Universal principles of criminal behavior: A tool for analyzing criminal intent - Research Forum

FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin,The, Jan, 2003 by Joe Navarro, John R. Schafer

Symbolic gestures and emblems also provide powerful communication. Raising the middle finger in the United States, a Nazi salute, or bearing one's teeth need no explanation. Symbolic emblems, such as clothing, hairstyles, jewelry, and cars, can reveal how people feel about themselves and others. (9) Some people use such emblems as tattoos to communicate their thoughts, values, and lifestyles. John "Bill" King, who dragged James Byrd, Jr., to his death behind his truck in rural Texas, dramatically scripted his hatred of blacks in the form of tattoos on his arms for all to see. (10) Others use bumper stickers to broadcast their beliefs on abortion, gun control, and other subjects. Gangs communicate loyalty by wearing "colors" or monikers or by using complex hand signals. Skinheads shave their heads, render Nazi salutes, and tout other white supremacist paraphernalia, outwardly communicating their hate. The emblems and symbols that people choose or adopt provide bountiful insight into their thoughts long before the utterance of a single word." (11)

The written or spoken word also betrays inner thoughts and ideation. David Kaczynski recognized the similarities between the personal correspondence he received from his brother and the UNABOMBER's published manifesto. This astute observation led to the arrest of Ted Kaczynski. (12) Questions also betray the thoughts of the inquirer. For example, the seemingly idle questions "What are the consequences of cheating?" "How much jail time do you get for shoplifting?" or "What are the ingredients of gunpowder?" communicate ideation about cheating, shoplifting, or making bombs.

Facilitation

Physical exertion provides the link between thought and action. Depending on the sophistication of the criminal and the complexity of the criminal act, preparatory steps can range from simple to complex. These actions, no matter how stealthy, signal criminal intent to an astute observer, such as the detective in the opening paragraph. Facilitation transforms ideation into behavior that draws criminals closer to acting out their intentions. From purchasing explosives to stealing a car for a bank robbery to following the travel routes of an intended assassination victim, these all facilitate and communicate, in many ways, what the person is ideating. In some instances, criminals conduct formal or informal practice sessions before the actual commission of a crime, thus providing an observer with additional opportunities to detect criminal intent. Purchasing a weapon, testing explosives, or taking steps to avoid detection after the crime, such as alibi creation, further facilitate the intended criminal act.

Actualization

The criminal act completes the transmutation of an idea to action and usually reflects the criminal's intellect and personality. Personality and psychological disorders often manifest during the criminal act and provide investigators with valuable clues to the identity of the perpetrator. (13) Throughout facilitation and actualization, individuals continue to transmit thoughts physiologically, nonverbally, and even verbally depending on the circumstances. Under stress, anxious criminals often fail to recognize their own nervous or odd behavior, which signals an eminent criminal act to the knowledgeable observer.