Thematic Analysis of Criminal Justice Professionals on Criminal Behavior

Within this qualitative thematic analysis of professionals in the field of criminal justice, there is an emphasis on how multiple perspectives are an important factor to consider when understanding what aspects contribute to criminal behavior. It explores continuous misinterpretations of crime within the media, primarily regarding genetics and how prevalent serial murder truly is in society. The purpose of this study is to answer the research question: How do professionals in and adjacent to the field of criminal justice in the United States perceive representations of criminal behavior in the media? Through semi-structured interviews with 4 participants with a profession in criminal justice within the United States, it enables for an in-depth analysis of personal experiences with crime. This study mainly focuses on discussing thematic connections between participants and how their respective occupations have impacted their viewpoints, allowing for a deeper understanding of how these common misconceptions in media are formed.