Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 73
June 12, 2011
Photography Sunday — Ghostly Barn
I love to take short side trips around my area to look for anything interesting to photograph when I'm not writing. I absolutely love old barns and structures, whether they are around the coast, central valley, or up in the mountains. They tell a story.
These beautiful structures are slowly becoming extinct. This particular barn was photographed near the coastline in California. I couldn't get close to photograph it the way I wanted to, so I set up my tripod across a slough and used a telephoto lens. It was a cold, foggy day, but I managed to snap a few shots to record another favorite barn of mine.
Have an adventurous, but safe weekend!
June 11, 2011
Crime Mapping and Law Enforcement — Putting the Pieces Together
A complex and growing problem among our civilized society has been the cause and effect of crime. Three basic issues have been addressed and debated: how to prevent crime, how to combat crime, and how to punish for the criminal act. Extensive research and tactical techniques have been the outcome to address such issues to protect the quality of life. Crime mapping systems have been one of the major contributing factors to pinpointing crime areas, decreasing acts of crime, and implementing crime prevention programs.
Analyzing and organization of crime facts has been around, in effect, for virtually centuries. Some of the earliest studies into the spatial distribution of crime was thought to take place in the 1800s and was called , which was initiated in France and then later extended to England. In England (1862), Mayhew examined the variation of crimes by the population density, who later concluded with study that crime was common in the urban and industrial areas.
Debated and not widely known, was Frenchman Eugene Francois Vidocq, a criminal that turned police detective in the early 1800s helped to organize the Surete', the detective bureau of the French police. Criminal investigation was literally born with his innovative techniques of record keeping, namely a card index system, into a newborn area of criminalistics. Today, Vidocq is celebrated for his pioneering contribution to crime solving by The Vidocq Society is an organization made up of the top forensic professionals who donate their time to solve "cold case" crimes.
The collection of crime data hasn't been something new. The accelerated computer technology explosion has allowed large amounts of information to be analyzed and manipulated into cohesive reports and maps for study in a cost efficient package.
Since the late 1990s, crime mapping has been sophisticated enough for easy to read reports for important law enforcement functions: operations, command and control decisions, investigations, community policing, cross-jurisdictional analyses, and multi-agency public safety partnerships.
One of the biggest questions that has been asked is how to automate the geographical analysis of crime locations. The Geographical Analysis Machine (GAM) was an early automated spatial data analysis relatively easy to comprehend. GAM generates a grid, which shows clustering of crime density areas and patterns, called "hotspots". Geographical Explanations Machine (GEM) has the capability to show the factors that are associated with "hotspots". Both of these techniques help to assist law enforcement officers how to begin to understand and combat the localized crime "hotspots".
Another important factor of crime mapping and Geographical Information Science/Systems (GIS) is analyzing and carefully examining repeat victimization and "hotspots". It was discovered that approximately forty percent (40%) of all repeat victimizations occur within one month of the initial incident. By using geographical maps of the crime incidents, it helps law enforcement officers to study many aspects of the crime location, such as, paths, roadways, lighting conditions, small passageways, and back areas of the properties that can be undetected. By taking repeat victimization incidents a step even further, it was indicated by the crime analyses that repeat victimization is related to social deprivation. All of these aspects are tools to assist law enforcement in crime specific areas.
Even though automated crime mapping and analysis is relatively new within the last decade, it has made leaps and bounds with the ease of application and data results for many police agencies. With the visual capability of pinpointing high crime areas and the ability to study all aspects of patrol areas, it has begun to make crime preventative measures possible. More community policing and positive interaction with the public, together, will help to solve and combat crime.
With any new technology and new approaches to the never-ending debate of law and order, there are potential glitches to the system. There hasn't been enough time to set a crime mapping standard of what will work with the most optimum results as a general rule. Crime mapping isn't the only answer, but certainly is an important part of combating crime.
Armed with knowledge, experience, detailed coherent information of crime mapping and analysis, it is the framework and foundation that will begin to answer the questions of how to prevent crime and how to combat crime in our society today.
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
June 10, 2011
Kindle Author Interview — Dead Game by Jennifer Chase
I stopped by a great Kindle book blog today and spoke with David Wisehart. If you have some time, please check out this great blog and discover some new Kindle authors.
Here's my interview: Kindle Author Jennifer Chase
Psychic Makes False Claims of Mass Gravesite in Texas
Frenzied news reports that were coming out of Texas earlier this week led many of us to believe that a serial killer's victims had been discovered in the Lone Star State. A woman, who later identified herself as a psychic who goes by the name of Angel, called the Liberty County Sheriff's Office to report that there was a mass grave of dismembered children on a property in Hardin, Texas. After an investigation of the area and the attention of media outlets around the world, it was determined that there was no merit to the woman's claims. There was a foul smell due to a malfunctioning meat freezer and blood on the porch due to an injury that occurred several weeks ago . . . but thankfully no dead bodies.
Angel now fears that her identity will be revealed and that her family will be in physical danger. She insists that her intentions were good and that she is certain there are hungry and thirsty children gathered somewhere in dire need of help from the authorities. In fact, Angel says that she never indicated that she knew of any deceased children. She is upset that she is now being criticized for offering a tip to the police and believes the bad publicity she is receiving will deter others from coming forward.
The police are obligated to follow up on any information they receive, so they were acting with due diligence in checking out the property. And, there have been instances in which psychics and others with special abilities have offered their services to law enforcement with great success.
But, how you can discern if the tip is legitimate or coming from someone who may not be thinking clearly? Is Angel obligated to justify the basis for her information, as it appears to be entirely false and the cause of unnecessary alarm?
What do you think?
June 9, 2011
Out & About Magazine — June Issue
The June issue of Out & About Magazine has hit the stands. It's a local magazine on and around the Monterey Bay, California. You can also view it online: Out & About Magazine
I write a monthly column for book reviews and crime safety tips. I'm proud to be a part of this great team. My column in this issue for summer safety is on page 44.
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
So You Want to Write a Screenplay – But Now What?
I've loved movies for as long as I can remember – all genres, drama, action, thriller, and comedies. The cinema has been a writing inspiration and a fun escape for me.
I have wanted to write screenplays for as long as I can remember. Writing quick, snappy dialogue to bring characters to life, cutting away to high impact, action sequences, and making sure that the ending was satisfying to moviegoers.
Well, that's exactly what I did. I learned to write screenplays. I've written more than ten scripts, taught beginning screenwriting in the online environment, and conducted screenwriting seminars. Now, I've incorporated my online class and screenwriting knowledge into an informational book called How to Write a Screenplay.
I found that it was difficult to obtain all the information and instruction to write a complete screenplay. There are many great books available as well as screenwriting classes, but I felt they were incomplete and sometimes expensive.
I've created a ten-step building block process designed to get you motivated, keep you on track, and ultimately create the first draft of your screenplay from beginning to end.
You will read the lesson portion in each step as many times as necessary until you feel comfortable with the concepts.
There will be an example to enhance your understanding of the lesson.
You can test your comprehension of each step with a self-quiz using true/false, fill in the blank, or multiple choice. You will then be able to check your answers at the back of the e-book.
You will receive an assignment for each lesson.
The process of creating a screenplay is designed to be fun! There will be movies to watch and web site links of actual screenplays to explore and study.
This e-book is designed to be interactive and will give you results. I have designed this e-book in sections of screenwriting building blocks that will walk you through the process of writing your screenplay.
1. Getting Started will get your feet wet and help you organize for what's ahead.
2. Premise & Logline will begin to build the foundation of your screenplay with brief outlines, plot summaries, and assistance of how "high-concept" will affect your script.
3. Format will jump into the format, copyright, and a glossary of terms that will take the guesswork out of the business end of screenwriting.
4. Characters and Dialogue are the fundamental building blocks that will shape your storyline and will definitely be the most fun.
5. Story explores the primary meaning of your script and how everything fits together.
6. The Hook is the first five to seven pages of the screenplay that grabs the reader and movie enthusiast into wanting to see more.
7-10. The 1st Act concentrates on the setup, 2nd Act concentrates on the confrontation and conflicts, and the 3rd Act wraps up with the resolution of the story. Finally, you will write the first draft of your screenplay.
What do you have to lose?
You can begin writing your screenplay right now!
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
June 8, 2011
Alleged Serial Killer in Ohio Faces the Potential Jurors
Anthony Sowell, an Ohio man accused of killing eleven women and then disposing of their bodies on his property, faced potential jurors for the first time on Monday. Two hundred men and women from whom will likely come the group that chooses Sowell's fate were greeted with a simple "Hello" from the possible serial killer as jury selection began in a Cuyahoga County courtroom.
Sowell, who I have featured before on this blog, is facing 85 counts of rape, murder, and dismemberment for acts that occurred between 2007 and 2009. He focused on women who were struggling with addiction and, after raping them, would strangle them to death. He was able to continue his horrible attacks for several years because most of the women he targeted where never even reported missing and the smell of decaying bodies that emanated from his house was attributed to a nearby sausage factory.
The large group of jurors was divided into smaller groups of fifteen and then the judge led each one through an orientation, including an extensive conversation about each person's views on the death penalty. This process lasted well into the dinner hour, with more potential jurors to receive their initial evaluation tomorrow. The jurors who ultimately are selected for this trial should expect to spend six to eight weeks offering their services to the case.
Most of us will never be asked to serve on a jury that receives the level of publicity and the time commitment that the Sowell jurors will face. But, you likely will be called to jury duty at some point, if you haven't already. For those who have been asked to show up and be vetted for a jury, what was your experience like? Are there any moments that stand out to you in the process?
June 7, 2011
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.
Who are these individuals who commit serial rape?
It has been determined that as many as 34% to 39% of rapists have some type of sexual dysfunction during the actual rape. Many investigative reports have concluded that the cause of the dysfunction can lead to valuable information about the unidentified rapist. Alcohol and drug use has also been commonly associated with rapists prior to the attacks.
Rapists are generally repeat offenders and will continue to rape until law enforcement intervenes to stop the cycle of violence. This type of criminal makes it difficult for investigations if the crime hasn't been recognized as a serial rape. Serial rapes are categorized by the facts that are more than two rapes by one offender on different dates.
For the serial rapist, they have developed a method for approaching, selecting, and subduing their victims. Generally, the rape crimes are premeditated and the method will be used again and improved upon to obtain the desired result. It will depend upon the social skills of the rapist which method of approach will be used. There are three different approaches that rapists commonly use: the con, the blitz, and the surprise.
John Douglas, expert criminal profiler, has categorized that serial rapists are similar in some ways to other serial violent offenders, such as serial arsonists as well as serial killers. They exhibit low self-esteem and internalize their fantasies about their crimes. This fantasy, fueled by the compulsive need, can keep building over time until it's time to act. This type of individual puts emotional and physical distance between him and everyone else, which makes any type of relationships doomed from the start. A serial rapist may be that of an individual who would be quick to blame others and would have interest in rough style pornography that would have to do with bondage and control.
There have been indications that sexual abuse as a child may contribute to the need to control or humiliate women or a part of the women's anatomy as the victim of earlier abuse becomes an adult.
The early development through teen years of personality confusion of an individual can be a psychological indicator of what experiences, family dysfunction, substance abuse, physical and emotional abuse will contribute to the mind of a serial rapist, just as possible for a serial killer, later on in their life. It is important that signs of emotional distress and violence towards others, especially women, be interpreted and understood. Perhaps early medical and psychological help would deter these fantasies of control over women.
Are all serial rapists going to become serial killers?
This is not known to any certainty and there have been cases that have escalated to serial murder. Serial rape and the pattern of behavior reflected in this type of crime is worthy of more study to begin to fully understand the mind of a serial killer.
Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
June 6, 2011
Early Innovators of Forensic Science
I find everything about the science of forensics to be extremely interesting. I can't seem to shake my curious mind about how and why the various crime scene puzzles interlock and ultimately reveal the identity of the criminal. Descriptions like "CSI" and " criminal profiling" are the words that are commonplace in our language today.
What was the inspiration and scientific premise to our modern day crime scene investigation?
The modern technology today has definitely influenced how crimes are processed and solved. However, the foundation of what we know as forensics was formed more than a hundred years ago. It is amazing that these men were ahead of their time and have really contributed to how we catch criminals today.
Here are three examples of forensic pioneers:
Dr. Edmond Locard (1872-1966)
Locard was born in France and became a doctor of medicine and managed to have a master of law. The important works of Hans Gross and Conan Doyle inspired him. Locard traveled the world to study police agencies in major cities and ultimately incorporated the scientific method and trace evidence analysis for crime scene investigation and reconstruction of a crime.
Locard is most famous for the forensic theory "Locard's Exchange Principle" and it has been interpreted several different ways over the years, but holds a solid foundation in the world of forensics. Basically, this principle is applied to crime scenes in which the perpetrator(s) of a crime comes into contact with the scene, which in turn tranlates that the perpetrator(s) will both bring something into the scene and leave with something from the scene.
Dr. Hans Gross (1847-1925)
Gross was born in Austria and he studied criminology and law. He became the Examining Magistrate of the Criminal Court at Czernovitz. It was by observing the failings of criminal investigators, criminal identifications, and biased eyewitness accounts that inspired him to develop a methodical and systematic way of determining facts.
Gross most notable accomplishment was the book, Criminal Investigations: A Practical Textbook for Magistrates, Police Officers, and Lawyers (1906). This textbook described a systematic approach to crime scene reconstruction with the emphasis on objectivity. The success of this groundbreaking book literally changed the way criminal investigations were conducted.
Francois Vidocq (1775-1857)
Vidocq was a French criminal and later became a prominent criminalist. He was a former criminal who subsequently became the founder and first director of the crime-fighting Sûreté Nationale as well as the head of the first known private detective agency. He is today considered by historians to be the father of modern criminologyand of the French police.
Vidocq was a fascinating man and contributed and implemented undercover police work, ballistics, criminology, and the modern filing system into the police investigations. He made some of the first impression evidence of plaster footprints for evidence comparison.
* * *
These are just three of the most prominent and influential men that have helped to shape forensic history. I find it worthy of note to ponder what our criminal investigations and crime scene reconstructions would be like today with out these founding fathers of forensic science.
Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.com/
Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch Blog: www.emilystonecrimewatch.wordpress.com/
Book & Crime Talk: www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase/
Books: Compulsion = Dead Game = Silent Partner = Screenwriting
June 5, 2011
Photography Sunday — Maze of Clouds
This photo was taken by a nearby harbor and beach. A storm was brewing and approaching fast, but the light through all the clouds was amazing. I felt it was more dramatic with black and white.
Have a wonderful weekend!
