Analysis of Different Offender Mindsets

Understanding Criminal Minds

Allowing the mind to think strategically is a powerful asset, but for a criminal, that type of mindset can be a different process. The mind stores vast knowledge, giving humans the ability to learn and carry out daily tasks; it is one of the major organs that allows us to live. As a result, individuals use their minds every day to accomplish objectives such as using mathematical skills, working in retail, or planning every detail in their unstable mind to complete their task. The usage of our mind separates us non-criminals from those who are. Each type of criminal develops a different mindset, putting them in a specific group. These three types of criminals are categorized by their criminal minds.

Psychopaths

Psychopaths tend to approach their tasks in a sloppy and unorganized manner, rarely putting any thought into their actions. Their work distinguishes them from all other minds, as they almost always leave evidence behind, such as fingerprints, footprints, and other forms of DNA (Hare, 1999). They do not care how they finish their task, as long as they travel from point A to B successfully. Their thought process has many holes, which greatly disables them in terms of getting away with their task. Psychopaths have poor judgment and an absolute failure to learn from experience. They cannot be reasoned with; once their mind is set on a certain task, they plan to carry it out. They will keep repeating the same intent over and over, no matter the consequences. Their mind does not allow them to distinguish right from wrong or the difference between reality and delusions. They have a specific loss of insight, seeing only what their mind wants them to see and having little to no control over it. This is why they always think someone is out to get them or feel that an entity is telling them to do horrific tasks. Psychopaths are influenced by their unstable minds, making them a unique threat to society (Cleckley, 1988).

Sociopaths

Sociopaths, on the other hand, are quite different from psychopaths and are often labeled as the “wise” criminals because they always rely on their intellect. Studies show that the majority of sociopaths come from professional career backgrounds, explaining their high intelligence (Lykken, 1995). Sociopaths calculate their moves coldly because it is in their nature to do so. They are without a doubt smart and precise. They have no problem using all their resources to accomplish a task. Sociopaths tend to use others as pieces in their game, solely for personal gain. They are professional pathological and compulsive liars, making it very difficult to identify them. They are so skilled at lying that they believe and convince those around them. Sociopaths lack empathy towards others' emotions and have no connection to feel. Often, they will put on a “show” to fool others, but because this is second nature to them, they can get away with falsifying emotions. They do not feel sympathy for others, disabling them from feeling remorse or the innate ability to reciprocate feelings. They do not understand the emotional consequences of their actions, often believing what they are doing is right. Sociopaths relish in their work because they’ve spent time blueprinting, studying, and analyzing methods and outcomes to achieve their result (Hare, 1999).

The Criminally Insane

Typically, this next group is both interesting and complicated because the criminally insane are in a category that sets them apart from the others. The insane can be viewed as handicapped “crazy” people, whose illnesses have taken a toll on them, preventing them from being integrated into society for their own sake and that of others (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). They are often unaware of their actions and act on impulse, doing what comes to mind because it feels natural. They tend to develop personality disorders, assuming another identity. They show bipolar actions, such as being ordinary one minute and unstable the next. Sometimes, the criminally insane are not aware they are insane. Schizophrenia and dementia are examples of these illnesses. The criminally insane express aggressive behavior, often refusing to be apprehended by authority. They become paranoid for no valid reason but still think everyone is an enemy. The criminally insane are influenced by their illness, yet often don’t realize it, making them mentally handicapped and even more dangerous than the others (Freeman, 1980).

Conclusion

When thought about clearly, all three types of criminal minds have distinctive similarities as well as obvious differences. The mind is a powerful tool, either for the right or wrong reasons. Psychopaths have no blueprint to their plan, while sociopaths spend their time ensuring there are no holes in theirs, and the criminally insane lack the luxury of planning altogether. What they all have in common is that they all use their mind as a weapon, underscoring the importance of understanding these distinct mindsets to better address criminal behavior in society.

References

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• Cleckley, H. (1988). The Mask of Sanity. C.V. Mosby Company.
• Freeman, H. (1980). Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System. Harvard University Press.
• Hare, R. D. (1999). Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us. Guilford Press.
• Lykken, D. (1995). The Antisocial Personalities. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.