How Hunting A Serial Killer Actually Works | How Crime Works | Insider

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Serial killers have a certain aura of respectability, and profiling is crucial in understanding their behavior. Technology and social media play significant roles in murder investigations, but the lack of a national database for unsolved murders hinders detection.

Insights

  • Profiling is essential in murder investigations to gain insight into the offender, as demonstrated by Mark Williams-Thomas challenging the schizophrenia diagnosis of Peter Sutcliffe, identifying him as a psychopath instead, showcasing the importance of understanding the psychological makeup of serial killers.
  • Restorative justice, highlighted by the former police detective, is crucial in the criminal justice system, especially for serial killers, to ensure they comprehend the impact of their actions, emphasizing the significance of investigative work in providing closure and answers to victims' families and society at large.

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Recent questions

  • What defines a serial killer?

    A serial killer is someone who has killed three or more people over 30 days or more.

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Summary

00:00

Unmasking Serial Killers: Profiling and Investigations

  • A serial killer is defined as someone who has killed three or more people over 30 days or more.
  • Serial killers often have an aura of respectability and status.
  • Mark Williams-Thomas investigated the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, Angus Sinclair, and Peter Tobin.
  • Profiling is crucial in murder investigations to understand the offender.
  • Williams-Thomas challenged the diagnosis of schizophrenia for Peter Sutcliffe, identifying him as a psychopath.
  • Serial killers like Ted Bundy may exaggerate their crimes for status or due to cognitive distortion.
  • Evidence collection is vital in murder investigations due to the narcissism present in killers.
  • Technology, like trackers and listening devices, is used in tracking suspects.
  • Social media plays a significant role in investigations, providing insights into suspects' lives.
  • The lack of a national database for unsolved murders hinders investigations and allows serial killers to taunt police.

14:47

US vs UK Conviction Rates and Restorative Justice

  • The US conviction rate is lower than that of the UK due to differences in their criminal justice systems, particularly in how victims are treated during court proceedings. Victims feeling unsupported or vulnerable may be less likely to give evidence, leading to a decrease in prosecution rates.
  • Restorative justice is crucial within the criminal justice system, especially for serial killers, to ensure they understand the impact of their actions. The speaker, a former police detective, emphasizes the importance of providing answers to people through investigative work, as seen in their role in exposing high-profile individuals like Jimmy Savile and interviewing Oscar Pistorius.
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