NCJ Number
105957
Date Published
1987
Length
56 pages
Annotation
This investigative behavioral analysis of child molesters considers offender typologies, 'situational' compared to 'preferential' offenders, pedophiles' collection of child pornography, pedophiles' use of computers, pedophiles' reaction to identification, and investigative difficulties.
Abstract
In discussing offender typologies, the paper notes that pedophiles are not always child molesters, and child molesters are not always pedophiles. For the purpose of child molestation investigations, the most helpful typology, developed by Park Dietz, divides all sex offenders into 'situational' and 'preferential.' The 'situational' child molester does not have a true sexual preference for children but engages in sex with children for varied and complex reasons. The 'preferential' child molester has a definite sexual preference for children. Subcategories of these two broad categories of child molesters are described. This typology is applied to combinations of sexual deviations, sex rings, incest, female offenders, and adolescent offenders. Since law enforcement investigations verify that pedophiles almost always collect child pornography, the paper discusses the types of material collected, motivation for collecting it, and uses of the collection. The paper also discusses pedophile's use of computers for storing and retrieving information on victims and other pedophiles, communication with other pedophiles, for an electronic bulleting board, and for business records. Pedophile's reactions to identification include denial, minimization, justification, fabrication, and attempts to elicit sympathy. Major investigative difficulties are that the child is an ideal victim, isolation of affect, the definition of sexual activity, and societal attitudes. 9 references.