Career As a Criminal Profiler
Criminal profilers or forensic psychologists create psychological profiles based on evidence gathered during a criminal investigation. Profilers are often used on "cold cases," which are unsolved criminal cases not under current investigation. Other profilers are employed at the Federal Bureau of Investigation as supervisory special agents.
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Education
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There are many different paths to becoming a criminal profiler, but most involve at least a four-year degree in some sort of psychology, forensics or criminal justice major. Law enforcement and self-study experience may prove to be a substitute for college education. The Federal Bureau of Investigation requires a bachelor's degree, but does not require a specific field of study. The FBI employs profilers with significant experience in its organization.
Duties
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A criminal profiler's main duties consist of investigating crime scenes, police reports, and interviewing witnesses to understand the mind of the criminal behind the case. The profiler spends a significant amount of time going through files, making notes and researching evidence. A criminal profiler may also work as an expert witness for lawyers to prove or disprove an insanity defense, or to explain the psychological state of a criminal.
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Job Environment
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The job environment depends greatly on where the criminal profiler is employed. Many profilers split their time between an office environment and field work. Profilers may be called upon to look at crime scenes and analyze any evidence left behind. According to Pat Brown, an independent criminal profiler, most of a profiler's time is spent behind a desk, looking at reports and photographs to piece together what has happened.
Salary
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According to Simply Hired, the average salary of a criminal profiler is $60,000, as of 2010. This salary varies depending on what type of organization the profiler is working for, and many profilers supplement their income with related work.
Job Prospects
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Criminal profiling is a highly competitive career and few employment opportunities exist. One of the most prominent employers of profilers is the FBI, and entrance requirements are strict. Many times a prospective profiler needs 10 or more years as a special agent before being seriously considered for an FBI profiling job.
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References
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