Serial crimes in Australia : investigative issues and practice

Abstract

Violent serial crimes, in particular those of murder and rape, raise a number of issues for investigators. This research contributes to the body of knowledge regarding the practices of investigating violent serial crime by considering the contribution of a range of techniques and technologies to the investigative outcome. This research also examines how predominant police cultural understandings and knowledge of these crimes and the victims of such crimes that inform such investigations will be considered. Additionally, the roles of various investigative techniques and technologies in achieving positive and acceptable investigative outcomes, in the form of an arrest, are examined. Specifically, this research focuses on the incorporation of intelligence led policing initiatives such as crime linkage systems into the investigation of serial crimes was also a focus of this current research. To address these aims and associated issues in the Australian context, two methodologies are employed: case studies and semi-structured interviews. Case studies of serial crimes in Australia are examined in conjunction with interviews of NSW Police detectives and consultants that have investigated these crimes. Several factors were identified as impacting on the investigation of violent serial crimes. One key factor was the inability of Australian police organisations to effectively incorporate intelligence-led policing initiatives which enable the linkage of related crimes into the investigation of serial crimes, leading to delayed outcomes in the recognition and linkage of related crimes. The way in which police 'dictionary knowledge' can be seen to influence the way in which investigations are constructed was also a significant factor identified by the thematic analysis. Another significant factor that emerged from the research was the role of the media in police investigations. Based on the research findings, a typology of the investigation of violent serial crimes has been constructed. This typology reflects the ability of investigators to recognise and link related offences, and the influence that such recognition has on the investigative practices employed and on achieving a positive investigative outcome. There are three categories in this typology: the serendipitous investigation; the conspicuous investigation; and the delayed-recognition investigation. The factors identifies by this research are demonstrated to have an impact on the investigation of violent serial crimes. Specifically they contributed to the delay in the recognition of these offences as serial in nature and in achieving a positive investigative outcome. As indicated by the proposed typology and recommendations, these factors can be addressed by police organisations to improve the investigative capabilities of the police investigating these violent crimes.

Date of Award	2009
Original language	English