrenology. For an article of ideation to be believed, it just has to sound plausible. Make it into reruns on television and you're almost there to the hasty generalization. Doesn't really have to be the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Just dramatic, other worldly and clever, with lots of neat catch phrases. Like TV show crime stories. And, make sure you get it on the six o'clock news. From there, all you do is let the entertainment industry run with it. In time, the rest is social history and cultural adaptation. Sooner or later the illusion becomes fact. Fiction transforms into urban legends. Textbooks are written. Reality has been re-invented. Revisionism can change everything to look good, not necessarily credible, or being good. For the most part, that's the human hidden agenda. Truth, based on supporting evidence, is trumped by the personal preference of self-interests.

Proficient investigative efforts respond to unsubstantiated claims by ensuring skilled inquiry. Interestingly enough, credible research and analysis concerning "psychic profiling" critically emphasize the exaggerated claims often made. None of which can be proved at any level of realistic authenticity. By extension, "criminal profiling", in similar vein of vanity, is considered comparable to these excursions into the supernatural. Many in the field of classical criminology, from the practitioner's perspective, take an unfavorable viewpoint regarding these pseudo-scientific perspectives. Testing the assertions of clairvoyant "experts" typically ends with hazy formless results.

Vague, imprecise and ambiguous information provide meaningless applications to real world crime-solving. In short, "psychics" don't really help the police even when used during times of investigative desperation. Most police departments will not utilize this kind of questionable "expertise". Given their supposed ability to tap into the spiritual realm, none have located missing children. Neither have they revealed the identity of multiple murderers. Nor, solved any other major criminal case. Yet, in collusion with mass media exploitation, "psychics" would argue to the contrary. And, for the most part, given our inherent need to believe that something beyond our human abilities is out there. The public's disposition toward these illusions remains well ingrained in our communal mindset. Pretext of viability has stone walled an illusion difficult to dismantle.

Law enforcement is a thinking person's gambit. Judicious thinking requires the ability to substantiate social problem-solving based on reasoned, well-support evidentiary considerations. This is a realm of mindset where bias is self-controlled by disciplined introspection. Realistic appraisals of people's behavior necessitate an appreciation for the complexities and mysteries of human nature. None of which can be characterized with perfect specificity of detail. Career police officers understand this multifaceted intricate makeup of humanity. Most of which cannot be easily quantified into simplistic generalizations. To do so, underscores an underlying hint of ethnocentrism, potentially influenced by racism. No matter how many ghosts you talk to, or the number of killers you interview the outcomes remain nebulous at best. You will never get an accurate template that fits every single person within the spectrum of criminality.

Sources, reference data, additional resources available from author on request.

Biographical Sketch of Randy Gonzalez

P.O. Box 19162
Sarasota, Florida 34276
941-915-8998
http://www.drgonzo.org
http://www.myspace.com/cryptocriminology

Randy Gonzalez has been an active member in the criminal justice field for the past 32 years. As a police officer, deputy sheriff and police instructor, he's taught and written on various criminal justice issues. Dr. Gonzalez is a former police chief. And, as a police academy director, he was responsible for basic recruit training, as well as career development courses for in-service law enforcement personnel. Dr. Gonzalez also serves as an adjunct professor of criminology on the faculties of a state university, community college, private university and local technical institute. He serves as an educational consultant to schools and colleges on matters of law enforcement education.

Dr. Gonzalez holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Criminology, an M.P.A. degree in Public Administration, a PhD in Philosophy. As well as law enforcement instructor certificates. He's a member of various professional organizations and writers groups.