Sunday, January 26, 2020
Psychological Assessment of Richard Ramirez
Psychological Assessment of Richard Ramirez Purpose of Assessment Richard Ramirez, also known as the Night Stalker is currently sentenced to capital punishment for multiple counts of murder, attempted murder, sexual assaults, and burglaries. For a final request before his death, Mr. Ramirez has requested a psychological assessment be conducted as to evaluate his mental health when committing his crimes. In order to conduct the assessment, I will be reviewing Mr. Ramirezs criminal history and prior events leading up to his crimes analyzing any patterns relevant to the assessment. In concluding the review of Mr. Ramirezs history, I will conduct a psychological assessment and determine in my professional view any mental illness Mr. Ramirez has and state the symptoms he may have using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS-V; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Description of the Crime Between the years of 1984 and 1985, Mr. Ramirez committed several acts of sexual assault, murder, attempted murder, and burglaries until his arrest on August 29, 1985 (Crime Investigation, 2014). Mr. Ramirezs first victim, Jennie Vincow, was burglarized and sexually assaulted during a burglary in her home (Crime Investigation, 2014). Nine months after the death of Jennie Vincow, Mr. Ramirez attacked Angela Barrios and killed her roommate, Dayle Okazaki (Crime Investigation, 2014). However, unsatisfied with the results from his assault that evening, Mr. Ramirez stabbed Tsai Lian Yu in the same night (Crime Investigation, 2014). Throughout the next five months, Mr. Ramirez repeated the same assault with his victims, in which, his attacks escalated rapidly that had murdered, injured, and sexually assaulted 22 other people until his arrest (Crime Investigation, 2014). Prior to his criminal convictions, Mr. Ramirez had a criminal record from his youth that had began with petty crimes such as robberies in 1977 placing him in juvenile detention (Crime Investigation, 2014). Years later, Mr. Ramirez engaged in criminal acts such as burglary and car theft in 1983 which led to a sentence in jail where he was released in April 1984. Psychological History Mr. Ramirezs social history has exhibited persistent patterns of exposure of criminal behaviour and violence. At and early age, Mr. Ramirez was exposed to an abusive nature as his father was abusive (Famous People, 2016). During his childhood, Mr. Ramirez was influenced by his older cousin, named Mike, which had told and shown pictures of violent acts that he acquired while serving in the Vietnamese War, introduced Mr. Ramirez to drugs, and had killed his wife in the presence of Mr. Ramirez (Crime Investigation, 2014). As an adolescent, Mr. Ramirez moved to San Francisco, then Los Angeles. While residing in San Francisco and Los Angeles, he had continued petty theft crimes to fuel his drug addiction as he then used cocaine and LSDs, which led Mr. Ramirez in an interest of Satanism (Famous People, 2016). With being exposed to violence and crime, Mr. Ramirez dropped out of high school and ventured into criminal acts (Famous People, 2016) Current Psychological Functioning In this section of the assessment, I will conduct an analysis of Mr. Ramirezs criminal history and the relationship between any potential mental disorders that may lead to any recidivism. This section will discuss two subtopics. First, I will provide a quick assessment of Mr. Ramirez in relations to Conduct Disorder and the symptoms outlined by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-V; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Second, I will then assess Mr. Ramirez for psychopathy using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R; Hare, 2016). Conduct Disorder According to the Diagnosis and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), Conduct Disorder refers to a repetitive and persistent pattern of behaviour in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated (p. 469). In order to be diagnosed with Conduct Disorder at least three of the following 15 criteria must be shown within 12 months, with at least one characteristic present within 6 months (American Psychiatric Association, 2013): Bullies, threatens or intimidates others Often initiates physical fights Has used a weapon that can seriously cause physical harm to others Has been physically cruel to people Has been physically cruel to animals Has stolen while confronting victim Has forced someone into sexual activity Deliberately engaged in fire setting with intention of causing serious damage Destroyed others property (other than fire setting) Broken into someone elses house, building, or car Often lies to obtain goods, favours, or to avoid obligations Stolen items of nontrivial value without confronting the victim Staying out at night despite parental prohibitions Runs away from home overnight at least twice while living with a guardian or once without returning for a lengthy period of time Is often missing from school Based on the details of Mr. Ramirezs report and the diagnosis of Conduct Disorder that Mr. Ramirez does acquire the symptoms of the mental illness. Mr. Ramirez exhibits ten out of the possible symptoms listed above. During childhood and adolescent years, Mr. Ramirez would have often dealt with using drugs with his older cousin, Mike, and missed/dropped out of school to pursue a life of crime. With all of his victims, Mr. Ramirez has displayed violent intentions by intimidating, torturing, and sexually assaulting his victims before physically harming or killing them with either a knife or a gun. In assaulting and murdering his victims, Mr. Ramirez would initially engage in burglarizing his victims houses and cars. The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) The definition of psychopathy can be defined as persuasive emotional and interpersonal deficits, impulsivity and antisocially (Hosker-Field, Molnar, Book, 2016). To measure psychopathy on an individual, the use of a psychological instrument called a Psychopathy Checklist-Revised is used as it assesses the characteristics of psychopathy by reviewing any reports, interviews, or various sources of the individual to determine their level of psychopathy (Storey, Hart, Cooke, Michie, 2016). During the assessment of the PCL-R, it is comprised of two factors. The first factor or Factor 1, is comprised of the interpersonal and affective characteristics of psychopathy (Hare Neumann, 2010). The second factor or Factor 2 reflects more of the antisocial characteristics of the individual (Hare Neumann, 2010). The total of characteristics being applied are 12 with six characteristics in both factors. On a point system of 0 to 2, a score of 18 and over out of 24 will determine that the individua l is have psychopathy. A score that is 12 or under will determine that the individual is a non-psychopath. As a result of the PCL-R assessment, Mr. Ramirez had scored a 9 out of a possible 12 in Factor 1, and scored a 9 out of a possible 12 in Factor 2. In conclusion, Mr. Ramirez, in my professional opinion meets the criteria of being a psychopath in the assessment of the PCL-R. Relevant Psychological Function Based on Mr. Ramirezs criminal history and the early exposure of violent and criminal life events, the most relevant theory for understanding his criminal behaviour is the trauma-control model. Trauma-control model argues that with the combination of predispositional factors, such as biological, sociological, and psychological factors, and early traumatic events interact with other factors over the individuals life may determine their criminal psychopathy (Correction Service Canada, 2007). At a young age, Mr. Ramirez witnessed his cousin, Mike, killed his wife, which may have increased his development of psychopathy and with being surrounded with criminal and violent influences it could have increasingly developed his psychopathy even more when Mr. Ramirez started to use drugs such as cocaine and LSD (Famous People, 2016). Relating trauma-control model to Mr. Ramirezs history, by residing in an environment that had engaged with criminal, violent, and drug abuse activities it increase d the development of psychopathy. References Hare, R. D., Neumann, C. S. (2010). The role of antisociality in the psychopathy construct: Comment on Skeem and Cooke (2010). Psychological Assessment, 22(2), 446-454. doi:10.1037/a0013635 Hosker-Field, A. M., Molnar, D. S., Book, A. S. (2016). Psychopathy and risk taking: Examining the role of risk perception. Personality and Individual Differences, 91, 123-132. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2015.11.059 Storey, J. E., Hart, S. D., Cooke, D. J., Michie, C. (2016). Psychometric properties of the Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) in a representative sample of Canadian federal offenders. Law and Human Behavior, 40(2), 136-146. doi:10.1037/lhb0000174 Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. (2013). Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association. Richard Ramirez Biography. (2016). Retrieved November 15, 2016, from http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/richard-ramirez-6730.php Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker. (2014). Retrieved November 13, 2016, from http://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/crime-files/richard-ramirez-the-night-stalker The Role of Escalating Paraphilic Fantasies and Behaviours in Sexual, Sadistic, and Serial Violence: A Review of Theoretical Models. (2007). Retrieved November 13, 2016, from http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/research/shp2007-paraphil06-eng.shtmls. (2007). Retrieved November 13, 2016, from http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/research/shp2007-paraphil06-eng.shtml Dhingra, K., Boduszek, D. (2013). Psychopathy and criminal behaviour: A psychosocial research perspective. Journal of Criminal Psychology, 3(2), 83-107. doi:10.1108/jcp-06-2013-0014 Hare, R. D. (2016). Psychopathy, the PCL-R, and criminal justice: Some new findings and current issure. Canadian Psychology/Psychologie Canadiene, 57 (1), 21-34. doi:10.1037/cap0000041 Hare, R. D., Mcpherson, L. M. (1984). Violent and aggressive behavior by criminal psychopaths. International Journal of Law and Psychiatry, 7(1), 35-50. doi:10.1016/0160-2527(84)90005-0 Appendix A Psychopathy-Checklist Revised (Class Version) Factor 1 (Emotional/Interpersonal Symptoms) Item 1: Glib and Superficial0 1 2 Presentation is shallow and difficult to believe Display of emotions do not appear genuine Attempts to portray self in a positive light Tell unlikely stories; has convincing explanations for behaviour Uses technical language and jargon, often inappropriately Conversation and interpersonal behaviour are engaging Item 2: Egocentric and Grandiose0 1 2 View of abilities and self worth are inflated Self-assured and opinionated Exaggerates status and reputation Considers circumstances to be result of bad luck Sees self as the victim of the system Displays little concern for the future Item 3: Lack of Remorse/Guilt..0 1 2 Appears to have no capacity for guilt/no conscience Verbalizes remorse in an insincere manner Displays little emotion to actions Does not appreciate impact on others Concerned more with own suffering than with that of others Item 4: Lack of Empathy0 1 2 Cold and callous Indifferent to the feelings of others Unable to appreciate the emotional consequences of others Item 5: Deceitful and Manipulative0 1 2 Manipulates without concern for the rights of others Distorts the truth Deceives with self-assurance and with no apparent anxiety A fraud artist or con man Enjoys deceiving others Item 6: Shallow Emotions..0 1 2 Expressed emotions are shallow and labile Verbal and non-verbal expressions of emotion are inconsistent Factor 2 (Social Deviance Symptoms) Item 7: Impulsive.0 1 2 Does things on the spur of the moment (including crimes); spends little time considering the consequences of actions Frequently changes jobs, schools, or relationships A drifter; lives a nomadic lifestyle with frequent changes of residence Item 8: Poor Behavioural Controls0 1 2 Easily angered or frustrated, especially when drinking Often verbally abusive (swears, makes threats) Often physically abusive (breaks or throws objects; pushes, slaps, or punches people) Abuse may be sudden and unprovoked Outbursts are often short-lived Item 9: Need for Excitement.0 1 2 Easily bored; has difficulty doing things that require sustained attention Likes to do things that are exciting, risky, and dangerous Item 10: Lack of Responsibility.0 1 2 Behaviour frequently causes hardship to others or puts them at risk Unreliable as a spouse or parent; lacks commitment to relationships, fails to care adequate for children; etc. Job performance is inadequate; is frequently late, absent, etc., Untrustworthy with money; has been in trouble for defaulting on loans, not paying bills, not paying child support Item 11: Early Behaviour Problems.0 1 2 Conduct problems at home and at school as an adolescent In trouble with the law as a youth/minor Antisocial activities were varied and frequent Item 12: Adult Anti-social Behaviour0 1 2 Disregards rules and regulations; has had legal problems as an adult Has been charged with or convicted of criminal offences Antisocial activities are varied and frequent
Saturday, January 18, 2020
Police in a Democratic Society Essay
Police operation in a democratic society is characterized by several features, such as the allowance of the exercise of discretion while in the performance of official duties (Fairchild). Indeed, the use of discretion is a common feature in the exercise of powers by different practitioners in the field of criminal justice (Fairchild). The role of discretion in the criminal justice system is more critical than in any other discipline because it is here that the power of the state is aligned against the individual (Fairchild). For example, individuals face the possibility of loss of life, liberty and property as a consequence of conviction or mere accusation of the commission of a crime (Fairchild). Among the practitioners who are given discretion in the criminal justice system are correctional staff, police officers, and court-related personnel (Jones & Kerbs, 2007).            In particular, police discretion as a concept and a policy has developed largely because of the realization that the administration of justice is far from perfect (Jones & Kerbs, 2007). The imperfection lies in the failure of the criminal justice system to meet four necessary elements in the dispensation of perfect justice (Jones & Kerbs, 2007). These elements concern the absolute ability to apprehend law violators, identify law violators, identify the intent of law violators, and punish law violators (Jones & Kerbs, 2007). The dispensation of justice depends primarily on the actions of those individuals to whom it was entrusted, such as police officers, prosecutors and judges (Jones & Kerbs, 2007).            Discretion in the criminal justice system is not being employed by police officers alone. Other officers, such as court-related personnel, probation and parole officers, and correctional staff are also allowed to exercise discretion in the performance of their duties (Jones & Kerbs, 2007). The exercise of discretion by officers from different departments and jurisdictions of the law enforcement community all interrelate to the effective administration of justice.            Among court-related personnel, prosecutors and judges are the ones who use discretion the most (Jones & Kerbs, 2007). For example, prosecutorial discretion is exercised during plea negotiations or plea-bargaining (Jones & Kerbs, 2007). Prosecutors also exercise discretion in choosing the cases that should be presented before a grand jury (Jones & Kerbs, 2007). On the other hand, judges exercise discretion in handing down their decisions and rulings (Jones & Kerbs, 2007). Meanwhile, correctional personnel exercise discretion in coordinating programs in the supervision of offenders. In particular, discretion is exercised in the treatment of certain infractions and the decision to write disciplinary reports (Jones & Kerbs, 2007).            Police discretion, while it is very helpful in maintaining balance in the enforcement of laws, should be controlled in order to remove issues such as racism and discrimination that have been controversial in the past decades (Pepinsky, 1984). One example of a problem involving the exercise of police discretion is the perceived difference in police treatment of women vis-à -vis men, and whites vis-à -vis blacks (The New York Times Company, 2004). According to a Boston Globe study of police records, it is posited that women and whites are more likely to receive earnings rather than tickets, compared to their men and black counterparts, when they get stopped for identical traffic offenses (The New York Times Company, 2004). However, some police officers justify their decision to simply issue warnings on their belief that they are effective teaching tools to the public, compared to the issuance of tickets (The New York Times Company, 2004).            Discrepancies in the treatment of offenders, such as the one reported above, and consequently the negative perception on the abuse of discretion by police officers, can be accomplished by having clear rules that would identify good from bad discretion (Pepinsky, 1984). References Fairchild, E. S. Enforcement of Police and Law Enforcement Policy. Organiational        Structure and Control of Discretion in Police Operations, 442-449. Jones, M. & Kerbs, J. J. (2007). Probation and Parole Officers and Discretionary          Decision-Making: Responses to Technical and Criminal Violations. [Electronic        version]. Federal Probation 71(1), 9-16. Pepinsky, H. E. (1984). Better Living through Police Discretion. Law and Contemporary            Problems 47(4), 249-267. The New York Times Company. (2004). Retrieved November 11, 2007, from            http://www.boston.com/globe/metro/packages/tickets/072103.shtml
Friday, January 10, 2020
Purchasing Review Essay on Films Samples
Purchasing Review Essay on Films Samples If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Review Essay on Films Samples Offer your review a minumum of one editorial pass, before you believe it to be editorially sound. Each review is unique, that is precisely why it is tough to find two similar papers that concern precisely the same film, as every individual becomes impressed differently. In any instance, you can be positive this is a review, not feedback. The introduction for a movie review needs to be appealing, so the reader can find the feel of wanting to read more. Over the internet it is possible to discover unique examples in newspapers and movie review resources that provide the audience an overall caliber of the film. Dialogue snippets can and ought to be quoted to provide the review snappiness. Movie review writing is an enjoyable experience, especially whenever you have good examples at hand. A movie review structure can additionally have a recommendation. You are able to observe a movie review example for understanding how it's written. Therefore, if you were assigned to compose a movie review for the very first time, relax. Your thoughts will be distracted and you're able to get rid of focus. Ms. Gruwell in the movie managed to discover strategies to counter the rising educational issue. The story is all about choice and the simple fact that everybody has to make it. The entire story is all about Cobb who's actually a corporate raider whose job is to steal ideas from an individu minds as people dream. If you would like to make movies that force people to think about the consequences of racism or sexism, then sound off! Your review should leave the perfect impression, or so the reader will understand whether the movie is well worth watching. A vital movie revi ew example is a superb selection of how you're able to access the shortcomings portrayed by the movie and back your claims with factual evidence. It's possible to also hunt for good movie review examples online by which you can acquire a simple idea although the movie reviewed isn't similar. The sound of the film is original also. The plot of the movie is pretty original, complex and coherent at the very same moment. Or on account of the sci-fi genre based on the rules of which the movie has been made. No surprise that all of his other movies are extremely positive. There are only a few movies that hold one's breathe and do not permit it until the last sound. You need to be very attentive to every detail of the film even the ones which seem to don't have any meaning whatsoever. What's more, you'll have a superb chance to discover a new genre or an amazing director whose works are rather worthy. Students are made to compose critical essays on an assortment of topics. You might also have a look at scholarship essay examples. You may be interested in high school essay examples. In the event you were requested to compose a crucial essay about The Canterbury Tales, ensure that you are conversant with the material. The very first of which can act as an introduction before the last close in the event the author wishes to go over a couple of things before finishing off. Your professor is searching for cohesion in your paper, so if ideas in your essay aren't connected, it can produce the paper seem choppy. To do it the ideal way, bear in mind that the professor who will read your essay is just one of those folks too. Critical essay is a sort of academic writing. It can also open novel ways on how to approach the topic which can lead to further appreciation of it. An essential essay is intended to be informative, meaning all claims ought to be backed up by a credible evidence instead of simply stated because it strikes the author's fancy. Writing a critical essay gives us the opportunity to take a look at things from a different viewpoint. You could also see essay outline. You must further be certain any quotation must be suitably referenced to be able to prevent plagiarism.
Thursday, January 2, 2020
The Effects Of Lack Of Sleep Deprivation On Children
School should start later in the morning. Do teens know how many problems can come with the lack of sleep? with sleep deprivation comes many long term effects on people s mental and physical health.lacking sleep is a cause of depression, obesity ,and makes it hard to function in school. School shouldn’t start as early as it does.because, it s unhealthy and lowers academic scores. Lack of sleep puts teens at risk for mental and physical issues.Less amounts of sleep put teens at a higher risk for depression,obesity,and motor- vehicle accidents. Overall, short sleepers were 14% more likely to report symptoms of psychological distress on a standard test, effect was especially pronounced among young people who already suffered from anxiety; in this group, lack of sleep triggered more serious mental health problems like full-blown depression.Also lack of sleep can affect teens weight they can even become obese. Losing sleep tends to make people eat more and gain weight, and now a new study suggests that one reason may be the impact that sleep deprivation has on the brain.The research showed that depriving people of sleep for one night created pronounced changes in the way their brains responded to high-calorie junk foods. On days when the subjects had not had proper sleep, fattening foods like potato chips and sweets stimulated stronger responses in a part of the brain that helps govern the motivation to eat. But at the same time, the subjectsShow MoreRelatedSleep Deprivation : Symptoms And Treatments1417 Words  | 6 Pagesexperiencing sleep deprivation or not having enough sleep will cause one to be frustrated. It is not a decent experience to have. Whenever we have sleep deprivation or have little sleep, we become less productive and not concentrated the next day. As these things happen, bosses will scold us or we will fail our tasks. 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The truth is the human body needs sleep. â€Å"Sleep is essential for a person’s health and wellbeing†Read Moreinformative speech on sleep780 Words  | 3 Pages June 27, 2014 Topic: Long Term effects of Lack of Sleep General Purpose: To inform Specific Purpose: To inform the audience about the long term effects of lack of sleep Introduction: I. Attention Gainer: â€Å"Even though we burn more calories when we stay awake, losing sleep is not a good way to lose weight. The light sleepers ended up eating far more than those who get nine hours of sleep.†According to author Tara Parker-Pope of The New York Times publishedRead MorePsychology947 Words  | 4 Pagesentitled Lack of sleep ages body s systems. The basic claim of the article is that sleep deprivation has various harmful effects on the body. The reported effects include decreased ability to metabolize glucose (similar to what occurs in diabetes) and increased levels of cortisol (a stress hormone involved in memory and regulation of blood sugar levels). The article also briefly alludes (in the quote at the bottom of page 1) to unspecified changes in brain and immune functioning with sleep deprivationRead MoreHow Does Lack Sleep Affect 11-18 Year Old Adolescent?1142 Words  | 5 PagesHow does lack of sleep affect 11-18 year old adolescent? Introduction What is sleep? Sleep is â€Å"A condition of body and mind which typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the nervous system is inactive, the eyes closed, the postural muscles relaxed, and consciousness practically suspended†. People spend, on average, approximately a third of our life asleep. Along with eating, drinking and breathing, sleeping is one of the pillars for maintaining good mental and physical health.
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