ABSTRACT
Despite these potential problems, a number of studies have shown that it is statistically possible to link crimes using certain subsets of behavioral information (e.g., Bennell & Canter, 2002; Grubin et al., 2001; Santtila et al., 2008; Tonkin, Grant, & Bond, 2008; Woodhams & Labuschagne, 2012). However, such statistical approaches to linking have not been adopted into widespread practice; rather, linking decisions are often made using the behavioral clues that are deemed relevant by individual practitioners (see Chapter 8 for a discussion of these issues). Few studies have examined the extent to which human judgment can result in accurate linking decisions (Canter et al., 1991; Tonkin, 2012). The purpose of this chapter is to review the findings of the few studies that do exist, discuss some of their limitations, and propose strategies for conducting studies that may move this field of research forward.
