Criminal Justice Criminal Profiling, or Essay

3. Hormant & Kennedy (1998) provide a theoretical basis for profiling. The authors note that behavioral psychology provides a large part of the theoretical foundation for profiling. If human behavior can be loosely predicted, then so too can criminal behavior.

4. Criminal profiling is not one hundred percent accurate or valid. It is an inexact science. Results of profiling are close to chance, which is one reason why the process is criticized and used cautiously. Officers of the law may be misled by an inaccurate or hasty profile, and in some cases might even apprehend innocent persons because they meet the characteristics listed in the profile. Generalizations, stereotypes, and false conclusions can be drawn during the process of criminal profiling. Biases and assumptions can cloud the profiling process, too. For example, the author's own assumptions about human behavior and demographic traits can cloud judgment during an investigation. Criminal profiling can in some cases derail an investigation by diverting attention away from the actual perpetrator to focus on a false lead. Therefore, criminal profiling should be used cautiously.

5. Criminal profiling can be improved by incorporating psychological theories and principles. For example, behavioral psychology examines the patterns of human behavior that can be scientifically tested. The most basic of all behavioral psychological patterns is based o Pavlov's experiments, in which a stimulus evokes a predictable response in the subject. Even at more complex levels of psychology, behaviorism can be used to create criminal profiles. Traits about both victim and offender can be listed and then categorized to help investigators get a better idea of what took place before, during, and immediately after the crime. Cognitive psychology also has a role to play in criminal profiling. The ways that the perpetrator behaved offer clues to the way the perpetrator thought before, during, and after the criminal act.