Criminological characteristics of serial killers

Abstract

The article deals with the concept "serial killings", gives their classification, and reveals the elements of criminal behaviour in the course of this act. It considers the issues of developing the concept "serial killing", identifying criteria that differentiate this criminal act, and classifying this type of crime. The author of the article presents the results of some research in the field of behavioural constancy of serial killers, assessing the possibility of using them to identify a series of crimes, and highlighting the factors that act as catalysts for aggressive behaviour of serial killers. The article describes various models of profiling of an unidentified serial killer used in the practice of law enforcement agencies. The article makes an attempt to substantiate the need for adopting a scientific approach to solving the problem of proving the involvement of a suspect in the commission of serial killings. It also highlights the typical characteristics of a serial killer's personality in the process of discussing the classification of serial killers, which contributes to primary typology. The author comes to the conclusion that serial killings are the most dangerous and serious crimes, so special methods are needed to prevent possible causes of the existence of serial killers in society.