1. Criminal profiling

2. What is criminal profiling?
Criminal profiling is the study of the abnormal psyche of the criminal
In the United States, the best profilers work in the Behavioral Sciences Unit (BAU) of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia

3. The basic premise of profiling is: BEHAVIOR REFLECTS PERSONALITY
How does it work?
The basic premise of profiling is:
BEHAVIOR REFLECTS PERSONALITY
Profilers try to figure out the personality of the offender by studying and asking questions about their behaviors

4. 4 phases in a behavior profile
Antecedent (before the crime):
Is there a fantasy? A plan?
What triggers the killer?
Are the victims targets or random selections?
Does the day/time mean anything?

5. Method and manner:
What type of victim or victims were selected?
What do they have in common?
What was the method? (stabbing, shooting etc…)
Is there any ritual? Is the body staged?

6. Body disposal:
Are there multiple scenes?
Were the victims moved to a secondary location?
Were they kept alive?
Is there any significance to the scenes?

7. Post-offense behavior:
Is the killer trying to inject him/herself into the police investigation?
Do they contact the police or the media?
Do they leave a clue or a signature?
Do they taunt the investigators?

8. Studying offender populations
In profiling, the unknown subject (the “UNSUB”) is compared to a known offender population.
This collection of information is used to produce a list of characteristics likely to be possessed by the UNSUB.
This demonstrates the similarities between killer types.

9. Interpersonal coherence: Is the unsub: Dominant? Submissive?
5 factors to consider
Interpersonal coherence:
Is the unsub:
Dominant?
Submissive?
Co-operative?
Hostile?
Lone wolf?
Time and Place Significance:
Geographic profiling:
Studies the unsubs mobility and personal schedule:
Look for patterns

10. Criminal Characteristics
Personality/Psychological traits and behaviors
Is the crime sexual in nature?
Message left?
Communicating with investigators?
Criminal Career:
Are there “signature” characteristics to either the crime or the unsub’s behaviors?
Do they fulfill a physical or psychological need for the unsub?

11. Forensic Awareness:
Does the unsub act in a manner that suggests they are aware of forensic techniques?
Is the unsub familiar with police methods or procedures?
Are forensic countermeasures used?