Evidentia University made a significant contribution at the “19th Conference of the International Academy of Investigative Psychology,” held from June 12-14, 2024, in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. This prestigious event, which brings together experts and professionals in investigative psychology, provided a platform for Evidentia University to showcase its research and commitment to advancing forensic sciences.
The Aftermath of MOSAVE: Evidentia University on the Trail of The Beast
The presentation led by Professor Antonio Domínguez-Muñoz and co-authored by Jorge Jiménez Serrano, Alicia Juárez Bielsa, Andrés Sotoca Plaza, and Rafael M. López Pérez focused on the System for the Analysis of Validity in Evaluation (SAVE) applied to the notorious case of Luis Alberto Garavito, alias The Beast. Garavito, responsible for the murders of numerous children in Colombia, served as a focal point for testing the operational manual of MOSAVE (Model for the Analysis of Validity in Evaluations) published in 2022.
The research utilized Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to engage participants in real-world scenarios, aiming to uncover the burial sites of Garavito’s victims, allowing their remains to be returned to their families. This exercise demonstrated the integration of diverse investigative techniques and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Spanish law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including the Criminal Behavior Analysis Section (SACD) of the Guardia Civil, participated in this initiative, highlighting the importance of combining academic research with practical applications in criminal investigations.
The Importance of Conferences and Collaboration
Participation in such conferences facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas, methodologies, and the latest research findings among professionals in the field of investigative psychology. By participating in these academic gatherings, Evidentia University not only contributes to the global knowledge base but also strengthens its network with other leading institutions and professionals in forensic and behavioral sciences.
Collaborating with organizations such as the International Academy of Investigative Psychology (IAIP) and law enforcement agencies underscores the university’s commitment to practical and impactful research, ensuring that students are trained with the most recent and effective techniques in criminal profiling, behavioral economics, antifraud analysis, and lie detection.