Criminal Profiling

Aims of Profiling

1. Social and psychological assessments of offenders demographic profile, age, race, employment & marital status narrowing the field of suspects, including likely geo-field & repetition cycle.

2. Psychological evaluations of belongings found on suspects -examples: trophies & souvenirs

3. Suggestions & strategies for interviewing suspects

Assumptions of Profiling

• The uniqueness of experience & different personality types will be reflected in lifestyles & behavior.

• This leads to assumptions about profiling:

–The crime scene reflects the personality

–The methods remain similar–The signature remains the same –The personality will not change

Role of Profiling: InvestigativeInvestigative Phase

• Reduces the pool of suspects

• Links similar crimes through unique indicators

& behavior patterns

• Assess potential for escalation in crime

seriousness & frequency

• Provides investigators with potential leads and

approaches

Role of Profiling: TrialTrial Phase

• Assists in evaluation of evidence

• Assists in developing interview strategies

• Helps gain insight on offender motivation

• Helps suggest a crime scene linkage by

modus operandi and signature behavior

Psychopathy Vs Reactive OffenderPSYCHOPATH

Self-concept: Invulnerable

SuperiorPre-emptive rights

Sees Others:StupidInferiorWeak

Strategies: ManipulativeViolence

REACTIVE

VulnerableFluctuates/unstableFragile rights

HostileOppositionalThe enemy

Inadequate problem solving“Defensive” violence

Serial Killers- Typologies

• The Stable Killer

• The Transient Killer

• The Organized Killer

• The Disorganized Killer

Typology of Serial Killers

• Visionary - kill because of visions - generally psychotic

• Mission orientated - rid society of certain types of people e.g. prostitutes, runaway kids, racial group etc

• Hedonistic - "thrill seekers" & lust killers

• Power/Control orientated - pleasure is not sexual but power - often killing when the victim abandons hope of survival and acquiesces

FBI Psychological Profile of Lust KillersOrganized Killer• intelligent • masculine image• charismatic• socially capable• sexually capable• occupationally mobile• lives with partner• geographically mobile• harsh childhood

discipline• controlled emotions• interested in media • model inmate

Disorganized Killer• below average IQ• socially immature• seldom dates• high school failure• unemployed father• lives alone• has secret hiding places• nocturnal• lives/works near crime• unskilled worker• behavior change• low interest in media• high anxiety during

crime

FBI Profile: FBI Profile: OrganizedOrganized• Show signs of planning and evidence of control Show signs of planning and evidence of control

at the crime sceneat the crime scene• Offenders are -Offenders are -

• IntelligentIntelligent• Socially skilledSocially skilled• Sexually competentSexually competent• Live with a partner Live with a partner • Usually target strangersUsually target strangers• Antisocial & psychopathic personalityAntisocial & psychopathic personality

FBI’s Approach to Offender Profiling:FBI’s Approach to Offender Profiling: Disorganized

• Unplanned and disorganized behavior & lack of Unplanned and disorganized behavior & lack of control at the crime scenecontrol at the crime scene

• Offenders are - Offenders are -

– Low intelligenceLow intelligence– Socially and sexually ineptSocially and sexually inept– Live aloneLive alone– Severe mental illnessSevere mental illness– Likely have been suffered from physical or Likely have been suffered from physical or

sexual abuse as a childsexual abuse as a child– Frightened or confused state of mindFrightened or confused state of mind

Four Stages of Crime: Serial KillersFour Stages of Crime: Serial Killers

1.1. Pre-crime StagePre-crime Stage

2.2. Actual commission of crimeActual commission of crime

3.3. Disposal of bodyDisposal of body

4.4. Post-crime behaviorPost-crime behavior

Investigation & Forensic Techniques

Solvability of serial killer crime depends on:

1. Quality of police interviews with witnesses

2. Circumstances that lead to the initial contact with the murderer

3. Circumstances that established probable cause to search & seize physical evidence

4. Quality of scene crime investigation5. Quality of scientific analysis of physical

evidence

Profile of Fire-setters

• Learning problems

• Poor school behavior

• Absent parents• Lying• Fights with

siblings• Disobedient• Pre-occupied &

fascinated by fire

• Impulsive• Unhappy

dysfunctional family

• Needs security & affection

• Impatient• Poor

concentration• Attention seeking• Peer influence