As America reels from the latest massacre, everyone tries to make sense of an action that seems senseless. Everyone has a heated opinion, and the issue of gun ownership raises its ugly head again, and politicians, especially the two presidential candidates, are noticeably silent about what to do about the second amendment - the right to bear arms. Officials engage in rhetoric to further their own cause (to own guns or not) and argue as to whether the absence of guns would prevent individuals massacres. It may, however, be more pertinent to focus not on the macro aspects of such events, but the mirco aspects - the psychology of the individual who commits such gross atrocities.
This article seeks to show how a seemingly "normal" people who live in our communities, could either "snap" or deliberately plot over months to massacre as many people as possible. It uses Transactional Analysis to offer a meaningful profile of an individual living in a peaceful westernized society who could contemplate doing such a thing, and it asks the question that politicians should be asking, "What is going wrong in westernized societies that generate such individuals?"
Transactional Analysis (TA) theorists postulate that personality is a combination of genes and socialization, (the way we're raised - the nature versus nurture argument) and so researchers have sought to understand the impact of the family and parenting styles on personality development. TA offers a theory that shows the basic fundamental aspects of personality are present by the age of six years old, and are moderated and refined during childhood and adolescence. Neonatal research shows that newborn infants attempt to engage eye contact with their mothers, thus beginning the attachment/bonding process. When mother and baby are attuned to each other the baby thrives, feels secure and his personality develops in a positive way.
Human beings are not born with a conscience and only develop one through a "conditioned response". For example, if a child is securely attached to its mother and does something "wrong" and incurs his mother's anger, the anxiety is such that he will do anything to regain his mother's love and reduce his anxiety. The repetition of this conditioned response means that the child will assimilate an "internal code of conduct", a conscience, and be accountable for his actions as he matures. If a child is not securely attached to his caregiver, when he does something "wrong" he is less likely to feel the same anxiety as he has "nothing to lose", and so does not learn to develop a conscience. The importance of attachment to a mother figure in the emergent personality cannot be overstated.
In order for a child to receive the attention (Strokes) he needs, those who are securely attached don't have to try to get their mother's attention - she will anticipate his needs, teach him to tolerate frustration and he'll develop in a healthy way. The child who is not attached to his mother, (either through maternal depression, drugs or alcohol misuse, or merely due to intergenerational poor parenting skills) subconsciously adapts his behavior, and subsequently his beliefs about himself and the world around him, in order to get the attention (Strokes) he needs and must have. These beliefs are assimilated into his sense of self and TA theory postulates that the child develops "conditional worth." For example, "I'm only okay if I'm perfect, if I try hard, be strong and please others. So the four "life stances" are, Be Perfect, Try Hard, Be Strong and Please Others. The child will typically, subconsciously adopt one of these stances on life. As there is no rule book on parenting, most of us adapt to the life stances to some degree and that is not necessarily a negative thing. A Be Perfect stance can be the motivation to achieve in school or in our careers, pleasing others helps us connect to other people, and to cope with life's adversities we all have to try hard and be strong at times. These stances on life only become pathological when the individual sees himself as falling short of that ideal and suffers psychological distress as a result.
The socialization of children begins from the moment of birth, and as babies don't have language they learn what's acceptable behaviors in their family through non-verbal communication. When others smile and clap at a child's behavior, he will repeat that behavior, likewise when others frown or shout, the child knows that particular behavior is not acceptable, provided the child is securely attached to the parent. If not, the child doesn't care that its parents are displeased and will learn that acting out will get him attention. (This is known as Operant Conditioning or behavior shaping.)
The non-verbal communication is referred to as psychological "permissions" or "injunctions," positive and negative respectively. Psychological permissions allow a child to thrive and grow and injunctions prohibit growth. For example, if a parent is uncomfortable touching and holding, a child could assimilate a Don't Be Close injunction. If a child is shouted at or ridiculed when he falls over and cries, his subconscious may discern that showing his feelings is an unsafe thing to do, so could develop a Don't Feel injunction. There are 12 such injunctions with which a child may perceive the world around him. They are: Don't Exist; Don't Be You; Don't Be A Child; Don't Grow Up; Don't Succeed; Don't Be Anything; Don't Be Important; Don't Belong; Don't Be Well/ or Sane; Don't Think; Don't Feel; Don't Be Close. These injunctions elicit opinions and beliefs that a child carries into adulthood, where they inhibit the ability to become an autonomic, mature, self-actualizing person. Unresolved injunctions ruin relationships, foster low self-esteem, and leaves individuals believing that they are "not okay" and others are "not okay" either, and they become stroke deprived. This is known as "the despairing position" and is usually the precursor to suicide.
So it can be seen that the emergent personality has many facets originating from the early interaction between infant/child and his caregivers. As we all assimilate some injunctions during socialization, and the majorities of individuals are "well balanced" and function positively in society, it seems that there are "buffers" that reduce the impact of injunctions upon the self. For example, if parents have no motivation to succeed, another role model with drive and determination could prevent the child from assimilating a Don't Succeed injunction. It is only when a child has limited access to "balanced" care-givers that the likelihood of assimilating injunctions may occur.
TA postulates that there are three "ego states" and to be "whole" one should have accessible amount of energy in all three ego states. The Parent ego state consists of overseeing the self, dictating to the self, being judgmental or permitting towards to self, and it also houses the conscience and empathy for others. The Adult ego state consists of the ability to think objectively, appraise situations and recognize that each behavior has a consequence. The Child ego state consists of feelings and the early decisions an individual makes about the self based on the assimilation of life stances, permissions and injunctions.
While the vast majority of citizens of westernized societies would never contemplate murder, some individuals do, and psychologists seek to offer a profile of such individuals to explain what has gone wrong with their socialization process and thus their personalities. TA offers a profile of such individuals to explain the internal processes they contend with on a daily basis.
Typically individuals who commit atrocities in peaceful westernized societies would lack a functioning Parent ego state and have a flawed Adult ego state, which suggest sociopathic and psychopathic tendencies. They would live their lives through the "despairing position" of "I'm not okay and others are not okay either," which would leave them stroke deprived and emotionally isolated. They would have "conditional worth", subconsciously believing that their sense of self could only be positive if they adhered strictly to the life stances of Be Perfect, Be Strong, Try Hard and Please Others. One cannot generalize which life stance those who commit atrocities would adopt as these positions are a direct reflection of differing family dynamics, however, it would be the failure to live up to these dictates that would trigger the inception of such atrocities. Likewise, the injunctions assimilated into the personality will reflect differing family dynamic and will be examined below.
The rationale for a lack of a functioning Parent ego state are obvious: any "normal" person who may having fleeting thoughts of committing any antisocial act would exercise self-control and be mindful of the impact of such acts upon other people. Although TA theory postulates that everyone has the ability to think, with the possible exception of those with severe brain damage, those who commit atrocities exhibit a flawed Adult ego state, as they fail to process the consequences of their actions. They may show the ability to plan and scheme, but such thought processes would be evidence of "magical thinking" and therefore distorted. They may be grandiose or have delusions believing that an outside entity directs their thoughts and behaviors.
It is entirely possible that those who commit massacres in westernized societies may have assimilated a Don't Exist injunction (the most damaging of all injunctions) for many commit suicide after the completion of their act, or are killed by the police in ensuing gunfire. Those who willingly give themselves up to the police would seem unlikely to have a Don't Exist injunction, as the drive to stay alive is obviously present, but exhibit many other injunctions that prevent them from becoming an autonomous, self-actualizing person. As history shows, most offenders of mass murder in westernized societies tend to be isolated and self-defeating individuals. That would suggest that they have assimilated the following injunctions: Don't Think, Don't Succeed, Don't Be Important, Don't Be Close, Don't Belong, Don't Feel, Don't Be Well/Sane and Don't Grow Up. Having such a flawed personality would produce a very real fear that others would "find them out" and so they would be very reluctant to interact with others, and would try to blend in so that their flaws would not be discovered. They may present a brittle façade of normality but would spend a great deal of energy maintaining that façade, thus furthering the conflict inside them.
It is impossible to speculate what the "trigger" might be that initiates an individual to act out his fantasies resulting in mass murder without a detailed social history as triggers may differ, but there's little doubt that there must be some psychological gain that they believe they can't satisfy through alternative safe activities. Planning a massacre would provide "stimulation, a purpose and temporary release from Don't Succeed and Don't Be Important dictates," but as the planning becomes a reality, and the individual loses the ability to think rationally (to use his Adult ego state), the internal conflict becomes so pathological and the sense of self so fragmented that the only outcome will involve suicide or outside intervention. Having a flawed Adult ego state (a Don't Think Injunction) means that an individual would be "acting out" beyond awareness, subconsciously, what TA theorists call, a "Life Script." It means that he formulates opinions about himself in infancy and early childhood, tests his theory during adolescence, and then followed his Life Script as an adult without giving it any thought. It's like being on "automatic pilot" - no thought needed.
If the sense of self, the personality, is so fragmented that the individual cannot place boundaries around the self, if suicide is not an option, he will seek someone else to put boundaries around him, which would then reduce his internal conflict somewhat. Spending his life in prison would enable him to "play out" his assimilated injunctions of Don't Think, Don't Succeed, Don't Be Important, Don't Be Close, Don't Belong, Don't Feel, Don't Be Well/Sane and Don't Grow Up.
Institutionalization fosters and reinforces all these aspects of the self, and although the notion of life imprisonment may be noxious to most people, the boundaries, rules and regime may serve to reduce some of the mass murderer's internal psychological conflict.
This article sought to ask and examine, "What is going wrong in westernized societies that generate such individuals who could commit massacres?" It has shown how the personality develops using Transactional Analysis theory, and how inadvertently through the assimilation of injunctions, personalities may become pathological and cause individuals such psychological distress that they would do almost anything to reduce the internal conflict raging within them. This article does not seek to "blame" parents for the quirks in their children's personality. Most parents do the best they can while they are young and prior to processing through their own injunctions. What it does seek to highlight is the absolute importance of bonding with a newborn infant so that the child becomes securely attached, develops a positive self-image and high self-esteem, and most importantly, develops a conscience. All the time that women give birth without the rudiments of parenting skills, these deficits in personality development will continue, causing at the very least psychological misery and failed relationships. At the very worst, inadequate parenting skills can produce individuals who are so internally conflicted, without empathy, who are sociopathic and psychopathic, and who are capable of carrying out the atrocities that occur in every westernized society. Basic parenting skills should be taught in schools, and attitudes towards "mental illness" need to change. Personal growth, where individuals explore their sense of self, and resolve their own assimilated injunctions, elicits "mental health", and personal growth classes should be available in schools also. It is only then that mothers will be able to parent from a healthy position and produce stable, secure children who go on to become stable and secure adults.
That these individuals exist in every westernized society and live among us without detection, and the atrocities that they may go on to perform, is a tragedy at every level.
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Of Crime and Punishment - Why Do Our Laws Stand In The Way of Justice?
It is amazing that we call ourselves a society of laws and justice, but when it comes to the enforcing of justice, we often make laws which get in our own way, impede the process, and prevent resolution. If our rule of law is not honored, or if it is prostituted into submission by nonsensical procedures then what good is it? Laws are intended to punish, but also prevent crime. We can't prevent crime if those very laws prevent justice. Okay so let's talk about this shall we?
There was an interesting piece on NBC News on August 16, 2012 titled; "Nidal Hasan barred from pleading guilty to murder in 2009 Fort Hood shooting" By Kari Huus, NBC News which stated that;
"Major Nidal Hasan, the Army psychiatrist accused of carrying out the November 2009 shooting spree at Fort Hood in Texas, sought to plead guilty Wednesday to 13 counts of premeditated murder but the judge said he could not accept the plea, the Temple Daily Telegram reported. Under military law, Hasan is not allowed to plead guilty because the premeditated murder charges carry death as the maximum sentence and the government is pursuing the death penalty in Hasan's case."
If this individual, now deemed as a homegrown terrorist, created a terrorist act, and wishes to admit his guilt, then he should be allowed to, he should also be allowed to pay the ultimate price for his crimes, especially if he did them in a premeditated fashion which appears to be the case, and he fully admits it. Justice should be served, and the accused has the right to plead guilty if he chooses. We seem to be concerned with everyone's rights, and he is an American citizen, but we are refusing to allow him his right to plead guilty. I ask why?
If the individual wishes to plead guilty he may be marched out of the back of the courtroom and faces punishment after the judge renders it. There's nothing wrong with that, as that is swift and fair justice. Isn't that what we stand for as Americans? Shouldn't he be allowed to stand in front of the firing squad and pay for his crimes, crimes he wishes to admit to, and crimes which have been fully documented that he indeed pulled the trigger and killed those soldiers?
Now some could say it isn't right because he will die a martyr which is exactly what he wants. However if that is the case, as per his Islamic viewpoint, there are other things in Islam which would prevent him from being rewarded in the next life, these could also be part of the justice, to make it fair, for instance the blood of a certain hoofed animal might be filled up in his boots before the execution, so we could solve the martyrdom issue very simply.
It's unfortunate that in the United States we don't seem to walk the talk when it comes to crime and punishment. If we fail to do this correctly then we are subjugating and prostituting the entire process. Yes, I understand this is a philosophical debate, but the laws are quite clear, and the rights of a soldier under military law are clear, and so too is the common sense that everyone agrees to live under when it comes to justice, justice must be served, the sooner the better for the victim's families and for our nation. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
There was an interesting piece on NBC News on August 16, 2012 titled; "Nidal Hasan barred from pleading guilty to murder in 2009 Fort Hood shooting" By Kari Huus, NBC News which stated that;
"Major Nidal Hasan, the Army psychiatrist accused of carrying out the November 2009 shooting spree at Fort Hood in Texas, sought to plead guilty Wednesday to 13 counts of premeditated murder but the judge said he could not accept the plea, the Temple Daily Telegram reported. Under military law, Hasan is not allowed to plead guilty because the premeditated murder charges carry death as the maximum sentence and the government is pursuing the death penalty in Hasan's case."
If this individual, now deemed as a homegrown terrorist, created a terrorist act, and wishes to admit his guilt, then he should be allowed to, he should also be allowed to pay the ultimate price for his crimes, especially if he did them in a premeditated fashion which appears to be the case, and he fully admits it. Justice should be served, and the accused has the right to plead guilty if he chooses. We seem to be concerned with everyone's rights, and he is an American citizen, but we are refusing to allow him his right to plead guilty. I ask why?
If the individual wishes to plead guilty he may be marched out of the back of the courtroom and faces punishment after the judge renders it. There's nothing wrong with that, as that is swift and fair justice. Isn't that what we stand for as Americans? Shouldn't he be allowed to stand in front of the firing squad and pay for his crimes, crimes he wishes to admit to, and crimes which have been fully documented that he indeed pulled the trigger and killed those soldiers?
Now some could say it isn't right because he will die a martyr which is exactly what he wants. However if that is the case, as per his Islamic viewpoint, there are other things in Islam which would prevent him from being rewarded in the next life, these could also be part of the justice, to make it fair, for instance the blood of a certain hoofed animal might be filled up in his boots before the execution, so we could solve the martyrdom issue very simply.
It's unfortunate that in the United States we don't seem to walk the talk when it comes to crime and punishment. If we fail to do this correctly then we are subjugating and prostituting the entire process. Yes, I understand this is a philosophical debate, but the laws are quite clear, and the rights of a soldier under military law are clear, and so too is the common sense that everyone agrees to live under when it comes to justice, justice must be served, the sooner the better for the victim's families and for our nation. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.
Monday, 17 September 2012
Parking Lot Signs To Increase Safety
The parking lot is often considered an unsafe place, especially during the evening and night hours. In addition to traffic control issues, which can often be solved using parking lot signs, there may be other frequent problems such as individuals involved in criminal activities. These individuals might be involved in the sale of illegal drugs, prostitution, or assault of pedestrians parking in the area. These risks make parking lot safety a concern for those who plan and provide security for the lots.
A recent study has revealed that owners of parking garages and lots are often targets of liability lawsuits when crimes occur on the property they own. Offenses precipitating lawsuits are often violent and may include rape, robbery, or murder. Proper posting of appropriate parking lot signs may reduce the chance of a lawsuit.
The locations where such crimes occur may vary widely. Parking areas associated with manufacturing facilities, office buildings, and shopping centers, as well as apartments and parking garages, can all become the target of the lawbreakers. In cases where management or owners are found as liable resulting judgments and pretrial settlements often exceed $1 million. In cases of homicide, families of the victims may be awarded multiple millions.
Other studies concerning the issue have resulted in general guidelines that can be used in order to make the parking area a safer place for anyone using them. Recommendations from these studies include:
- Monitoring the area through the use of closed circuit televisions. The fact of the use of CCTV should be displayed on parking lot signs displayed at multiple locations throughout the area. Color digital cameras offer better protection than analog or black and white cameras. They offer better image resolution and detail.
- Lighting can deter criminal activities. In interior parking areas, the lights should provide a minimum of 60 lux at pavement level. Aim for an average uniformity ratio of 4.1 or lower. Conduct luminosity tests at several times throughout a 24-hour period. The construction of garages often means natural light provides little aid as most of the sun's rays are blocked. Light levels need to be higher in areas of entries and exits and in driving lanes, elevator lobbies, and stairwells, with a minimum rating of 100 lux. Paint walls white using semi-glossy or glossy paints for greatest visibility. These measures can deter crimes and help in the prevention of accidents with both vehicles and pedestrians as these lighting procedures and color choices allow both drivers and pedestrians to see better.
- Stairwell walls should be avoided or made of transparent materials, such as Plexiglas. This allows users of the facility to have warning of trouble in the area and discourages criminals from lurking in the area.
- Cameras should be paired with panic alarms or emergency call boxes that are colored bright red to increase visibility. The recording device can record everything happening in the area if the alarm is used. In addition to discouraging crimes, this also provides evidence for use by officers if the incident requires investigation later.
- Open lots necessitate control of access points. If possible, a high chain link fence is ideal. In other cases, lower fences, rows of dense shrubbery, or addition of No Trespassing parking lot signs that remind individuals the property is private and provide a deterrent effect psychologically.
- Plantings of trees or high shrubs in the interior of the lot should be avoided as these tend to limit visibility. Lighting must be sufficient to allow users to see movement at night time at a distance of at least 75 feet and recognize features of the face from a distance of at least 30 feet. Overall illumination must be a minimum of 30 lux both day and night.
- Lot attendants need to patrol the area regularly instead of remaining in their booths for the entire shift. This practice is even more important after sunset. If armed security officers are employed to manage this task, the results are even better.
Businesses that adopt the measures discussed above for parking lot safety will find the areas for which they are responsible will be safer as well as more secure for everyone using them. Parking lot signs are an important part of the overall safety protocol.
A recent study has revealed that owners of parking garages and lots are often targets of liability lawsuits when crimes occur on the property they own. Offenses precipitating lawsuits are often violent and may include rape, robbery, or murder. Proper posting of appropriate parking lot signs may reduce the chance of a lawsuit.
The locations where such crimes occur may vary widely. Parking areas associated with manufacturing facilities, office buildings, and shopping centers, as well as apartments and parking garages, can all become the target of the lawbreakers. In cases where management or owners are found as liable resulting judgments and pretrial settlements often exceed $1 million. In cases of homicide, families of the victims may be awarded multiple millions.
Other studies concerning the issue have resulted in general guidelines that can be used in order to make the parking area a safer place for anyone using them. Recommendations from these studies include:
- Monitoring the area through the use of closed circuit televisions. The fact of the use of CCTV should be displayed on parking lot signs displayed at multiple locations throughout the area. Color digital cameras offer better protection than analog or black and white cameras. They offer better image resolution and detail.
- Lighting can deter criminal activities. In interior parking areas, the lights should provide a minimum of 60 lux at pavement level. Aim for an average uniformity ratio of 4.1 or lower. Conduct luminosity tests at several times throughout a 24-hour period. The construction of garages often means natural light provides little aid as most of the sun's rays are blocked. Light levels need to be higher in areas of entries and exits and in driving lanes, elevator lobbies, and stairwells, with a minimum rating of 100 lux. Paint walls white using semi-glossy or glossy paints for greatest visibility. These measures can deter crimes and help in the prevention of accidents with both vehicles and pedestrians as these lighting procedures and color choices allow both drivers and pedestrians to see better.
- Stairwell walls should be avoided or made of transparent materials, such as Plexiglas. This allows users of the facility to have warning of trouble in the area and discourages criminals from lurking in the area.
- Cameras should be paired with panic alarms or emergency call boxes that are colored bright red to increase visibility. The recording device can record everything happening in the area if the alarm is used. In addition to discouraging crimes, this also provides evidence for use by officers if the incident requires investigation later.
- Open lots necessitate control of access points. If possible, a high chain link fence is ideal. In other cases, lower fences, rows of dense shrubbery, or addition of No Trespassing parking lot signs that remind individuals the property is private and provide a deterrent effect psychologically.
- Plantings of trees or high shrubs in the interior of the lot should be avoided as these tend to limit visibility. Lighting must be sufficient to allow users to see movement at night time at a distance of at least 75 feet and recognize features of the face from a distance of at least 30 feet. Overall illumination must be a minimum of 30 lux both day and night.
- Lot attendants need to patrol the area regularly instead of remaining in their booths for the entire shift. This practice is even more important after sunset. If armed security officers are employed to manage this task, the results are even better.
Businesses that adopt the measures discussed above for parking lot safety will find the areas for which they are responsible will be safer as well as more secure for everyone using them. Parking lot signs are an important part of the overall safety protocol.
Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Sherlock Holmes - The First of a Long Line of Crime Scene Investigators
The adventures of Sherlock Holmes began in 1887 with the publication of A Study in Scarlet
, the first of four novels and 56 short stories penned by British author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Few fictional characters have survived the test of time, but Holmes continues to thrill, and yet befuddled many readers to this day. Motion pictures and TV documentaries keep the legend alive.
Holmes and Watson-a Dynamic Duo
The exploits of Holmes, and his roommate and biographer, Dr. John H, Watson, have fascinated countless generations of crime fans eager to learn more about this London-based "consulting detective," whose uncanny abilities defy normal thought-processes of most Holmes devotees. Through skillful narration, using the words of Holmes, Watson and also third-person script, Conan Doyle mesmerized his followers with Holmes' use of logical reasoning, the ability to devise virtually any form of disguise, all coupled with an in-depth knowledge of forensic science.
Author Conan Doyle stated that the inspiration for Homes was the persona of Dr. Joseph Bell, for whom he clerked at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. He also admitted to using snippets from lecturer, Sir Henry Littlejohn.
Keeping Track of the Criminal Population
A system of criminal identification was implemented in Europe prior to Conan Doyle's introduction of his master detective. Alphonse Bertillon. a French anthropologist, introduced his system of anthropometry, a method requiring precise measurements of the bone structures of incarcerated criminals. Bertillon's formula of measurements was used to verify the re-arrest of the criminal element. It was not until 1903, as a result of the Will West/William West case, in which these two convicts had identical anthropometry measurements, they looked alike, but their fingerprints did not match. Soon after this, anthropometry was shelved to make way for the new science of fingerprint identification. As it turns out--Will and William West were identical twins.
The Introduction of Fingerprint Science
During this same fateful year when fingerprint identification was heralded as a new science, Conan Doyle published the Adventures of the Norwood Builder, in which a bloody fingerprint provides a solid clue to the nature of the crime in question.
Fingerprint identification reigns-supreme as a virtually infallible means of identification. But some forensic specialists would challenge this determination, countering that DNA profiling is a far more accurate means of identifying a perpetrator. No doubt this debate will rage on for some time to come.
The CSI Phenomenon
One of the most successful television dramas of the past decade is "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Along with its progeny, CSI Miami and CSI New York, this series has done more to influence how crimes are solved than all of the textbooks on the subject combined. Unlike so many "cop shows," the CSI-series has created a new public awareness-to the point that many affected crime victims expect their particular brush with the criminal element to be solved within an hour (less the time for commercials), using futuristic methods and crime scene equipment. The CSI characters utilize the most innovative forensic examination equipment and work in pristine, shiny new laboratories equipped with every conceivable evidence discovery, evaluation and identification tool imaginable. But just taking into account the economic stress most crime labs are feeling, cost often outweighs practicality.
No doubt, most people would agree that Sherlock Holmes was the ultimate model for today's CSIs, even if they never read a single one of Conan Doyle's novels or short stories. The very name serves as a monument to the fictional character that frequently set forth from his lodgings at 221b Baker Street to pursue evil-doers wherever their crimes may have occurred.
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, the first of four novels and 56 short stories penned by British author, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Few fictional characters have survived the test of time, but Holmes continues to thrill, and yet befuddled many readers to this day. Motion pictures and TV documentaries keep the legend alive.
Holmes and Watson-a Dynamic Duo
The exploits of Holmes, and his roommate and biographer, Dr. John H, Watson, have fascinated countless generations of crime fans eager to learn more about this London-based "consulting detective," whose uncanny abilities defy normal thought-processes of most Holmes devotees. Through skillful narration, using the words of Holmes, Watson and also third-person script, Conan Doyle mesmerized his followers with Holmes' use of logical reasoning, the ability to devise virtually any form of disguise, all coupled with an in-depth knowledge of forensic science.
Author Conan Doyle stated that the inspiration for Homes was the persona of Dr. Joseph Bell, for whom he clerked at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. He also admitted to using snippets from lecturer, Sir Henry Littlejohn.
Keeping Track of the Criminal Population
A system of criminal identification was implemented in Europe prior to Conan Doyle's introduction of his master detective. Alphonse Bertillon. a French anthropologist, introduced his system of anthropometry, a method requiring precise measurements of the bone structures of incarcerated criminals. Bertillon's formula of measurements was used to verify the re-arrest of the criminal element. It was not until 1903, as a result of the Will West/William West case, in which these two convicts had identical anthropometry measurements, they looked alike, but their fingerprints did not match. Soon after this, anthropometry was shelved to make way for the new science of fingerprint identification. As it turns out--Will and William West were identical twins.
The Introduction of Fingerprint Science
During this same fateful year when fingerprint identification was heralded as a new science, Conan Doyle published the Adventures of the Norwood Builder, in which a bloody fingerprint provides a solid clue to the nature of the crime in question.
Fingerprint identification reigns-supreme as a virtually infallible means of identification. But some forensic specialists would challenge this determination, countering that DNA profiling is a far more accurate means of identifying a perpetrator. No doubt this debate will rage on for some time to come.
The CSI Phenomenon
One of the most successful television dramas of the past decade is "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation." Along with its progeny, CSI Miami and CSI New York, this series has done more to influence how crimes are solved than all of the textbooks on the subject combined. Unlike so many "cop shows," the CSI-series has created a new public awareness-to the point that many affected crime victims expect their particular brush with the criminal element to be solved within an hour (less the time for commercials), using futuristic methods and crime scene equipment. The CSI characters utilize the most innovative forensic examination equipment and work in pristine, shiny new laboratories equipped with every conceivable evidence discovery, evaluation and identification tool imaginable. But just taking into account the economic stress most crime labs are feeling, cost often outweighs practicality.
No doubt, most people would agree that Sherlock Holmes was the ultimate model for today's CSIs, even if they never read a single one of Conan Doyle's novels or short stories. The very name serves as a monument to the fictional character that frequently set forth from his lodgings at 221b Baker Street to pursue evil-doers wherever their crimes may have occurred.
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Self-Defense and Your Personal Environment
I've often heard it said that the best way to win a fight is to not be in one in the first place. Likewise, the best way to defend yourself is through crime prevention. Crime prevention hinges on knowing yourself and your environment and responding appropriately to changes in either. Failure to heed changes in your personal environment can have serious consequences. This can be particularly true when it comes to preventing crime and maintaining a safe, secure environment. For purposes of this story the word environment refers to our personal world or sphere of involvement and the things that can occur whether negative or positive to affect that world. Our home, the interior specifically represents the primary environment. This is, as a rule where we tend to feel safest. Areas outside our home whether it be our yard, neighborhood or the local community at large represents our secondary environment. Through familiarity we are comfortable here yet cautious as we are exposed to greater risk. Areas not as familiar to us represent the third or tertiary environment. Here we've moved beyond our home, neighborhood, city, state or even country. Unless we've planned in advance we are totally exposed with no support network or knowledge of what to expect. In considering this concept think about how we respond when there are gross changes in the natural environment. When we are warned of impending storms, hurricanes, tornados, floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters we immediately began taking precautions aimed at keeping us safe and secure.
I've always had an interest in helping others as well as anything relating to crime prevention, self-defense, safety and security. In writing this I'm reminded of the time in my own life when chance more so than prudent observation, planning and action prevented what could have turned out to be a more serious situation. It also made me think of when I first became aware that my own personal environment had changed.
I grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, home to Fort Bragg and the 82nd Airborne Division. My dad was a military serviceman and my mom a homemaker. In 1969 my dad moved us from a small apartment in a less than desirable part of town to a new home in a newly developed subdivision. It provided the safe, secure environment most people seek when choosing a place to live. We kids had a great time growing up there. Residential use of home protection systems was, for the most part unheard of. Neighbors knew and looked out for one another. There were times we'd gone to bed leaving doors unlocked or windows open yet awaken safe and sound with nothing visibly disturbed however, time would change that.
After graduating high school I enlisted in the U.S. military and served for approximately eight (8) years. Upon my discharge I returned to Fayetteville with a new wife. We lived in my parent's home until I was able to secure stable employment. In the meantime my wife became pregnant with our first child. A house had become available just around the corner from my parent's home. It had belonged to one of my former classmates. We were able to purchase the home and set about raising our family. I was elated as this neighborhood had afforded me a safe and memorable childhood and I hoped it would be the same for my own children.
At first things were relatively quiet as we settled into our new home then, a funny thing happened. One day, while working in my front yard I heard the sound of screeching tires and wailing sirens. They sounded quite close so I instructed my daughter who'd been outside playing to go inside. Concerned about what might be happening I followed a short time afterwards. A moment later a man appeared at our front door and began shaking the handle in a desperate attempt to enter. As I started for the door he took off. I opened the door and looked to my right to see the man sprinting down the street towards a large field near a wooded area. Looking to my left I saw a number of police officers in hot pursuit. a short time later officers caught the man, holding him at gunpoint until he was secured.
As they took the man away I stood in my doorway somewhat stunned at what had just happened. Had my door been open this man may have very well placed myself and my family in great danger in the interest of escaping police. I'd always heard about such things happening in other places but here it was unfolding in front of me, in my world, my environment. An environment wherein for so many years we'd been used to leaving doors and windows unlocked. Thank goodness by chance I'd locked the door behind me on this particular day. I reassured myself that this was probably an isolated incident however, time would prove otherwise. I still live in the same home, in the same neighborhood. My children are grown now and since that time there have been other instances of police quelling disturbances or pursuing suspects throughout the neighborhood. The positive side to this is that it has forced me to become vigilant, to assess my personal primary and secondary environments on a daily basis. As you go throughout your day be prudent. Take the time to stop, look, listen, learn, plan and act.
"The Prudent Warrior"
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I've always had an interest in helping others as well as anything relating to crime prevention, self-defense, safety and security. In writing this I'm reminded of the time in my own life when chance more so than prudent observation, planning and action prevented what could have turned out to be a more serious situation. It also made me think of when I first became aware that my own personal environment had changed.
I grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, home to Fort Bragg and the 82nd Airborne Division. My dad was a military serviceman and my mom a homemaker. In 1969 my dad moved us from a small apartment in a less than desirable part of town to a new home in a newly developed subdivision. It provided the safe, secure environment most people seek when choosing a place to live. We kids had a great time growing up there. Residential use of home protection systems was, for the most part unheard of. Neighbors knew and looked out for one another. There were times we'd gone to bed leaving doors unlocked or windows open yet awaken safe and sound with nothing visibly disturbed however, time would change that.
After graduating high school I enlisted in the U.S. military and served for approximately eight (8) years. Upon my discharge I returned to Fayetteville with a new wife. We lived in my parent's home until I was able to secure stable employment. In the meantime my wife became pregnant with our first child. A house had become available just around the corner from my parent's home. It had belonged to one of my former classmates. We were able to purchase the home and set about raising our family. I was elated as this neighborhood had afforded me a safe and memorable childhood and I hoped it would be the same for my own children.
At first things were relatively quiet as we settled into our new home then, a funny thing happened. One day, while working in my front yard I heard the sound of screeching tires and wailing sirens. They sounded quite close so I instructed my daughter who'd been outside playing to go inside. Concerned about what might be happening I followed a short time afterwards. A moment later a man appeared at our front door and began shaking the handle in a desperate attempt to enter. As I started for the door he took off. I opened the door and looked to my right to see the man sprinting down the street towards a large field near a wooded area. Looking to my left I saw a number of police officers in hot pursuit. a short time later officers caught the man, holding him at gunpoint until he was secured.
As they took the man away I stood in my doorway somewhat stunned at what had just happened. Had my door been open this man may have very well placed myself and my family in great danger in the interest of escaping police. I'd always heard about such things happening in other places but here it was unfolding in front of me, in my world, my environment. An environment wherein for so many years we'd been used to leaving doors and windows unlocked. Thank goodness by chance I'd locked the door behind me on this particular day. I reassured myself that this was probably an isolated incident however, time would prove otherwise. I still live in the same home, in the same neighborhood. My children are grown now and since that time there have been other instances of police quelling disturbances or pursuing suspects throughout the neighborhood. The positive side to this is that it has forced me to become vigilant, to assess my personal primary and secondary environments on a daily basis. As you go throughout your day be prudent. Take the time to stop, look, listen, learn, plan and act.
"The Prudent Warrior"
ExperTrans language - multilingual services
ExperTrans voice-overs services
ExperTrans interpreting translation services
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