Handbook of Behavioral Criminology

This multidisciplinary volume assembles current findings on violent crime, behavioral, biological, and sociological perspectives on its causes, and effective methods of intervention and prevention. Noted experts across diverse fields apply a behavioral criminology lens to examine crimes committed by minors, extremely violent offenses, sexual offending, violence in families, violence in high-risk settings, and crimes of recent and emerging interest. The work of mental health practitioners and researchers is shown informing law enforcement response to crime in interrogation, investigative analysis, hostage negotiations, and other core strategies. In addition, chapters pay special attention to criminal activities that violate traditional geographic boundaries, from cyberstalking to sex trafficking to international terrorism.

Among the topics in the Handbook:

·         Dyadic conceptualization, measurement, and analysis of family violence.

·         School bullying and cyberbullying: prevalence, characteristics, outcomes, and prevention.

·         A cultural and psychological perspective on mass murder.

·         Young people displaying problematic sexual behavior: the research and their words.

·         Child physical abuse and neglect.

·         Criminal interviewing and interrogation in serious crime investigations.

·         Violence in correctional settings.

·         Foundations of threat assessment and management.

The Handbook of Behavioral Criminology is a meticulous resource for researchers in criminology, psychology, sociology, and related fields. It also informs developers of crime prevention programs and practitioners assessing and intervening with criminal clients and in correctional facilities.

Vincent B. Van Hasselt, Ph.D., is Professor of Psychology and Director of the Family Violence Program at Nova Southeastern University. He is also editor of Aggression and Violent Behavior: A Review Journal and Journal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse. Dr. Van Hasselt has served as lecturer and consultant to the FBI’s Behavioral Science, Crisis Negotiation, and Law Enforcement Communication Units, and is part of the Bureau’s Crisis Prevention and Intervention Program. His clinical and research interests are in the areas of crisis and hostage negotiations, police stress and mental health, critical incident response, and the emerging field of behavioral criminology. Dr. Van Hasselt is also a certified police officer with the Plantation, Florida, Police Department.