Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 128

How Problematic are Workplace Romances?

My new novel Compulsion primarily focuses on Emily Stone's efforts to track down the serial killers and pedophiles that have been terrorizing her part of the world. The book is intended to be a crime thriller with many psychological elements integrated into the plot and the evolving descriptions of the characters. However, Emily cannot live on crime-solving alone. When Detective Rick Lopez enters Emily's life to partner with her as she hunts the two killers who are hunting her right back, ...

How Safe is Your Campus?

I am certain that all of us are now familiar with the horrible story of Annie Le, the Yale graduate student whose body was discovered the same day that she was to be married. She was last seen more than a week ago walking into a campus laboratory at which she was doing research and surveillance video showed that she never walked out. It was several days later that investigators found her body hidden inside a basement wall. In addition to the understandable focus on the tragic loss of life, th...

Are There Similarities Between Serial Killers and Serial Rapists?

I believe that law enforcement, criminal profilers, and private investigators can learn more about the dynamics of serial killers and their crimes by studying cases of serial rapists. It has been determined by the way that victims are chosen, plan of attacks, and the fantasy internalization of the specific crime, have some close similarities between serial killers and serial rapists.

First, who are these individuals who commit serial rape?

Rapists are generally repeat offenders and will conti...

The Role of Forensics in September 11th Identifications

This past Friday marked the eighth anniversary of one of the most tragic and horrific events in our nation's history. When nineteen terrorists took to the skies on September 11, 2001 and proceeded to extinguish thousands of lives, our country was affected in countless ways. And, true American character was on display every time a person provided assistance and expertise on that day and the many difficult days that followed. No one will forget the amazing firefighters and police officers who c...

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #8

In my novel "Compulsion", Emily Stone takes her job seriously as she hunts down child abductors and serial killers, even though it’s all done anonymously and behind the scenes. One thing that she strongly advocates is public safety, and she will do whatever it takes to make sure that we are all safe.

One place that everyone should feel safe is at home.

Sometimes, we forget that when we’re in the safety of our home to keep vigilant and alert, especially when we are coming or going.

Ladies, here are some important safety precautions to remember at home. However, everyone should be aware of these tips too.

1. Always have your key ready before you get to your front door and pay attention to what’s around you.

2. Keep ALL windows and doors locked at all times when you’re away from your residence no matter what the temperature is outside.

3. Keep your front entrance area well lit, replace light bulbs regularly, and make sure that fixtures are in good working order. If possible, have motion lights installed in addition to the regular outside lights.

4. If you arrive home and find your front door open: DO NOT GO INSIDE, call the police immediately from your cell phone, neighbor’s house, or pay phone.

5. If you live in an apartment, list only your last name and first initial on your mailbox.

6. Don’t buzz someone in to your building or apartment complex unless you know them.

7. The same goes for holding the door open for someone that you don’t know that has been waiting. Don’t let anyone into your building or apartment complex that you don’t know.

8. If a stranger needs to use your phone in an emergency, keep them out, and offer to make the call for them.

9. If you ever have ANY doubt or feel threatened in any way, call the police. Report anything that seems suspicious to the police immediately.

These are just a few important safety precautions to remember when you’re at home, especially when you’re alone. Everyone should always feel safe and secure inside their own home.

Jennifer Chase
Author & Criminologist

What Exactly is a Death Investigator?

Death investigation is the most important aspect of a medical examiner, coroner, or death investigator's basic professional duty. Death investigators play a key role in all types of death scenes; they contribute to the successful death scene investigation along with, but not limited to police officers, emergency personnel, hospital personnel, police detectives, forensic pathologists, funeral directors, and family members.

The death investigation team is extremely important to provide thorough...

More Photos of my Creative Advisors...

They watch over me as I begin to outline my next book....

Is Compulsion Always a Bad Thing?

In my novel Compulsion, I share the story of two serial killers who first terrorize a community in California and then take their violent behavior on a trek across the country, leaving many deaths in their wake. These men are overcome by the need to kill, with the urges silencing any rational thought that may suggest such violence is wrong. They imagine themselves as superhuman and one kill only heightens the need for more. I used my background in forensic psychology to create these characte...

My Writing Support Team

As a writer, you have many options to consider besides what and how you're going to write. You can join a writing group, take a class, network with other writers online, bounce ideas off of your best friend, but ultimately writing is an endeavor that's predominantly solitary.

If you look up the word "solitary", there are so many lonely words that are associated with it, such as, preferring solitude, lone wolf, lonely existence, a solitary walk, lacking companions, hermit, recluse, and basical...

Emily's Crime Watch – Tip #8

In my novel "Compulsion", Emily Stone takes her job seriously as she hunts down child abductors and serial killers, even though it's all done anonymously and behind the scenes. One thing that she strongly advocates is public safety, and she will do whatever it takes to make sure that we are all safe.

One place that everyone should feel safe is at home.

Sometimes, we forget that when we're in the safety of our home to keep vigilant and alert, especially when we are coming or going.

Ladies, here...