What is Criminal Behavioral Profiling?
Criminal behavior profiling is used by criminal justice professionals to identify and capture criminals. Crime scene analysis, statistical evidence and psychology are combined to develop a personality type that best fits with the crime committed. Criminal behavior profiling is most often associated with the work of the Behavioral Science Unit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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History
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Criminal behavioral profiling dates back to the 1800s, when it was used unsuccessfully in the pursuit of "Jack the Ripper," who murdered several women in England. It was most notably championed by FBI agents Robert Ressler and John Douglas in 1976 when they conducted extensive interviews with dozens of serial killers. By studying these interviews and compiling criminal histories, Ressler and Douglas developed the foundation of criminal profiling that is still in use today. Psychology has greatly contributed to the art of criminal profiling and many psychologists now specialize in investigative psychology. The FBI's Behavioral Science Unit now trains agents to develop criminal profiles.
Significance
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Before the inception of behavior analysis, criminal investigators relied on physical evidence alone to capture criminals. The work of Ressler and Douglas opened the doors to advanced techniques in compiling evidence and developing theories based on the psychological aspects of violent crime, patterns of criminal behavior, the socioeconomic background of criminals, motives and crime scene evidence that may have otherwise been ignored. Criminal profiling allows investigators to put themselves in the shoes of offenders in order to gain a better understanding of their psychological state of mind when they committed their crimes.
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Features
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Among elements of criminal behavioral profiling are crime scene analysis---including the forensic examination of blood stains and wounds that are present on the victim---crime organization, victimology, level of violence, evidence or lack of evidence of sexual assault, and criminal behavior after the crime has been committed. Together, these features help investigators develop a working theory of why the motive for the crime, the manner in which the crime was committed, and when and where the perpetrator might commit another crime.
Misconceptions
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The major misconception about criminal profiling is that it is an exact science. Countless movies and television shows depict criminal investigators who nearly always are able to identify the perpetrator. The reality, however, is that even after decades of research and application of profiling methods, there is no way to scientifically pin down patterns of criminal behavior.
Future of Criminal Behavioral Profiling
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Advancements in technology have improved law enforcement agencies' ability to capture violent offenders. This new technology, combined with developments in the field of psychology, is likely to further improve the science of criminal profiling. Because more and more law enforcement officials are studying criminology and psychology at college level, officials will be better prepared to understand criminal behavior and successfully capture offenders.
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