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Last updated August 23, 2000

In the annals of crime, no criminal is more horrifying - or more fascinating - than the serial criminal.  From the pathetic date-rapist to the unimaginably sick serial killer, animals who commit serial crimes have come to be the most feared by society, mostly because a lot of these folks have turned out to be the guy next door.  Here, we delve deeply into the psyche of the serial criminal.  Why does he - and most are male - do what he does?  How is he caught?  And, perhaps most importantly, how can he be identified before it's too late?  We know that serial killers have what has come to be known as the "homicidal triad" - late bedwetting, pyromania, and animal torture - in common, but how do we use these characteristics to catch them before it's too late?

There's lots of information readily available about the pre- and post-offense behavior of the serial criminal, ranging from childhood signs to stressors that trigger violent behavior to post-offense behavior (which can be valuable to an investigator) - check the links below for more info.

I am in the process of writing software (similar to VICAP but more sophisticated) to enable police and investigators to share information on serial crimes and criminals.  Using the powerful communication medium known as the Internet, it will enable serial criminals to be identified and caught earlier in their cycle.  Departments will be able to share information on serial killer signatures even easier, and any police department in the world will be able to add information or query the database.

But while you're waiting, enjoy these links I've collected - if you can...

Serial Killers, Mass Murderers, and Sex Criminals

Serial Murder: Through the Looking Glass

The Serial Killer Info Site

Serial/Sexual Predator Conference