Tag: Forensic Science

Extraordinary menacing facts about psychopaths in the workplace uncovered

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When we think of the word psychopath fear comes to mind for many of us. The simple fact is that those who are psychopaths may very well be sadistic enough to find pleasure in the pain they cause. Sadly, a psychopath in the workplace can cause immeasurable damage to those at their mercy. Forensic Darkness aims to expose this very real threat so that those suffering can find hope and peace.

Workplace psychopaths

According to the FBI, corporate psychopaths may play mind games as well as lack empathy toward others (Babiak & O’Toole, 2012). Further, these psychopaths may only show emotion when manipulating others, making it even more difficult to gauge what’s real from fake and toxic.

Workplace psychopaths’ might display the following traits:

  • Narcissism and the attitude of being better than you.
  • Cruelty without remorse or guilt for the pain they cause.
  • Sadism, physical stimulants, excitement, and thrill at the pain they cause.
  • Charming attitude meant to throw you off their selfish and hurtful intentions.

Early warnings of a psychopath

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, psychopathy is an offset of antisocial personality disorder (di Brito & Hodgins, 2009). Early antisocial behaviors begin in young children who show signs of rebellion early on. Sadly, over time a child who suffers continual abuse not only learns to adapt but may very well be studying their abuser to demonstrate the practice of not just abuse, but deception and manipulation. Subsequently that same child may then master the art of cutting off their emotions just to survive. It’s as if the abused child adapts to a life void of emotions simply because if they allow their emotions to take over, they might shut down completely.

Although antisocial behaviors can be present in youth, a person is usually not diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) until they become an adult. This is because ASPD only becomes a disorder when the behaviors are chronic (de Brito & Hodgins, 2009). In the case where the abused child becomes a teen, they would then need to be diagnosed with conduct disorder; also known as the repeated violation of laws before being considered for psychopathy (Lahey, 2008). But think, if the child is not diagnosed or caught for their childhood crimes then the child’s path to becoming a psychopath goes unnoticed.

Chronic antisocial behavior includes:

  • Lifelong acts without remorse
  • Impulsivity
  • Irritability

The worst part of dealing with a psychopath in the workplace is the damage they do to others. Moreover, people who suffer from certain mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression are the most vulnerable to these often-cruel psychopaths at work. Working for a boss who is a psychopath can cause you to lose confidence in your work, as well as undermine your potential. You might also find yourself awake all night dreading what the next day will bring. Either way, the blow to your emotional, physical, and mental spirit is now both painful and life changing. For some, they develop anxiety at the thought of returning to a similar work setting going forward.

Nevertheless, you have the right to be treated with respect without discrimination or harassment. If you feel that you have suffered emotional damage resulting in your job loss, you may need to find an attorney. Therapy may also be required to help you heal from the damage that was done to you. For information and help, or if you plan to sue your boss for discrimination or harassment, visit NOLO a legal website that offers not only legal information but actual help from attorneys ready to assist you with your case.

The fight ahead

Moreover, while human resources at your company needs to know what you are going through, it is your job to keep documentation of all incidents even if you believe the event is not worth documenting, just write it down. Often abusers will start with small acts of abuse only later to escalate the intensity of their abuse as time goes on; so please take the time to care for yourself daily. Know that you are worth more than the abuse you are given. If you are the victim of abuse whether at work or home visit the Victim Connect Resource Center for a full list of resources available to help you during this trying time. You can also call or text 1-855-484-2846 to find out where you can call for help.

Undoubtedly, we all deserve respect, especially in the workplace; and here at Forensic Darkness our goal is to arm you with help, resources and support to see you to a brighter new day. If you, or someone you know is suffering from a workplace psychopath, send them this post. We cannot sit by, and watch others trample the innocent; instead, we need to be aware of the very real dangers that psychopaths in the workplace can wreak. Thank you for your visit today. Be sure to subscribe to Forensic Darkness and follow us on social media!

References:

Babiak, P. & O’Toole, M. (2012) The Corporate Psychopath FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Retrieved March 19th, 2023 from https://leb.fbi.gov/articles/featured-articles/the-corporate-psychopath

de Brito, S. A., & Hodgins, S. (2009). Antisocial personality disorder. In M. McMurran & R. Howard (Eds.), Personality, personality disorder, and violence: An evidence-based approach (pp. 133–153). Wiley-Blackwell.

Lahey, B. B. (2008). Oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and juvenile delinquency. In T. P.

Beauchaine & S. P. Hinshaw (Eds.), Child and adolescent psychopathology (pp. 335–369). John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

“Jack the Ripper” Part II

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Lessons for Modern Forensic Investigators

By Victor J. Fisher

March 24, 2023

As we reflect on the Jack the Ripper case and the advancements in forensic science since then, there are several key lessons that we, as modern forensic investigators, can take away.

The Importance of Preservation
One of the most significant challenges faced by the investigators in the Ripper case was the lack of crime scene preservation. The contamination of evidence due to the absence of gloves, inadequate methods of evidence collection, and the sheer number of people present at the crime scenes highlights the  importance of modern-day crime scene preservation techniques.

The Value of Collaboration
The Ripper investigation saw collaboration between the police, medical professionals, and even the media. While this collaboration was far from perfect, it demonstrates the value of sharing information and resources among various disciplines in order to solve complex cases.

The Necessity of Skepticism
Many false leads and sensational claims were made throughout the Ripper investigation, often fueled by the media frenzy surrounding the case. Modern investigators must remain skeptical and avoid being swayed by unverified information, ensuring that their focus remains on the evidence.

The Evolution of Profiling
The rudimentary criminal profiling conducted by Dr. Thomas Bond in the Ripper case has since evolved into a sophisticated and invaluable tool for modern investigators. Today’s profilers use a combination of psychology, criminology, and behavioral analysis to create detailed profiles of unknown subjects, often narrowing the pool of potential suspects significantly.

The Power of Technology
Finally, the advancements in forensic technology since the 1880s cannot be overstated. From DNA analysis and fingerprinting to digital forensics and advanced imaging techniques, modern forensic investigators have a wealth of tools at their disposal that would have been unimaginable to their 19th-century counterparts.

As we continue to delve into the darkness, let us remember the lessons learned from cases like Jack the Ripper and strive to improve our methods, techniques, and understanding of the criminal mind. Only then can we truly stand as guardians against the shadows that lurk within our society.

In closing, the tale of Jack the Ripper remains an enduring reminder of the importance of forensic science and the pursuit of truth in the face of unspeakable evil. While we may never uncover the true identity of the Ripper, we can honor the victims by continuing to shine a light into the darkness and seeking justice for all who have been wronged.

Until next time, dear readers, stay curious, stay vigilant, and remember: the darkness may be vast, but our quest for knowledge and justice is relentless.

Yours in darkness,

Victor J. Fisher

A Case of Forensic Darkness: “Jack the Ripper”

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Retrospective Analysis & Case Study

By Victor J. Fisher

4–5 minutes

Introduction

Greetings to all you darkness aficionados, Victor J. Fisher here, founder of the Forensic Darkness Organization, and your humble guide through the gruesome and macabre. Today, we embark on a historical journey back to 19th-century London, where we’ll examine the infamous case of Jack the Ripper through the eyes of a modern-day forensic investigator. So, buckle up and prepare yourselves for a wild ride through the foggy streets of Whitechapel, where a shadowy figure once preyed on the unsuspecting. Just remember, dear readers, that while we may jest in the face of darkness, we never lose sight of the respect owed to the victims of these horrific crimes.

“Jack the Ripper”

For those unfamiliar with Jack the Ripper (though I doubt there are many), he was an unidentified serial killer active in the impoverished Whitechapel district of London in 1888. The Ripper’s victims were typically female prostitutes, and he was known for his brutal mutilations and dissections of the human body (Evans & Skinner, 2001). Despite an extensive investigation, the identity of Jack the Ripper remains a mystery to this day, which is perhaps why he’s become such a notorious figure in the annals of crime.

Forensic Techniques of the Time

The 1880s were the infancy of forensic science, and the methods employed by the investigators in the Jack the Ripper case were, well, let’s just say “rudimentary” compared to what we have now. I mean, we’re talking about a time when fingerprints weren’t even a thing yet. However, the investigators did make some notable attempts to solve the case using the tools they had at their disposal.

  1. Autopsies One of the first steps in any murder investigation is the autopsy, and the same was true in the Ripper case. The autopsies of the victims were performed by Dr. Thomas Bond, a well-respected surgeon of the time, who provided detailed reports on the injuries inflicted upon each victim (Evans & Skinner, 2001). Although the autopsies themselves were quite thorough, they, unfortunately, yielded little information that could lead to the identity of the killer.
  2. Crime Scene Analysis
    The investigators of the Ripper case attempted to piece together the sequence of events by analyzing the crime scenes. They looked for patterns in the locations, times, and types of injuries inflicted upon the victims, as well as any potential evidence left behind by the killer (Rumbelow, 2004). Though modern-day forensic investigators would likely scoff at the lack of gloves and DNA analysis, it’s important to remember that these men were pioneers in the field, doing their best with the limited knowledge they had.
  3. Witness Statements
    In the absence of physical evidence, the investigators turned to eyewitness accounts to try to piece together the identity of the killer. Unfortunately, the statements gathered were often contradictory, and many witnesses were considered unreliable due to the foggy conditions and poor visibility in Whitechapel at night (Rumbelow, 2004). It’s no wonder the case remains unsolved – if only they’d had my keen eye for detail!
  4. Profiling
    Surprisingly, the concept of criminal profiling was utilized in the Ripper case, albeit in a more primitive form than what we’re accustomed to today. Dr. Thomas Bond, the aforementioned autopsy surgeon, provided a profile of the killer based on the injuries inflicted upon the victims, suggesting that the Ripper had some anatomical knowledge and was likely a man of solitary habits (Evans & Skinner, 2001). While this may seem obvious in hindsight, Bond’s attempt at profiling was groundbreaking for its time and laid the foundation for the development of modern criminal profiling.
  5. Media Involvement
    The media played a significant role in the Ripper investigation, both as a source of information and as a hindrance. Newspapers published letters allegedly written by the killer, the most famous of which was the “From Hell” letter, which was accompanied by a piece of a human kidney (Evans & Skinner, 2001). While these letters generated public interest and fear, they also muddied the waters and made it difficult for investigators to separate fact from fiction.
Conclusion

Looking back at the Jack the Ripper case through the lens of a modern forensic investigator, it’s clear that the techniques and resources available at the time were woefully inadequate to solve such a complex and high-profile case. However, it’s also important to acknowledge the efforts of the investigators who worked tirelessly to bring the killer to justice, despite the limitations they faced. They were, in many ways, the pioneers of forensic investigation, and their work laid the foundation for the advancements we enjoy today. As we stand on the shoulders of these giants, we must continue to learn from the past and push the boundaries of forensic science to ensure that the darkness is never allowed to prevail. After all, it’s not every day that you get to walk in the footsteps of history’s most infamous serial killer – and I, for one, intend to make the most of it.

References

Evans, S. P., & Skinner, K. (2001). Jack the Ripper: Letters from Hell. Sutton Publishing.

Rumbelow, D. (2004). The Complete Jack the Ripper. Penguin Books.