Blog 11: Holiday Project Update

1.  It is important to consistently work on your senior project, whether it is break or we are in school.  What did you do over the break with your senior project?

Honestly, this break I didn't do any mentorship whatsoever other than create a new schedule with my Sgt. since he's revived a new shift. As for my senior project itself, I finished up some of my articles that I was behind on and watched serial killers be interviewed by some of the best profilers. It showed me consistencies kept by all of the interviewers.

2.  What was the most important thing you learned from what you did, and why?  What was the source of what you learned?

It showed me consistencies kept by all of the interviewers. I was able to see what tactics and techniques used by all of them. I saw the correlation between the interviews and profiles.

3.  If you were going to do a 10 question interview on questions related to answers for your EQ, who would you talk to and why?

1.      How does the work you do contribute to a criminal profile?

2.      What other works have you done before this current position you are in?

3.      How did you climb up the ladder and get involved in the branch you are currently part of?

4.      What do you know of criminal profiling and it's use in today's crime and investigations?

5.      Are there any other forms of criminal profiles or less detailed versions used to solve petty crimes?

6.      What would you say are the most important components to solving any crime? Whether part of the profile or not.

7.      Are there any law enforcement workers who have created standards or set guidelines which you have been taught about?

8.      Which types non law-related degrees and education would you recommend for someone trying to pursue a career in this field to obtain?

9.      Is there any literature or persons you would like to suggest for me to research?

10.   What kind of preparation can you suggest for someone of my age to do?

Kansas City Massacre—Charles Arthur “Pretty Boy” Floyd

I was reading an in-depth analysis of a famous case, the Kansas City Massacre. The reason I found this so famous case article intriguing was because everything was so detailed that if need be I could recreate the scene. All of thee victims were described and a brief biography was given for each which allowed me to try and find links on my own instead of just understanding what they ended up doing. It was a good practice for me to use some of the minor tools I have been given and taught and really put them to the test. The FBI vault where this article was found has many more cases on other famous crimes which I definitely plan on reading and learning more about.

Blog 10: Essential Question

1. I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.

2. Review the following EQ's, tell if each meet the rule of three, and why they do or don't.

What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?

I think this EQ meets the rule of three because it is indeed an open-ended question. It is broad enough to allow elaborate answers yet precise enough to be specific. It can be debatable because there are multiple answers meaning that some stance can clearly be taken.

What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

I think this EQ meets the rule of three because when it comes to criminal justice there are so many laws and guidelines that some evidence can be heavier than others etc. I think it would allow for someone to take a stance because cases can be looked upon from multiple points of views i.e. the judge, district attorney, defense attorney, or the criminal himself. I think it's worded well as it allows a breakdown of the question.

What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

I don't think this EQ meets the rule of three because more research should be presented within the question. It should specify a type of customer, occasion, season, etc. It allows argument however I think it leaves room for too many stances to be taken. The wording would be good if that was the true question it was trying to convey.

How can an anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?

I don't think this EQ meets the rule of three because it's too open-ended. I think it has A LOT of room for more research to be present. What type of chronic pain, I think, would be crucial when answering this question. More specifically, I think what kind of treatment needs to be specified because it could be for healing or pain.

3. My EQ.

What approach is most effective when profiling a criminal?

-or-

What sub-sections are most vital to an accurate criminal profile?

Blog 9: Lesson 1 Reflection

1. Positive Statement

What are you most proud of in your Lesson 1 Presentation and why?

I am most proud of my knowledge on my topic. I knew, of course, that I had been learning a lot but I wouldn't have thought that it was that much. I also am proud of the fact that I didm't speak as fast as I thought I would and I did not feel a barrier between myself and the audience.

2. Questions to Consider

A. What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 1 Presentation (self-assessment)?

I would give myself a P.

B.  Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 1 component contract.

I would give myself a P because I felt that I was making a good amount of eye contact with the audience and was speaking clearly. I also felt that although I was using correct terminology true to my subject, I also lamened some terms so that the audience was understanding the content. I also referenced three sources, two of which I had with me and used them as examples. I also referenced back to them around twice each; I also talked about my internship, mentor, as well as what I do there.

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 1?

I think the technology restriction worked well because it allowed for more thinking and preparing on my behalf. I felt it helped me be more prepared and knowledgeable of my topic.

4. (What didn't work?) If you had a time machine what would you do differently?

If I were able to do my Lesson 1 over again I would definitely slow my talking a bit as well as break down my content more. I must admit that I had a few chunks of information that should've been broken down to several bits of information. I also would be more aware of my time limit.

Interview With Serial Killer Expert: John E. Douglas

So far I have come across names of detectives who have set standards for criminal profiling and detective training. Among these are John E. Douglas, Gregg McCrary, Roy Hazelwood, etc.. Allan Gregg interviewed John E. Douglas and in this interview he explains what criminal profiling involves. He describes key points and tips needed when evaluating criminal and their cases. I found this interview extremely interesting because there are hardly, if any, interviews with current or retired federal agents and for the simple fact that his explanations are on tape makes it easier to understand and learn techniques as opposed to reading profiles and articles. He talks about basics such as the homicidal triangle and build from there, it's almost like it was sitting in on a mini-lecture.

Blog 8: Research and Working EQ

1.  What is your working EQ?

What approach is most effective when profiling a criminal?

2.  What is a possible answer to your working EQ? Please write the answer in thesis format. 

-Psychology is the most effective  because it allows you to get inside the mind of a criminal and think the way they would. 

-Criminology because you study the way certain criminals act and the traits they display thus allowing you to form a profile based on characteristics of the victim as well as the crime. 

3.  What is the most important source you have used that has helped you come up with an answer to your working EQ?

The interviews I have conducted with the different detectives have really helped me understand the criminal justice approach and i interviewed a psychologists that deals with suicicdal teens and she was talking about how to really understand someone you must think like they would. 

4.  Who is your mentor, or where are you doing mentorship, and how does what you are doing relate to your working EQ?

I have a mentorship with Detective Sgt. Perez and an internship with Sgt. Saldecke. They both work for the Los Angeles CountySheriff's Department and I am an explorer as well. Both have given me hands on experience and have allowed me to learn what it's like to really be working on the force. 

Blog 7: Independent Component 1 Approval

1. Describe in detail what you plan to do for your 30 hours.
For my 30 hours of mentorship I plan to go to a shooting range with me mentor and learn how to shoot. He is a detective sergeant for LASD and he said he is trying to arrange shooting at the training center that detectives are sent to when first hired onto the department. Not only will I be learning how to shoot but I will learn how to handle a gun, I will be learning how to use it during several different scenarios. In addition, I plan on going on a ride along for an 8-hour shift.

2. Discuss how or what you will do to meet the expectation of showing 30 hours of evidence.
For the shooting aspect of my independent component I plan to make a small scrapbook/portfolio filled with pictures, a bullet or two, printed certificate, and other things I may come across while on that venture. For the ride along I plan to bring in my copies of my authorization forms and hopefully a police report of a call I will respond to while on the ride along. Both of theses, of course, are in addition to adding the hours onto my Senior Project Hours Log.

3. Explain how what you will be doing will explore your topic more in depth.
I feel that by learning how to shoot and going to the training center would teach me how things are done first-hand and what this career requires. It would also teach me what newly hired agents are taught and a piece of the training they're put through. It would give me the state of mind needed when working the field. The ride along would do something similar however it would expose me to what happens when under pressure and when I'm actually in the situation live. Since I plan to do my ride along after learning how to shoot, I'm thinking it would give me an opportunity to adapt what I've learned to real life scenarios (to a certain extent of course).