Definition of a Criminal Profiler

Profiling a criminal

During violent crime investigations, many police departments and victims' families depend on a criminal profiler to analyze physical evidence to determine a perpetrator's behavioral patterns. The profiler's strong logical thinking abilities and thorough research skills are essential during the investigative process to pinpoint the real criminal.

Background

Most criminal profilers have worked in police departments or in a specialized agency, such as the FBI. The first step toward learning the ins and outs of a profiling career is to take courses led by veteran criminal profilers and crime experts. Subjects include crime reconstruction, methods of serial homicide investigation, forensic pathology and criminal profiling methodology. Also, assisting a seasoned profiler with an active case will help a novice gain experience and confidence. Although it's rare for civilians to become involved in profiling, there are a select few who have achieved success and have earned respect in this specialized field.

Qualities

The criminal profiler must possess intuitive thinking abilities and a strong intelligent sensibility to make correct judgments while working on a case. Drive and determination are important too. Unlike TV crime profilers, a real profiler might take many months or even years to track down the true criminal, such as a serial killer. Patience and the willingness to face all odds are essential when the profiler deals with a victim's family or runs into dead-end results that will impede the progress of an investigation.

Focus

Criminal profilers spend many hours going through a case file, reading police reports and studying crime photos. By interviewing detectives, witnesses and the victim's family and friends, the profiler evaluates possible circumstances leading up to the crime. Visits to the crime scene and previous places where the victim might have had contact with the perpetrator are essential in coming up with possible motives. The profiler usually develops an insight into the victim's struggles or last moments. After determining the behavioral patterns of the perpetrator, the profiler envisions being in his shoes by reenacting possible scenarios and copying habitual behavior--for example, sipping a straw loudly or hesitating to enter a crowded restaurant. The profiler also makes an effort to understand the reasoning behind the violent crime, such as a murder, and why the criminal might attack again.

Risks

A profiler's job can be risky, especially because of the possibility of coming face-to-face with a killer. Safety preparation requires maintaining full alertness, counting on back-up law enforcement personnel and having the common sense to step away from a threatening situation to avoid a dangerous confrontation with the criminal.

Significance

Despite long work hours and stressful and challenging situations, the criminal profiler remains dedicated to the job. By finding facts of a crime through scientific and cumulative analysis, the profiler is an essential partner to any law enforcement department. To help catch the real criminal and deliver justice, the profiler must continue on with an investigation, no matter what.

References

• Daly City, California: Police Department

Resources

• The Society for Investigative Criminal Profiling