Question 1

Testimony on crime scene analysis is usually admitted into court only when

Accepted Answer

A)  the analysis has been confirmed by outside laboratories.
B)  no one challenges the reliability and validity of the techniques used.
C)  the same techniques have been used for a minimum of 5 years.
D)  the testimony has been agreed upon by both the defense and the prosecution. B

Question 2

How effective is criminal profiling?

Accepted Answer

Criminal profiling, also known as offender profiling, is a technique used by law enforcement agencies to identify likely suspects and analyze patterns that may predict future offenses and victims. The effectiveness of criminal profiling can be somewhat contentious among experts, and its success can vary depending on several factors, including the skill of the profiler, the nature of the crime, and the availability of data.

Here are some points to consider regarding the effectiveness of criminal profiling:

1. **Success in Certain Cases**: Criminal profiling has been reported to be successful in some high-profile cases, particularly those involving serial crimes. Profilers can sometimes provide accurate predictions about the characteristics of an unknown offender that can lead to a narrower suspect pool and potentially aid in apprehension.

2. **Dependent on Expertise**: The effectiveness of profiling is heavily dependent on the experience and skill of the profiler. Experienced profilers who have a deep understanding of criminal behavior, psychology, and investigative techniques may provide more accurate and useful profiles.

3. **Limited in Scope**: Profiling is generally more effective for certain types of crimes, such as serial murders, rapes, and arsons, where the perpetrator exhibits specific patterns and behaviors that can be analyzed. It is less effective for more common or opportunistic crimes.

4. **Not an Exact Science**: Criminal profiling is not an exact science, and there is a risk of producing profiles that are too vague or based on stereotypes. This can lead to misdirection in an investigation or the targeting of innocent individuals.

5. **Research and Validation**: There is ongoing research into the effectiveness of criminal profiling, but it has been difficult to validate the technique scientifically. Studies often have methodological limitations, and there is a lack of empirical evidence to support the accuracy of profiling predictions.

6. **Use as an Investigative Tool**: Despite its limitations, criminal profiling can be a valuable investigative tool when used in conjunction with other methods. It can help focus an investigation, suggest new lines of inquiry, or provide insights into the behavior of an unknown offender.

7. **Potential for Bias**: Profiling can sometimes introduce or reinforce biases in an investigation. If a profile is incorrect or based on flawed assumptions, it can lead to wasted resources or the pursuit of the wrong individuals.

8. **Training and Standards**: The effectiveness of criminal profiling can be improved with standardized training, ethical guidelines, and the integration of evidence-based practices. This can help ensure that profiles are created using the best available knowledge and techniques.

In conclusion, criminal profiling can be a useful tool in criminal investigations, particularly for certain types of crimes. However, its effectiveness is variable and depends on a range of factors. It should be used cautiously and in combination with other investigative methods to ensure the best outcomes in law enforcement efforts.

Question 3

Why did the court rule to exclude the testimony of profiler John Douglas in State of Ohio v.Lowe?

Accepted Answer

A)  Douglas did not have the proper experience to do a criminal profile.
B)  The State did not follow correct procedure in introducing the testimony.
C)  The testimony was deemed irrelevant to the case.
D)  It did not have the scientific reliability to be considered evidence. D

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a reason why criminal profiling is considered separate from forensic psychology?

Accepted Answer

A)  Training in criminal profiling has historically been controlled by the FBI.
B)  There are more jobs than applicants to fill the positions.
C)  Most profilers have not done graduate study in psychology.
D)  Even experienced profilers acknowledge that profiling is more art than science.

Question 5

Some states,plus the federal courts,consider whether administrative procedures were acceptable and if proper safeguards were met.If they were,then they admit hypnotically-assisted testimony.This is called the

Accepted Answer

A)  McNaughten standard.
B)  fair-use test.
C)  totality of circumstances test.
D)  per se exclusionary rule.

Question 6

Robert R.Hazelwood (1993) interviewed 41 men who had each committed rape at least 10 times.How many of the men reported beingsexually abused as children?

Accepted Answer

A)  6
B)  17
C)  31
D)  40

Question 7

Because physical qualities and demographics are also important in identifying criminals,some investigators prefer to use the term _________profile.

Accepted Answer

A)  psychic
B)  holistic
C)  sociopsychological
D)  hierarchical

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a step taken in generating a criminal profile?

Accepted Answer

A)  A comprehensive study of the crime and they types of people who commit that crime
B)  A detailed analysis of the crime scene
C)  In-depth examination of the background of the victim
D)  Formulation of predictions of the sites for future crimes

Question 9

Is criminal profiling an art,a science,or is it or a combination of both?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is criminal profiling an art,a science,or is...

Question 10

Describe the facts and the decision in the case of United States v.Scheffer on the admissibility of polygraph evidence at trial.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the facts and the decision in...

Question 11

Which of the following did Heilbronner (1993) describe as an immensely sexual process for the perpetrators?

Accepted Answer

A)  Serial rape
B)  Serial homicide
C)  Serial arson
D)  Stalking

Question 12

In 1995,special prosecutor Kenneth Starr reopened some aspects of the investigations of Vincent Foster's death.What were his conclusions,reportedin 1997?

Accepted Answer

A)  Foster had been drugged.
B)  Foster had indeed committed suicide.
C)  Foster had been murdered and his body had been moved.
D)  He drew no conclusions regarding the mode of death.

Question 13

In 1989,federal agents stopped 600 people matching the profile of a drug courier.How many were arrested?

Accepted Answer

A)  10
B)  50
C)  200
D)  300

Question 14

Describe Martin Reiser's position regarding the use of hypnosis in criminal investigations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe Martin Reiser's position regarding the use...

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a disorganized serial murderer?

Accepted Answer

A)  Leaves the weapon at the crime scene
B)  Repositions the dead body
C)  Performs sexual acts with live victims
D)  Tries to depersonalize the body

Question 16

Do physical or mental counter measures work when a suspect is taking a polygraph examination?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do physical or mental counter measures work...

Question 17

What is involved in a criminal profile?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is involved in a criminal profile?...

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT characteristic of an organized serial murderer?

Accepted Answer

A)  A plan
B)  Gaining control by manipulation or threat
C)  Use of a car or truck
D)  Keeping the body

Question 19

In the Control Question Technique of the polygraph examination,responses to control questions

Accepted Answer

A)  help put the subject at ease between critical questions.
B)  are more extreme in guilty subjects.
C)  provide a baseline for the subject's reactivity.
D)  are those which always elicit the most arousal.

Question 20

Does the scientific community support the use of the lie detector in criminal investigations?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Does the scientific community support the use...

Exam 4: Techniques of Criminal Investigation: Profiling, Psychological Autopsies, Hypnosis, and Lie Detection