Introduction
Professionals in law enforcement often utilize criminal profiling as an approach to analyze crimes and uncover solutions. Employing this strategy, a general overview of the presumed offender is generated by meticulously examining and assessing the behavioral and material proof that has been collected. (Harcourt, 2019). During the 19th century, the practice emerged in the United States. The Behavior Science Unit of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) evolved in the latter years of the 20th century due to the rise of criminal profiling, which obtained prominence in criminology. It has been used in several nations to assist in apprehending culprits and is an indispensable instrument in criminal probes. This article will examine the concepts, techniques, real-world applications, ethical concerns, and the advancement of criminal profiling into a modern research technique.
Psychological theories
Under the psychodynamic hypothesis, a person’s demeanour and actions can be moulded by childhood difficulties, past events, and latent urges that could potentially increase the possibility of committing a crime. Conversely, someone who was nurtured in a physically or emotionally abusive household is more inclined to react cruelly when they execute crimes. The external factors that impact an individual’s behaviour are the core emphasis of behavioural theory (Turvey, 2019). The notion assists in determining circumstances in which mistreatment or proximity to aggression could be catalysts for criminal behavior. Profilers can pinpoint similar traits and patterns that could help predict prospective actions. In particular, profilers employ this notion to identify the offender’s intent in slated crime scenarios. Cognitive theories imply that humans choose actions depending on how they comprehend and view their surroundings. This helps examine the multiple causes for someone to commit a crime. In this regard, an offender is more likely to engage in acts of violence once they have a flawed viewpoint of reality.
Methods and techniques
Petherick and Brooks (2020) argue that criminal profiling approaches encompass psychological knowledge, statistical analysis, and analytical abilities. For instance, forensic and material proof deposited at the crime location needs to be thoroughly investigated during criminal analysis. This approach proves crucial to separating chaotic and coordinated criminals according to how they execute their offences. Conversely, geographical profiling requires using the crime site to determine the perpetrator’s residence or place of business. This method assumes criminals commit crimes in familiar areas or near their homes. Potential suspects can be identified as profilers who can narrow the search area. Investigative psychology relies on the application of psychological theories to examine criminal behavior.
On the other hand, victimology studies the relationship between the offender and the victim. Profilers analyze the victim’s background, habits, and lifestyle to obtain information about the offender’s motives and potential characteristics. The perpetrator’s profile can be developed by comprehending the connections and vulnerabilities of the perpetrator.
Inductive criminal profiling is linked to developing a psychological pattern of characteristics and the eventual expression of those symptoms. This approach makes statistically based racial generalizations and inferences. A less popular form of profiling is deductive criminal profiling. It may be likened to the Sherlock Holmes technique in that the profiler has a flexible mind and evaluates all claims, hypotheses, and ideas presented, irrespective of how illustrious the information source may be.
Case Study: BTK Killer
Dennis Rader, famously known as the BTK killer, acquired this monicker from his modus operandi, which involved binding, torturing and killing. According to Richmond (2022), he was active from 1974-1991 in Wichita, Kansas, where he committed ten murders. Criminal profilers identified him based on the patterns observed at the crime scene. His offender profile suggested that he was probably a male between 30 and 40, white and employed. It also indicated that he fancied authority, was possibly involved in law enforcement and had predatory tendencies. It was not until 2004 that Rader resurfaced by sending letters and taunting messages to authorities explaining his atrocities. He was eventually caught in 2005. This case showcases the effectiveness of criminal profiling, whereby analyzing motives, patterns, and habits became instrumental in capturing him.
Critical Evaluation
The moral implications of prejudice and secrecy have to be analyzed in depth. There is a chance that bias will lead to erroneous verdicts. Detectives must preserve objectivity while sticking to ethical guidelines for profiling to be fruitful. This technique cannot be incorporated without sufficient information or in cases where the offender has no specific patterns. The availability bias may arise when the profiler only focuses on some aspects of the case, ignoring other important elements. In addition, profilers may be inclined to look for evidence that supports their assumptions instead of focusing on the facts and details of the case.
Conclusion
Criminal profiling has made it easier for offenders to be identified, caught and sentenced. This has decreased unsolved cases while ensuring that the law tries offenders. Even so, it can only be relied on partially; therefore, additional approaches must be considered. To operate ethically, the guidelines and principles must be adhered to to ascertain that the decision arrived at is made with impartiality.
References
Harcourt, B. E. (2019). Against prediction: Profiling, policing, and punishing in an actuarial age. University of Chicago Press.
Petherick, W., & Brooks, N. (2020). Reframing criminal profiling: a guide for integrated practice. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 28(5), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2020.1837030
Richmond, J. (2022). BTK – Bind, Torture, Kill. Independently Published.
Turvey, B. E. (2019). CRIMINAL PROFILING : an introduction to behavioral evidence analysis.
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