There are thousands of crimes happening every day in the US and around the world, with their malicious purposes and aims to differ from case to case. However, the basic structure of each crime, whether it is a burglary, arson, or murder, remains the same. According to Gulati (2021), there are four distinguishable phases of a crime – intention, preparation, attempt, and accomplishment. Each one of these phases is equally important and offers an insight into the mind of the criminal depending on the way they go about each phase. Understanding the different personality types and psychological profiles that act in particular ways during the phases allows forensic profilers to recognize patterns of criminal behavior and help prevent further crimes.
Intention, the initial thought of committing the crime, can be easily overlooked as part of the crime. However, it is vital to both find the culprit and to judge him or her fairly in the court of law. Furthermore, although intention without action is not punishable, it can help recognize those individuals that must be monitored, helping keep society safe. Preparation, which involved the gathering of the necessary resources (Gulati, 2021), is the phase at which the crime is still preventable and, in some cases, already punishable. Although the culprit has not yet at this stage committed the physical criminal act, if the profilers know what sort of preparation is required for each crime, some of them might be prevented. For example, if someone is planning a kidnapping, they might be flagged at the local store for buying tape, rope, bags, and other materials that might seem suspicious as a concoction.
Attempt and accomplishment, the third and fourth phases of a crime respectively, differ in the sense that an attempt is a failed crime. If the culprit either decides not to commit the crime or fails for some external reasons, then the attempt phase might be the last one. However, the culprit will likely try again. Therefore, the accomplishment phase might be achieved. Nevertheless, for the profilers to recognize the distinction between the two, as well as the signs of attempt, can help them prevent accomplishment.
Reference
Gulati, H. (2021). Understanding the Stages of Crime. Lawctopus CLATalogue.