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Introduction to the Serial Rapist: Research by the FBI

NCJ Number
107091
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 56 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1987) Pages: 16-24
Author(s)
R R Hazelwood; A W Burgess
Date Published
1987
Length
9 pages
Annotation
One of the most potent criminal influences to pervade society is the multiple or serial rapist.
Abstract
His victims can number 2 to more than 100. Serial sexual offenders create a climate of fear in the community, which then pressures law enforcement officials to identify, locate, and apprehend the responsible individual in the shortest time possible. Profiles of serial rapists can be developed from their core behaviors while committing the offense, including their verbal, physical and sexual activities. These in turn help identify the motivation (anger, power, or both). In a study conducted by the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, interviews with 41 incarcerated serial rapists, responsible for 837 rapes and over 400 attempted rapes, were conducted to provide further insights into the serial rapist. Among goals of the research were to discover means by which offenders evaded detection, elicit advice on preventing serial rapes, document successful interview and interrogation techniques, examine types of information most useful in developing an offender profile, and examine possible commonalities in the backgrounds of serial offenders. A case study of one offender illustrates the types of information gathered in interviews. 7 footnotes.