FBI Method of Profiling Violent Serial Offenders

FBI Method of Profiling A system to detect and classify the major personality and behavior characteristics of an individual based upon analysis of the crime(s) the person committed. Simple Definition: A method of identifying the perpetrator based in an analysis of the nature of the offense and the manner committed.

FBI Method of Profiling Thought of as the “third wave” of investigative science. “Psyche of the Criminal” First: Study of Clues (Scotland Yard 19th Century) Second: Study of Crime itself

Profiling Phases Assimilation Phase: Where all information available in regard to the crime scene, victim and witnesses is examined. This includes crime scene photographs, autopsy reports, victim profiles, police reports and witness statements.

Profiling Phases Classification Stage: Involves integrating the information collected into a framework which essentially classifies the crime (i.e. murder) as “organized” or “disorganized”

Profiling Phases Reconstruction: An attempt to reconstruct the behavioral sequence of the crime; attempting to reconstruct the offender’s Modus Operandi (method of committing the crime).

Profiling Phases Offender’s Signature: More idio-syncractic than modus operandi. The “signature” is what the offender does to satisfy his psychological needs in committing the crime.

Profiling Phases Generate a Profile: Detailed information regarding the offender’s demographic characteristics, families characteristics, military background, education, personality characteristics. Make suggestions for interrogation.

Offender Profiling “Criminal Profiling” is a behavioral and investigative tool that is intended to help investigators to accurately predict and profile the characteristics of unknown offenders. Also known as: Criminal Personality Profiling; Criminological Profiling; Behavioral Profiling; Criminal Investigative Analysis.

Offender Profiling Three Main Goals: (Holmes & Homes) 1) Provide Law Enforcement with a social and psychological assessment of the offender 2) Provide L.E. with a psychological evaluation of belongings found in the possession of the offender. 3) Give suggestions and strategies for the interviewing process.

Offender Profiling Four Main Approaches: (Ainsworth) 1) Geographical Approach - patterns are analyzed in regard to time and location of the crime; where does the offender live or work? 2) Investigative Psychology – Using psychological theories to determine characteristics of the offender by looking at the presented offending behavior and offense tyle.

Offender Profiling 3) Typological Approach – looks at the specific characteristics of the crime scene to categorize the offender according to the various typical characteristics. 4) Clinical Approach – understanding of psychiatry and clinical psychology used to determine whether the offender is suffering from mental illness of various psychological abnormalities.

Offender Profiling Procedural Steps: Thorough Analysis of the type / nature of the criminal act and compared to the type of people who have committed similar crimes in the past. An in depth analysis of the actual crime scene. Victim’s background and activities are analyzed to look for motives and connections.

Offender Profiling 4) Possible motivation of the crime are analyzed. 5) Description of the possible offender.

Profiling Behavior “Behavior reflects personality.” (FBI Profiler Gregg O. McCray) Antecedent: What fantasy or plan (or both) did the offender have before the act? (What triggered the crime to occur some days and not others?) Method and Manner: What type of victim(s) did the offender select? (i.e. Murder – shooting, stabbing, strangulation?)

Profiling Behavior 3) Body Disposal: All at one scene or multiple scenes? (Kill and dump vs. kill and leave or hide at the scene of the crime.) 4) Post-Offense Behavior: Is the offender trying to inject himself / herself into the investigation by reacting to media reports or contacting investigators?

Offender Profiling A sexual crime is analyzed in much the same way. (Bear in mind that homicide is sometimes a sexual crime.) If not a killing, we have additional information that comes from the victim.

Offender Profiling Crime Scene Investigation is “case linking” – the process of determining whether there are discrete connections between two or more previously unrelated cases through crime scene analysis. (Comparing the physical evidence, victimology, crime scene characteristics, M.O., organized or disorganized typologies, signature behavior.)

Offender Profiling Crime Scene Investigation: Assist Law Enforcement Assist Courts to suggest “common scheme or plan” to determine whether similar crimes may be tried together, or evidence of other crimes may be brought to prove guilt.

Offender Profiling “Case Linkage” efforts hinge on three concepts: M.O. Signature Victimology

Conclusion Profiling is not “evidence” for court. It is a tool to narrow to a suspect to investigate and gather evidence.