Frequently Asked Questions
Often Asked Questions
Were all case documents legally obtained?
Yes. All documents came from the inmate/defendant, his or her attorney, from public records and through a filing of a Freedom of Information Act request. Inmate family members provide vital background information on the inmate, often giving documents and family photographs.
How many handwritten letters does Criminology Research Project, Inc., have and how much are they worth?
Professor Blackwelder has letters from Charles Manson, Manson Family Members, Kenneth Bianchi, Wayne Williams, John Wayne Gacy, Dr. Ted Kaczynski, Ted Bundy, Heath Stocks and others. On eBay some of these letters have gone for as much as $1000 each.
How long has Criminology Research Project, Inc., been conducting research on crime?
Professor Blackwelder researched and wrote his very first term paper in 1963, his senior year in high school. This term paper was titled, "Crime in America." He became interested in "crime" and entered college to pursue his education in the fields of Sociology, Political Science, and Criminal Justice. From the time of his 1963 term paper he has constantly pursued research on the subject and taught college level courses for 17 years before retiring as well as offering his expertise to both prosecution and defense attorneys. In retirement, Professor Blackwelder and his Paralegal wife, Shirley, have continued this research.
How many people are employed by Criminology Research Project, Inc?
Professor and Mrs. Blackwelder conduct research regularly and are aided by an excellent Board of Advisors made up of psychiatrists, neurologists, sociologists, attorneys, a retired Court of Criminal Appeals Judge, a former United States Federal District Court Judge, educators, legal assistants, financial analysts, a State Circuit Judge, prosecutors, senior producers of major media outlets, social workers, and ministers, as well as law enforcement personnel.
How much time goes into researching an average case?
Adequate, quality research takes time and patience. Research on a particular case usually begins by someone telling the Blackwelders about a case that is "unusual.' Research usually starts with an Internet search using West Law and Lexus Nexus, legal research programs. Media outlets, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys and correctional facilities are contacted for information. Efforts are always made to interview the sentencing Judge and, if at all possible, with members of the jury. While there is no set pattern for conducting criminological research, the work usually starts with contact being made with the inmate and the inmate family members or just the opposite. In order for the research to be un-biased, the victims as well as the perpetrators are interviewed as well as their family members. Inmates always want to talk to someone “new” and, while not always the case, the inmate’s family members generally cooperate after finding that Criminology Research Project, Inc., is conducting professional research in an unbiased manner. Professional research requires the researcher to approach the case with no pre-conceived opinions as to guilt or innocence. The interview and investigation phases of the early research generally conclude with a second visit with the inmate and, at times, a second or third visit with the law enforcement investigators that actually “had” the case. Developing a sense of trust with the inmate, the inmate family members, as well as with the law enforcement personnel is important. Three to four weeks of investigation and interviewing is generally the norm for beginning case research.
Why does Criminology Research Project, Inc. charge nothing for its research if so much time and effort is required?
CRP, Inc., is dedicated to enriching the academic community through assisting students in better preparing themselves for the future. Recommended and required text books, alone, do not give the social science student up-to-date exposure to the subject. Professors, equally, do not have sabbaticals that enable them to stay abreast of the rapid changes within the various disciplines that make up the social sciences. Laws are constantly being changed, Court decisions are redefining laws and folkways and mores are in constant flux. Totally existing within just the academic community does not take into account the changing societal norms. Criminology Research Project, Inc., understands the parameters of the classroom and strive to approach academic research from a different view point. Combining the academic environment with up-to-date research is vital for a well-rounded college or university experience. Academic excellence coupled with real life experiences create a combination that provides the student with the best of both worlds. CRP, Inc., understands the economics of attending school and realizes that as the costs of tuition and books continue to rise it is it’s obligation to society to provide no cost, quality, up-to-date research materials to supplement the classroom experience. CRP, Inc., only charges for “actual expenses” and is set up as a non-profit research organization under IRS regulation 501 (3)c.
How does Criminology Research Project, Inc., make its services known?
Throughout his academic career as a Professor and Department Chairperson, Professor Blackwelder made a serious effort to assist students in learning well beyond the walls of a classroom. Students taking his classes enjoyed them and word spread that Professor Blackwelder’s classes were very interesting, informative and fun! Plus, students enjoyed getting to actually meet live serial murderers, ask questions and write reports based on more than information gathered from a book. The students were able to write and talk about actual real life experiences. While teaching, Professor Blackwelder included his students in his ongoing research. Since his retirement he has continued to get requests from former students and even former students' children who are now c ollege age. CRP, Inc. also has a professional designed web-site that is available world wide to anyone wanting to know about Criminology. A student in California can go to the CRP, Inc. web-site, review what is offered, and make instant contact with CRP, Inc. Professor and Mrs. Blackwelder do not keep regular hours but work as long as is necessary to fulfill a student's need. Generally, a research project can be e-mailed 'with attachment' or faxed within 24 to 48 hours and the requesting student never has to leave home. If the student's project must be sent USPS, there is a small handling and postage fee but this can be paid through PayPal right on the CRP, Inc., website. Search engines allow today's student to type in a particular word or phrase relating to criminology and, instantly, CRP, Inc. pops up on the screen.
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