Criminal Profiling: Real Science of Just Wishful Thinking

2426 Words5 Pages

Criminal profiling is an investigative technique used by many law enforcement agencies notably the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the analysis of elusive criminals through studying their criminal profiles. Profiling is usually done on basis of the type and nature of crime. Usually studies are conducted as to the offenders whereabouts and occupation before, during and after a particular crime was committed. After this, evidence is then combined against the different types of personalities and a fitting description of the criminal is able to be formulated. However, it is important to note that in any criminal profiling attempt, the criminal psychological mind must be described fully by their actions during and after the crime. For instance, if the criminal tried to hide something from the scene of crime, it probably would indicate that they are meticulous and therefore acquiring the criminal’s social disposition is very viable.

Criminal profiling is not just something that one as a law enforcement officer, jumps up to. It is usually done by forensic experts who have anatomical knowledge and are conversant with the criminal mind and culture. According to Fintzy (2000), it requires diligence, brainpower and the ability to query assumptions and presumptions. Thus a normal police officer would be confused when left to decipher the cause of a particular crime and would appear completely subdued if told to deduce the profile of the possible criminal. Criminal profiling itself as a process of deciphering criminals and their actions, began in 1969 and was advanced by the FBI (Turvey, 1997). According to many psychological experts on crime scenes, the scene of crime should and will always tell of the offender’s psychological disp...

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Muller, A. Damon. (2000). Criminal Profiling Real Science or Just Wishful Thinking? University of Melbourne, 2000. Retrieved on 26th May, 2011 from http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/academic/ddl/viol_cr/files/readings/reading22.pdf

Turvey, E. Brent. (1997). "The Role of Criminal Profiling in the Development of Trial Strategy". Knowledge Solutions; 61535 S Hwy 97, #9-148; Bend, OR 97702. Retrieved on 26th May 2011, from http://www.corpus-delicti.com/Trial_Strategy.html

Winnerman, L. (2004). Criminal profiling: the reality behind the myth. American Psychological Association. Retrieved on 25th May 2011, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug04/criminal.aspx

Wagner, D. (2006). ‘Criminal profiling 'between science and art'. The Arizona Republic. Retrieved on 25th May, 2011 from http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-08 24-criminal-profiling_x.htm

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