ABSTRACT
Over the years, the authors have assisted investigators in better understanding the significance of materials seized from violent sexual offenders. Some materials, such as items taken from rape victims, are routinely seized by the police when found in the possession of the offender. However, it is common to learn that the significance of these and other items is not recognized by investigators, prosecutors, or mental health professionals. Seemingly innocuous items such as newspaper articles that are apparently unrelated to the crime, books, and real estate listings may play an important role in a greater understanding of the sexual offender and his criminal behavior.
