Linkage Behaviours and Outcomes for Serial Sexual Offenders

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was three-fold; 1) to describe the behaviours exhibited by serial sexual offenders, including their criminal histories, 2) to gain a better understanding of the information that is used when linking (potential) serial sexual offences, and 3) to explore linkage outcomes and potential investigative barriers. Previous research on serial offenders has focused on how to link offenders to their multiple offences using a process known as linkage analysis. Through this process, trained analysts review case information and assess for potential links to other cases. Linking offences together allows investigators to focus their resources on investigating one offender that is responsible for multiple offences, rather than investigating each offence separately. Further, the linkage process facilitates communication between law enforcement agencies. This can help protect the public by aiding in the identification of offenders and potentially reducing victimization. There is a gap in the literature with respect to the information that is being used to link and confirm offences in practice. The current study aimed to address these limitations by reviewing a sample of 78 potential linkages (57 male sexual offenders) made by trained analysts from the Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS) centre to examine the information and offence behaviours that were used to link serial sexual offenders to their offences. Further, this study described the current status of the linkages and potential investigative barriers. Overall, the information used to make linkages was consistent with previous research in that both consistent and distinctive offence behaviours were used. Regarding linkage outcomes, at the time of writing, the majority of linkages remain as potential (i.e., neither confirmed nor rejected) due to potential investigative barriers. As investigations continue, these may be updated and confirmed in the future. Implications and future directions are discussed.