The Perception of the Active Killer Phenomenon in Poland

Abstract

In this article, the author addresses two research questions: How is the phenomenon of the active killer defined in Polish criminal law and in documents regulating the preparation and operational activities of the Polish Police? To what extent does the phenomenon of the active killer pose a real threat to public safety and order in Poland? Accordingly, two research hypotheses were formulated and confirmed in light of the conducted analyses and presented research findings: In Poland, attacks are carried out using the active killer mechanism, which pose a real threat to public safety and order; Polish criminal law and documents regulating Police activities lack a unified and consistent definition of the active killer phenomenon, which hinders its clear classification and effective prevention. The first part of the article presents the definitional aspects of the analyzed phenomenon, while the subsequent sections offer an analysis of crimes committed on Polish territory using the active killer modus operandi. The article is further supported by the author’s original research, conducted between 2019 and 2023 as part of doctoral proceedings.