We interviewed a psychic a few weeks ago (https://www.facebook.com/share/r/xKQ7WAUH4inx32cB/?mibextid=WC7FNe) to try to get a better understanding of how they can help police investigations solve crimes. You may remember that a psychic was used in the original investigation (https://www.murderinmortongrove.com/about-4) and it’s unclear whether the information they received was useful.
The use of psychics by police to solve crimes is a controversial and largely skeptical topic. While it does happen, it is not common and tends to generate mixed results.
Historical Context and Notable Cases:
Elizabeth Smart Case (2002): After Elizabeth Smart's kidnapping, psychics inundated Salt Lake City police with tips. None of the tips from psychics led to her rescue; instead, she was found by two couples who recognized her in public nine months later (https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/police-we-were-right-to-act-on-tip-about-bodies/).
Chandra Levy Case (2001): Psychics provided various, often conflicting, and incorrect theories about Chandra’s whereabouts. Her remains were ultimately discovered by chance in Rock Creek Park, Washington D.C., without any psychic involvement (https://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/12/10/court.psychics/index.html)
Allison DuBois: a psychic who gained notoriety by the television show Medium starring Patricia Arquette. She in fact was used by the police multiple times and had several successful resolutions (https://www.allisondubois.com), though most police departments later denied it.
Police Use and Skepticism:
Limited Use: Some law enforcement agencies have occasionally consulted psychics, especially under public pressure or when desperate for leads. For example, during the Atlanta Child Murders in 1980, the police consulted psychic Dorothy Allison but did not obtain useful information from her (Office of Justice Programs).
CIA Guidelines: while not common knowledge, the CIA actually created guidelines in the year 2000 for the use of psychics which include sections such as “When to Contact a Psychic” and “How They Work”. (https://www.cia.gov/readingroom/docs/CIA-RDP96-00788R000100280009-3.pdf)
FBI's Stance: The FBI does not hire psychics but allows them, like any other citizens, to provide tips that can be assessed. A study found that most large police agencies have never used psychics (Office of Justice Programs) .
Psychological Perspective:
Psychologists are grounded in evidence based practice. They explain that psychic abilities often stem from pattern recognition, processes below the level of active consciousness that configure and reconfigure the stimulus elements we’ve seen into patterns of greater or lesser semantic cohesiveness. These cognitive processes can sometimes feel like premonitions when they ultimately become accessible to our consciousness (Psychology Today). I myself am not so sure I agree, but that’s a blog post for another day!
Conclusion:
While psychics have occasionally been involved in police investigations, their contributions are typically viewed with skepticism, and their success rate is inconsistent. Police may use psychics more as a last resort or due to public pressure rather than as a standard investigative tool. Our psychic told us that she avoids these practices due to the large emotional burden criminal cases such as these entail, but did in fact share some theories. You’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out what she said! (Link)
What do you think? Have you ever consulted a psychic?? Tell us more below!
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