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have nothing to lose, since all ar appeals have been exhausted 4 no realistic hope for parole of n exists. Finally, others may par- te in the study because it pro- s an opportunity to dwell on and recapture the fantasies, memories, and accompanying feelings of the original offense. Whatever their reasons, noble selfish, healthy or pathological, each in his own way contributes something toward understanding the variety and complexity of this category of crime. Statistical Procedure The reliability and the validity of the data retrieved from the study of these offenders will ultimately be test- ad by the accuracy with which predoc- trines (offender profiles) derived from this data pool are fulfilled. It is from these data that various types of offend- er profiles are beginning to emerge. Although no two offenders are exactly alike, and there is a wide range of individual differences found among of- fenders who commit similar offenses, they also share some similarities or common traits. It will be both these important differences and the impor- tant similarities that serve to differenti- ate and_ identify different kinds or specific types of offenders within the same offense category. Goals and Purposes of Program This criminal! personality research program is designed to contribute to advances in the study of sexual homi- cide—a subject about which little de- pendable information is currently available—by establishing a national data bank from which reliable informa- tion can be retrieved. From the data derived from this research, offender profiles will be developed based on identifiable behaviors, traits, and char- acteristics. The profiles, in turn, will aid local law enforcement agencies in the investigation of the crime and the iden- tification and apprehension of offend- ers. In addition, such profiles and related information will serve to im- prove interrogation techniques and in- terviewing skills and to identify those techniques which will be most produc- tive with each type of offender. Knowledge gleaned from this re- search will have important implications « an extended, ongoing systematic study of convicted offenders [was initiated] in order to better understand the patterns and dynamics of criminal behavior” for crime prevention by identifying im- portant biopsychosocial factors of an offender. It wilt assist by attempting to provide answers to such questions as: 1) What leads a person to become a sexual offender and what are the early warning signals? 2) What serves to encourage oF to inhibit the commission of his offense? 3) What types of response or cop- ing strategies by an intended victim are successtul with what type of sexual offender in avoiding victimization? 4) What are the implications for his dangerousness, prognosis, disposition, and mode of treatment? Current emphasis is on the rape- murderer, since the Training Division receives annually close to 100 un- solved, sex-related homicides for re- view and analysis. This research program is envisioned as ultimately ex- panding to encompass a broader vari- ety of felony crimes to include hostagetaking and techniques to im- prove hostage negotiation. A further benefit will be the improvement of techniques of interviewing, interroga- tion, and informant targeting in criminal and espionage matters. The present 33 study, which addresses sexual assault, is unique in that it represents the com- bined approaches of law enforce- ment/criminal justice and behavioral science/mental health professionals, as well as active participation and di- rect contribution from convicted felons, to combat this major type of serious crime. FBI Footnote ‘Alichard L. Ault, Jr. and James T. Reese. “A Psychological Assessment of Crime: Profiling.” F@/ Law Enforcement Bulletin, vol. 49, No. 3, March 1980, pp. 22-25.