Criminal profiling - a technique

Criminal Profiling

Criminal profiling is a technique used by investigators to identify specific characteristics of offenders through a thorough examination of forensic evidence, the location of the crime, and the victims. Criminal profiles are used by investigators to evaluate crime trends and learn about criminals; a subset of detectives known as behavioral psychologists conduct criminal profiles. While all detectives are familiar with criminal profiling, behavioral psychologists undergo particular training in that area. Despite being a controversial approach, the use of criminal profiling in the investigation process has increased in recent years. The technique is widely utilized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation behavioral science unit to crack serious crimes; the underlying principle behind criminal profiling is to collect enough information about a crime so that investigators can formulate a personality description of a criminal whose identity is unclear.

The Importance of Criminal Profiling

Criminal profiling is a fact. In scenarios where investigators cannot link a particular suspect or suspects to a specific crime, criminal profiling comes in handy. Criminal or behavioral profiles facilitate the investigative process in different ways. Criminal profilers use the information they collect from the crime scene to develop cross-examination strategies that mainstream detectives use while interviewing suspects (Muller, 2000). It is a tool detectives use to identify motives behind certain crimes, thus helping them build strong cases against suspects. Criminal profiling assists investigators in narrowing down on a small group suspects who fit the personality description developed by criminal profilers. Narrowing down on particular suspects eliminates waste of resources and time on many people. Having insights into the psychology of offenders helps criminal profilers understand how a criminal might have behaved when committing the crime (Muller, 2000). Detectives have in the past used the technique to identify and apprehend serial killers like Teddy Buddy.

The Growing Field of Criminal Profiling

Criminal profiling is a field that has attracted the interest of many people. Though still developing, it is a field that detectives have come to appreciate in recent years. It provides investigators with an opportunity to get into the minds of criminals, understanding their behaviors, motivations, and even location.

References

Muller, D. A. (2000). Criminal Profiling Real Science or Just Wishful Thinking?. Homicide Studies, 4(3), 234-264.