Synopses & Reviews
Rapists, serial murderers, satanic torturers and killers--just the thought of them brings to mind horrifying pictures of brutal killings and heinous acts of violence. How can people commit such crimes and inflict pain on so many innocent victims and their families? What characteristics do these violent criminals have in common? And, what motivating factors cause them to commit such violent crimes? In Profiling Violent Crimes, Ronald Holmes combines social and behavioral theory with practical criminological research to address these issues and acquaints the reader with the general principles of profiling. The author argues that profiling should be used as yet another forensic tool to compliment a thorough investigation--a practical tool for professionals. An expert in his field, Ronald Holmes informs the reader with his past experience in profiling over fifty homicide and rape cases, in addition to many interesting interviews with convicted criminals--including Ted Bundy and Doug Clark. The criminals tell about their vicious crimes in a detailed, descriptive manner. Holmes indicates which crimes are suitable for profiling, distinguishes between the different types of offenders, and indicates what to look for when profiling specific types of crimes. Profiling Violent Crimes will be of interest to professional criminologists and law enforcement personnel, as well as students and professors in criminology and its related disciplines. The book is well written. . . and provides models for the analysis of crime scenes--serial murders, rape, satanic murder, and the role of the victim--in criminal investigation. Community college, undergraduate, and public libraries. --Choice ProfilingViolent Crimes provides the basic elements of profiling, such as] the general principles as well as what is required to develop a sociopsychological profile. . . . An excellent book, written in an easy flowing style, on a subject of great interest to crime investigators. --The Police Journal Ronald Holmes profiles a fascinating and timely account of psychological profiling in relation to violent crimes. This technique has been extensively employed in the United States in helping the police to solve such crimes as that of the Boston Strangler. . . . The technique is now well established and the results of his work can now be shared with the reader. --British Journal of Criminology
Synopsis
"Excellent book, I have used this for my Criminal Behavior course for a number of years. Very authoritative."
Harry Cramer, Quincy University
The Fourth Edition of this best-selling text provides students with the most up-to-date information on the increasingly popular field of psychological profiling. Well-known authors Ronald M. Holmes and Stephen T. Holmes build upon their continued research and involvement in field investigation as a source of relevant and often high-profile case studies to illustrate theory and application of the methods discussed. The text is particularly readable and engaging, making frequent use of illustrative tables and figures and presenting occasional photos.
New to the Fourth Edition
- Offers a new chapter on Lizzie Borden (Chapter 14), analyzing this historic murder case with fresh insight and a unique analysis while retaining the chapter on Jack the Ripper, a classic unresolved serial murderer
- Covers more recent events such as the killings at Northern Illinois University and Virginia Tech
- Provides a new section on Santeria and the occult to understand the dogma and icons of these teachings and investigates reasons behind crimes committed by some followers
- Offers guidance to students for online graduate programs, seminars, and degrees in criminal profiling
- Includes updated tables and crime statistics throughout the text
- Presents new photos to offer authentic representations of violent crimes and offenders
Intended Audience
This best-seller has long been a successful supplemental text for undergraduate criminology and criminal justice courses, including Criminal Investigation, Criminal Profiling, Violent Crimes, Criminal Behavior, Field Investigation, and Forensic Psychology.
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Synopsis
Excellent book, I have used this for my Criminal Behavior course for a number of years. Very authoritative.-Harry Cramer, Quincy UniversityThe Fourth Edition of this best-selling text provides students with the most up-to-date information on the increasingly popular field of psychological profiling. Well-known authors Ronald M. Holmes and Stephen T. Holmes build upon their continued research and involvement in field investigation as a source of relevant and often high-profile case studies to illustrate theory and application of the methods discussed. The text is particularly readable and engaging, making frequent use of illustrative tables and figures and presenting occasional photos. New to the Fourth EditionOffers a new chapter on Lizzie Borden (Chapter 14), analyzing this historic murder case with fresh insight and a unique analysis while retaining the chapter on Jack the Ripper, a classic unresolved serial murdererCovers more recent events such as the killings at Northern Illinois University and Virginia TechProvides a new section on Santeria and the occult to understand the dogma and icons of these teachings and investigates reasons behind crimes committed by some followersOffers guidance to students for online graduate programs, seminars, and degrees in criminal profilingIncludes updated tables and crime statistics throughout the textPresents new photos to offer authentic representations of violent crimes and offenders
Intended AudienceThis best-seller has long been a successful supplemental text for undergraduate criminology and criminal justice courses, including Criminal Investigation, Criminal Profiling, Violent Crimes, Criminal Behavior, Field Investigation, and Forensic Psychology.