NCJ Number
95778
Date Published
1984
Length
13 pages
Annotation
'Copycat' crime, in which a crime is copied from a television program or media portrayal of an actual criminal event, is a phenomenon which requires further systematic and complete research.
Abstract
Currently, no empirical or theoretical discussions deal exclusively with this phenomenon. However, considerable anecdotal evidence has appeared, particularly in publications dealing with mass media and its effects on behavior. The present review of a sample of incidents considered to be 'copycat' crimes revealed identifiable similarities among incidents. The 'copycat' criminals seemed to fall into at least four groupings with some overlap. 'Mode' copiers were those who already intended to commit a crime and who received a method from the media event. 'Group' copiers were those who copied acts in groups. The other two categories were mentally ill or mentally deficient copiers, terrorists, and threateners. The theoretical framework for future research should include this grouping or modifications as more systematic data clarify the appropriate dimensions of study. The case study is currently the most valuable approach to researching 'copycat' crimes. Later, laboratory studies will be useful. Fifteen references are listed.