Criminological Theory

Criminological theory has undergone many changes over the years. From the relatively simplistic theories pertaining to physical appearance to the modern day psychopathy and biosocial conceptualizations, criminological theory has matured considerably over time. After completing reading Chapters 2, 8, and 9 of the Bartol & Bartol (2019) text, you will summarize a well–known criminal case including a description of the offense(s), the investigation of the crime, and the outcome. It is important in any investigation or analysis of criminal behavior to evaluate both endogenous and exogenous theories of criminal behavior and analyze how our biases and assumptions influence our assessment of individuals and the role of psychological profiling in law enforcement. It is also important to determine culturally–based behavior patterns that may be specific to certain segments of the population. Preliminary sources of this type of information may come from reliable media sources in their coverage of scholarly works as well as government publications of research findings. These may direct you to more focused resources for scholarly references.

In your paper

• Identify and analyze the behavior of the offender(s) relative to the psychological history and evaluation of the offender(s).
• Describe the psychological, behavioral, environmental, and cognitive factors that you believe led to the offender’s criminality. The goal is to provide an analysis of the psychological history of the offender as it pertains to the offense(s).
• Summarize the psychological history of the offender as it pertains to the offense(s). Be sure to include as much information as possible regarding the offender’s childhood, adolescence as well as adulthood (if applicable).
• Provide examples of behavior that reflect psychological influences.
• Discuss the nature of any mental health referrals or treatment that occurred and the outcome.
• Identify psychological issues that were present, as demonstrated through statements and/or behavior of the offender, but not identified or treated.

The Case Summary and Offender Profile

• Must be three to four double-spaced pages in length (not including title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center (Links to an external site.).
• Must include a separate title page with the following:
  • Title of paper
  • Student’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date submitted
• Must use at least four scholarly sources in addition to the course texts.
• Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.
• Must include a separate reference page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Writing Center.

Required Resource

Text

Bartol A., & Bartol C. (2019). Introduction to forensic psychology: Research and application (5th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

• Chapter 2: Police and Public Safety Psychology
• Chapter 8: Psychology of Violence and Intimidation
• Chapter 9: Psychology of Sexual Assault

Recommended Resources 

Websites

Office for Victims of Crime (Links to an external site.). (http://www.ovc.gov/)

• There are several professional organizations and the U.S. Federal Government who provide current and historical data and research regarding issues of mental health and the criminal justice system. This site can provide you with additional information to assist you in the development of both of this week's discussion posts and the assignment. 

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (Links to an external site.). (www.theiacp.org)

• There are several professional organizations and the U.S. Federal Government who provide current and historical data and research regarding issues of mental health and the criminal justice system. This site can provide you with additional information to assist you in the development of both of this week's discussion posts and the assignment.