The ability to analyze a crime scene and then use the information discovered to determine who a perpetrator might be is the foundation of modern criminal profiling. This process was first used in the 1950’s when similarities and patterns in specific criminal behavior were discovered. By following these patterns and applying the information learned from crime scenes, profiles can be developed to assist law enforcement agencies in finding what may be an unknown criminal. There are some clear advantages to this process, but there are some potential disadvantages as well.
The Pros of Criminal Profiling
1. It provides investigative information.
If no one has seen who committed a crime, and there is no closed-circuit television available, then criminal profiling can provide law enforcement officials with an idea of who to look for based on the evidence that is seen. They may even be able to predict where a future crime may take place.
2. It allows for a heightened level of victim protection.
If law enforcement officials know that an unknown criminal is targeting specific demographics of people, then they can warn those demographics and moved to protect them so that they don’t also become a victim of a crime.
3. Personal characteristics help to solve investigations.
Criminal profiling often involves the inclusion of an age demographic, a potential criminal history, the marital status of the potential suspect, and even personality traits that they may have in common. Although no physical description typically comes from this sort of profile, these traits allow for an investigation to begin.
The Cons of Criminal Profiling
1. Profiles are based on educated assumptions.
For a crime that is being investigated through a criminal profile, all the suspect needs to do is be outside of that profile to get away with the crime. That’s because law enforcement officials won’t be looking with in the profile of where the suspect is. They’ll be looking toward the assumed profile instead.
2. Information is added to a profile that is not based on facts.
A classic error in a criminal profile is to make personal assumptions about the perpetrator of the crime. Bank robbers don’t always rob banks because they are living in poverty. A serial rapist may not be a single man. When stereotypes are included, then the wrong suspects may be looked at and guilty people can be excluded from suspicion.
3. Criminal profiling is based consistency.
Although people tend to be routine orientated, different situations can cause people to react in different ways. Just because someone always does the same thing every day does not guarantee that they will do the same thing again if they suspect law enforcement officials are after them.
Criminal profiling has been used successfully to track down unknown suspects and many crimes around the world. Is it a perfect psychological science? That question depends upon the individual perspective. By weighing the pros and cons of criminal profiling, each person can decide on their own if the practice has any merit.
