Profiler Job Description
The term "criminal profiling" refers to the branch of forensic psychology that deals with the psychological assessment of people suspected of criminal acts. Though criminal profilers have been glamorized in television and film, pursuing a degree in profiling requires years of intensive study and training.
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Education
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A career in criminal profiling typically requires an extensive education--earning master's and/or doctorate dgrees--in psychology and criminal justice. Coursework in forensic psychology, behavioral science, forensics, law, sociology, criminal investigation and criminal theory provides a strong foundation for a career as a criminal profiler.
Required Skills
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Criminal profilers must be able to think critically and infer logical conclusions from a minimal amount of evidence. He must have strong verbal and written communication skills, and be able to read and understand scientific data. He must also have an understanding of statistics.
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Job Duties
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A criminal profiler's primary function is to create a psychological profile of a criminal suspect that may be used to solve a crime. She examines evidence related to crime scenes or criminal acts and conducts interviews with witnesses and victims to establish a pattern of behavior that may characterize a potential suspect. Additionally, she may testify at criminal trials as an expert witness.
Employment
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Criminal profilers typically work with law enforcement agencies at the state or federal level, although he may also work in academic settings or as an independent consultant. Potential sources for employment include the National Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Central Intelligence Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Security Agency or with international law enforcement agencies such as Interpol.
Earning Potential
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Potential salaries for criminal profilers vary widely, based on education, training, experience and employer. In May 2008, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported psychologists earned a median income of $64,140 with the median income for psychologists working in state government slightly lower at $63,710. Detectives and criminal investigators earned a median income $60,910, with salaries tending to be higher for people employed by federal government agencies.
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References
- Photo Credit expression image by Daniel Wiedemann from Fotolia.com
