Criminal Profiling

When profiling a perpetrator, should criminal profilers use more than one method, or stick to one?

It is obvious that there is much research and practice that needs to be done in the area of criminal profiling; however, I believe the information that needs to be obtained can only be done by continuing to use criminal profiling methods.

You've seen it on TV, you've read about it in books, but do you really understand criminal profiling? Learn about this romanticized career and how they help with investigations.

Racial profiling is not a new concept. About a century ago, a certain Lombroso used scientific rigor to paint the picture of the "atavist", or the born criminal. It was a theory that didn't work, because crime knows no borders.

Criminal profiling is an important part of homicide investigations. A profile based on stereotypes or weak assumptions, however, can lead investigators, and the public, to overlook the serial killer next door.

Many of these murderers were abused and/or neglected beyond any "Normal Persons" comprehension, in their childhood. Normally at the hands of one or both parents or someone of authority.

This article explains the history of the Behavioral Science Unit and criminal profiling.