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Understanding Happy Slapping

NCJ Number
237631
Journal
International Journal of Police Science & Management Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: Spring 2012 Pages: 42-57
Author(s)
Stephanie Chan; Majeed Khader; Jansen Ang; Eunice Tan; Katherine Khoo; Jeffery Chin
Date Published
2012
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses the phenomenon of 'happy slapping', the intentional video-recorded assault of individuals which are then posted on the Internet for entertainment purposes.
Abstract
There have been several cases worldwide of a phenomenon termed 'happy slapping' in the recent years. This paper discusses happy slapping and undertakes an analysis of this new crime trend. The analysis is undertaken using four angles (the 'CLIP profiling approach' employed by the Behavioral Sciences Unit, Singapore) using five case studies from different parts of the world: a criminalistics and forensic science perspective, a legal perspective, an investigative and operational perspective and a psychological perspective. Each perspective provides a richer understanding of this new phenomenon. The paper concludes with recommendations for future research on this phenomenon. (Published Abstract)