Jennifer Chase's Blog, page 97

New York Police Officer Stops Robbery While Getting Her Hair Done

I have a great deal of respect for the skills and the sacrifice that members of law enforcement put on display every day simply by making the decision to put on that uniform and keep our streets safe. I have spent a lot of time talking with police officers, both in researching my novels and during my academic studies in forensic psychology. Much of their work goes unnoticed, so I am thrilled when one of them gets recognized.

New York City police officer Detective Feris Jones was getting her hair done over the weekend when a man walked into the salon and declared a robbery was taking place. He ordered all of the employees and customers back into the bathroom, but Jones came back out to confront the gunman with her weapon ready.

Jones was fired at by the suspect four times, but luckily the would-be robber is a bad shot. On the other hand, Detective Jones demonstrated amazing marksmanship when she struck both hands of the alleged criminal, causing him to drop his gun, and shot off the handle to the front door of the store. While the suspect managed to escape through a window, he was arrested two days later. Nineteen-year-old Winston Cox is now facing charges of attempted murder, attempted aggravated assault, and criminal possession of a weapon.

Detective Feris Jones was recognized by both Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Mayor Michael Bloomberg during a special news conference.

While it is quite sad that a teenager now faces serious jail time for his poor decisions, I congratulate Detective Jones for her quick thinking and a steady hand that just may have saved some lives that day.

Has Crime Gone to the Dogs?

In researching my latest novel "Silent Partner", I found myself immersed in the police K9 training world. I wanted to create a main "cop" character that was also a K9 unit. This was a challenge, but I felt that it made for an interesting storyline and added another dimension to the plot.

There are a few misconceptions about police dogs. The most common one is that these dogs are mean and vicious. That's completely false. Most of these dogs are family dogs when they're not working. They are loving, friendly, loyal, and love their doggie toys just like any other dog.

These dogs are first run through what's called the "courage test" to make sure that they are indeed balanced and have the disposition to become a police patrol dog. Not all dogs pass this test. The ones that don't pass still go to good homes as a family or security dog. The next step is that these dogs are run through general obedience and agility training. Once these dogs are trained and matched with a human partner, the real bite work begins. All these dogs are rewarded their favorite toy after each bite during training. It's all about fun for them.

I found myself mesmerized watching these courageous dogs train with their partners. With the different personalities of police officers, there are different personalities of dogs as well. I loved to see new K9 units begin their training and evolve into an efficient, impressive, crime fighting team. The bond that develops between police officer and dog is like no other. The loss of a K9 partner is deep and lifelong.

Many of these patrol dogs are cross-trained for scent work, such as tracking, narcotics or bomb detection. I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the 160-hour narcotic training course with my highly driven Labrador. It was an experience that I will not likely forget. We learned as a team to detect heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. We searched locations such as cars, warehouses, trailers, houses, outdoor vicinities, prisons, schools, and many other types of structures. For future blog postings, I will be posting some photos of my training.

I would strongly recommend for anyone interested in how police K9 works is to watch a local police K9 demonstration or attend a police K9 competition.

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Attributes of Serial Killers: Myth versus Reality

We are fed stereotypes of what constitutes a serial killer from the media that we absorb every day. Popular movies, television police dramas , and bestselling novels have developed an accepted character sketch of such criminals. In most instances, these fictional killers are white men with genius-level IQs who are weird loners driven by a twisted sexual desire. Does this match with reality?

The website " All about Forensic Psychology " used one of its posts to take on the top seven myths regarding serial killers.

First, there is the notion that serial killers were the reclusive valedictorians of their graduating classes and could earn perfect scores on both calculus exams and critical examinations of Emily Dickinson. The author of this article shares that serial killers have been proven to display the same range of aptitude as the general population.

While acts of sexual conquest and power make for effective television, the blog post points out that many serial killers engage in violence without any sexual behavior at all. Instead, their horrific acts are motivated by anger, the need for attention, or simply the thrill of causing pain.
The post also points out men, such as the Green River Killer and the BTK Killer , who were married and active members in their churches and communities. The idea that they were murdering dozens of people remained under the radar for years. There was nothing obvious about their outward personalities that pointed to homicidal tendencies.

I encourage you to read the entire article and see if any of your conceptions about serial killers are refuted by the author. Or, do you think that the myths she dispels were already widely regarded as false?

Burglary Typology Used as an Important Investigator's Tool

Unfortunately, with the economic down turn, we will begin to see crime rise before it gets better. It's inevitable. Crimes such as burglary, robbery, and identity theft have already begun to show an increase in numbers. To protect yourself and family against becoming a victim, be vigilant and take the necessary precautions to stay safe. For more information on staying safe, contact your local law enforcement agency, neighborhood watch group, or community service officer.

Burglary is defined as a person who enters a building or occupied structure with the purpose to commit a crime. It is considered a property crime, but theft doesn't need to be committed in order to establish a burglary charge.

There are many techniques used by burglars to gain access: prying, picking, smash and crash, cutting glass, removing a door panel, skylight entry, key entry, spreading a door jam, etc.

Investigators use a typology to serve as a frame of reference in the investigation. A simple matrix is outlined for residence, business, or other (warehouse, trailer, etc.). Burglars develop a particular MO that works for them and it usually doesn't change. They generally will commit their crimes through repetition until they are caught and arrested. It's a type of comfort zone for the criminal.

Here's an investigator's typology checklist:

1. Occupied or not occupied.
2. Day – from early dusk.
3. Night – until midnight through dawn.
4. Actual time.
5. Type of entry: door, window, roof, wall.
6. Means: technique used to enter, prying, glass cutting, etc.
7. Victim type: poor, middle class, wealthy, shop owner, business, corporation.
8. Search method: methodical, specific, haphazard.
9. Characteristics in addition to theft: property damage, murder/assault/rape, eat food, graffiti, MO of other suspects.
10. Number of offenders: single, two, more than two.

Most burglaries are residential and committed by individuals under the age of 25. Most of these types of criminals start their careers as a teen, commit the crime close to home, and it's usually not well planned out.

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

Do Not Forget!!! No Trick-------Just a Treat!!!
Are you up for the challenge? Celebrate 31 days of spooky, scary, and terrifying with both Emily Stone ebooks.

Just order the Award Winning Dead Game ebook for $4.95 during the month of October and you'll automatically receive Compulsion absolutely free!

Click on the right side of my blog to order both copies of your ebooks today.
Enjoy!

Survivor of Attack by Green River Killer Tells Her Story

When it comes to learning about the psychology behind the acts of a serial killer, there is often no more compelling information than that shared by a victim who lived to tell of the horror. CNN's website has been featuring a series of investigations on our country's most infamous serial killers, and this research included an interview with a woman who escaped an attack by Gary Ridgway, the man who became known as the Green River Killer.

Ridgway was arrested in 2001 and pled guilty to killing forty-eight women between the early 1980s and the time of his capture. Since entering prison, he has admitted to murdering twenty additional women. Ridgway targeted prostitutes and drug users in the Seattle area, a majority of them at locations along Pacific Highway South. He always killed his victims by choking them from behind, establishing a pattern that allowed law enforcement to connect the deaths of dozens of women.

The survivor who spoke to CNN, Rebecca Garde, was twenty years old at the time of the attack in November 1982. Tired of waiting for the bus to take her home from work, she made the decision to hitchhike along Pacific Highway South. When Ridgway stopped his car, Garde admitted that she offered to perform a sexual act in exchange for twenty dollars. When they got out of the car and entered some nearby woods, Ridgway started to attack his new victim. Garde managed to stun Ridgway by slamming him against a tree and then ran to a nearby trailer home for help.

I encourage you to read her entire story , as it is both terrifying and compelling. One detail Garde mentions is that she will never forget the look in Ridgway's eyes. I have discussed on this blog before how telling our eyes are in sharing what is happening in our hearts and minds. I cannot imagine a more chilling sight than looking into the eyes of a serial killer. I am glad that Rebecca Garde lived to tell her story.

My Writing Inspiration, Muse, and Storyline Ideas

Even though my third novel "Silent Partner" is just about completed and will be in print soon, I still have to keep ongoing book projects moving forward. Planning ahead and budgeting my time is essential to my productivity. It also helps me to keep everything straight in my head and on paper.

I find that the more I write, the more story ideas flood my mind. Things, places, and people inspire my writing. It can be something innocuous like an empty house or a long dirt road, or big like a news story that will trigger an idea. When I'm developing a particular story, I try to surround myself with things that keep me motivated and inspired.

I'm outlining and researching my next project, an Emily Stone novel. I decided to have this new adventure for my heroine to take place on Kauai. Why? It's an island that I love and I found myself daydreaming of story ideas the last time I was there. It's a beautiful, small island that has many quiet, peaceful places without the hustle of tourists.

Here are some photos I took from my last trip that I would like to share .

This is a special place on the far end of the fantastic Kauai botanical gardens. The beach below was used in the filming of Magnum PI during the 1980s. I love this area and wish it was my backyard.



This is the famous Napali Coast. It's absolutely breathtaking. In fact, photos don't begin to convey the beauty as in person.



This is an area of the island that the movie Jurassic Park was filmed. You can still see part of the gate at the entrance to the fictional park. I went on a great hike up toward the middle of the island from this point.



These two photos were from my day hike. There were streams flooding down from higher elevations. Rocks and foliage were interesting and made for a great picnic spot.





I have these photos posted on my bulletin board, plus some other locations of the island that help to inspire my chapters for Emily Stone's next big adventure hunting down a serial killer. I found that a different setting for a novel like an island makes for a challenge, but also a fresh new perspective for my main character. There are so many writing possibilities. I'm very excited about this project.

I will keep you updated on my next book release as well as the progress of future novels.

Thank you for checking back on my blog. I appreciate your comments, interest, and support.


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/
Book & Crime Talk: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jennifer-chase

New Mexico Man Sentenced to Eight Years for Beheading Dog

Anyone who has visited this blog or spends time at my home in California knows of my love for animals. My dogs are an important part of my family . Therefore, I am devastated when I hear of an animal being abused. And, I also believe the well-researched theory that people who have the psychological markers that allow them to abuse animals have a propensity to hurt humans as well.

Teddy Sexton, a resident of New Mexico, has been sentenced to eight years in prison after he pleaded guilty to extreme cruelty to animals. He admitted to decapitating a dog with his chainsaw after his first attempt to slice the animal's throat with a knife proved unsuccessful. While standing alone such an act of violence would only result in up to eighteen months in prison, Sexton's previous felony convictions mandated a more severe sentence.

Sexton's decision to kill the dog came after the dog bit a young girl who was attending a barbeque in his yard. While children certainly must be protected from aggressive animals, the barbaric reaction of Sexton points to an irrational mindset.

While I am not asserting that Teddy Sexton is destined to be a serial killer, it is well-documented that Jeffrey Dahmer , Albert DeSalvo ("The Boston Strangler"), and other murderers displayed violence against animals before turning to humans. And, a study done by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Northeastern University found that animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people that those without a history of violence against animals.

What is your reaction to the sentence received by Teddy Sexton? For those who have studied forensic psychology, do you have additional thoughts concerning the connection between animal abuse and violence towards humans?

Sarge is Focused & Learning New Things Everyday!

It has been a fun summer for me, not only because I finished my third novel "Silent Partner", but raising and training a new puppy. I've had to balance my schedule carefully because of the demands of having a fun, extremely high-energy puppy in the house. And, making sure that my older dog and two cats are dealing with their new, big buddy.

It's amazing how quickly you forget what it's like to have a puppy in your life. Whew! I'm glad that I was in somewhat good puppy shape this year.

Sarge's update:
Seven months and over 70 pounds. How big is he really going to get? Nobody knows for sure. Any guesses? Mastered ALL basic obedience commands. However, his "downs" are a little sloppy and goofy at times. He likes to roll over on his back, kicking his gigantic paws into the air. Learning to jump "hup" on command and heeling off leash. Managed some beginner tracking/finding skills. He's an absolute natural! I'm teaching him hand signals of left, right, stay, and search for his hidden ball. Official training will be in the near future to find people and objects. Loves to hear claps and shouts from onlookers at the beach when he retrieves his favorite ball. Who doesn't? The beach is his absolute favorite place to be. Me too!

I still love being a puppy mom…


Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/

The Skillful Art of Interrogation

As with many things these days, the word "interrogation" has been replaced with "interview". I like to call it what it is, an interrogation. Interrogative procedures are used to obtain a confession, admission of guilt, or elicit helpful information from a suspect in regard to an investigation.

I have met several police officers throughout my writing career and research and it's amazing to observe how they question suspects as well as witnesses. Each person has a way of relating to different people to make them feel comfortable or in the "hot" seat. Let's face it; it's intimidating to be at a police department. Being around police officers is like any other task for me, but I notice that other people get fidgety and look guilty even when they're not.

The main purpose of the police interrogation:

1. Establish the innocence of a suspect(s) by clearing up facts that seem to point to guilt.
2. Obtain from the suspect(s) (from friends and family) the names of accomplices, facts surrounding the crime, follow up leads and alibi(s), location of physical evidence, or stolen goods.
3. Obtain from the suspect(s) an admission or confession.

It's interesting that many people feel compelled to confess to their crime. Especially when they are confronted with the accusation and the facts.

The psychological works of Milton W. Horowitz helps to explain this phenomenon with five social-psychological conditions as to why people confess.

1. Accusation

The accusation may be explicit and made directly at the start of the interrogation. It's the attitude and demeanor from the investigator that the suspect feels cornered and there's no other way out.

2. Evidence available

It's the realization of the suspect that there is evidence available against them. When hard evidence is produced, they have been "caught with the goods" and there's no other way out.

3. Forces – friendly & hostile

When a suspect is dealing with friendly or hostile factors it causes a psychological uneasiness, which may be conducive to a confession. The suspect must believe that he/she is alone, cut off, and feel that confessing is the only way out.

4. Guilty feelings
Many criminals don't have guilty feelings (especially psychopaths), but some have the need to get a burden off their chest.

5. Confession – a way out

Confessing is a multi-faced action. People being interrogated are often unaware of their vulnerability and weakness until an authority accuses them. In combination with evidence, their own guilt, mindful loneliness, and the need for relief of their burden. Many people will confess as a way out.

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Blog: http://authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/

Facebook Page

Twitter:ThrillerNovel

Published Thriller Novels: "Compulsion" and "Dead Game" (Both are available in Paperback or Kindle Format.

Soon to be released: "Silent Partner"

31 Things That Scare Me

I thought in keeping with the upcoming holiday season during October and with Halloween rapidly approaching, I would list some things frighten me.

Just in case you were wondering what scares a thriller writer…

Here's my frightening list in random order:

1. People text messaging when they drive.
2. Cleaning the cat litter box.
3. Men who wear socks with sandals.
4. People with two first names.
5. Children that know more about technology than I do.
6. Beets, Brussell sprouts, and kale.
7. The rapidly increasing size of the ordinary garden gopher.
8. Ambient temperatures over 75 degrees.
9. Rats in the attic.
10. Actually knowing the words to many 80s songs.
11. Not getting enough sleep.
12. Hearing someone following me on my nature walk, but finding out nobody's there and it was just my imagination.
13. Feeling completely comfortable reading and studying serial killers and crime scenes.
14. Not being able to buy shoes.
15. Bees.
16. Enjoying television reruns.
17. Knowing when the phone is about to ring.
18. Thinking that superheroes are forensic scientists and cold case detectives.
19. Relating to Sigourney Weaver's character "Helen Hudson" in the 1995 movie Copycat.
20. Cooking, cleaning, and weeding.
21. Not enough hours in the day.
22. People who don't like black dogs or black cats.
23. The increasing number of endangered species lists.
24. People without a sense of humor.
25. Predatory people looking for children victims.
26. Fast food French fries having a shelf life of 100 years or more.
27. Absolutely one hundred and ten percent can't live without watching or reading spine tingling thrillers, terrifying horror, and spooky science fiction.
28. Feeling comfortable in my own shoes.
29. Not knowing what's around every corner.
30. Making this scary list.
31. Not being able to write everyday.How About You? What Scares You?

Jennifer Chase
Award Winning Author & Criminologist

Author Blog: http://www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/
Website: http://www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/
Emily Crime Watch: http://emilystonecrimewatch.blogspot.com/