CJUS 640
DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
The student will complete 4 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at
least 400 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday day of the assigned Module: Week. The student
must then post 2 replies of at least 250 words each by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Sunday of the assigned
Module: Week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 2 scholarly
citations in current APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least 2 scholarly citations in
current APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years.
Acceptable sources include the textbooks (readings provided), and the Bible. Both the thread and
each reply must cite course-specific and non-course specific material.
This course utilizes the Post-First feature in all Discussions. This means you will only be able to
read and interact with your classmates’ threads after you have submitted your thread in response
to the provided prompt.
In this discussion, please address whether criminal profiling is effective.
Specify cases in which profiling was effective or when it misled an investigation.
Include a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of criminal profiling.
Include identification of the attributes of a successful criminal profiler and whether mental
health professionals make good profilers.
Criminal profiling, a technique used in forensic psychology and law enforcement, involves
creating a psychological profile of an unknown offender based on crime scene evidence and
behavioral patterns. The effectiveness of criminal profiling has been a subject of debate. While it
has had some success in aiding investigations, it's not without its limitations.
The benefits of criminal profiling include providing investigators with a starting point, helping
prioritize leads, and potentially preventing future crimes. Profilers can also provide insight into
an offender's motivations and thought processes. A comprehension of the motives behind
criminal actions subsequently prompts deductions regarding the characteristics and identity of
the perpetrator. Regrettably, the process through which profilers transition from unprocessed
crime data to a practical criminal profile lacks a systematic and clearly delineated structure
(Costanzo & Krauss, 2021). Drawbacks include the potential for biases in profiling, which can
lead to false leads or tunnel vision. Profiling is not an exact science, and its accuracy can vary.
Attributes of a successful criminal profiler include a deep understanding of psychology, excellent
observation skills, and the ability to think critically. Profilers must be skilled at analyzing crime
scene details and behavioral patterns. Costanzo and Krauss highlight that, “the profiling
approach developed by the FBI, [uses a] organized–disorganized crime-scene taxonomy [to
directly infer] about [a] killer’s personality” (2021). When considering the profession of mental
health, these individuals can make good profilers because they have a deep understanding and
vast knowledge of human behavior. However, it is also significant to note that specific training
for criminal profiling is essential. Criminal profiling is a multidisciplinary field that combines a
knowledge and understanding of psychology, criminology, and law enforcement.
In terms of successful cases, one notable example is the capture of the "Unabomber," Ted
Kaczynski. Criminal profiler James R. Fitzgerald provided crucial insights into Kaczynski's
personality, which led to his identification and arrest. In contrast, there have been instances
where profiling misled investigations, such as the case of the "Boston Stranger," where the
profile didn't match the actual perpetrator at all. The perpetually unresolved question revolves
around whether the failure of the Boston Strangler task force can be attributed to the inaccurate
profile. However, it is certain that the erroneous profile contributed nothing positive to the
investigation and likely prolonged the prospect of achieving justice (Koen & Bowers, 2018).
In conclusion, criminal profiling can be a valuable tool in solving crimes when used
appropriately. However, it's not infallible and should be viewed as one of many investigative
techniques. Success depends on the skills and training of the profiler. The collaboration
between law enforcement and mental health professionals could ultimately lead to more
effective profiling outcomes.
Word Count: 442 words
CJUS 640
References
Costanzo, M., & Krauss, D. A. (2021). Forensic and Legal Psychology: Psychological Science
Applied to Law (4th ed.). Worth Publishers.
Koen, W. J., & Bowers, C. M. (Eds.). (2018). Criminal Profiling: Evidence, Experts, and
Miscarriages of Justice. The Psychology and Sociology of Wrongful Convictions, 1–43.
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-802655-7.00001-0
CJUS 640
RESPONSES
Criminal profiling, as a tool for law enforcement, undoubtedly plays a crucial role in attempting
to understand and apprehend perpetrators based on crime scene evidence and behavioral patterns.
However, its effectiveness is not without criticism. While criminal profiling offers valuable
insights into potential motives, behaviors, and demographics, it is not infallible, and inherent
limitations must be acknowledged. The statement by Snook et al. tells us that “criminal profiling
assumes that criminal behavior is determined by underlying dispositions within offenders that
make them behave in a particular way” (2008).
Cases such as the discussed murder of Rachel Nickell highlight the potential for tunnel vision,
where law enforcement becomes overly reliant on profiler-generated information, potentially
overlooking other viable leads. In the Rachel Nickell murder case, the profiler's suspicions,
though leading to undercover operations, ultimately did not align with the DNA evidence that
later implicated another individual. This type of outcome in a high-profile case highlights one of
the more significant issues with criminal profiling; “the police deemed the characteristics of
Colin Stagg [were] more important than the evidence that was collected from the crime scene,
leading to the wrong man [Stagg] being arrested [for Rachel’s murder]” (Weaver, 2008). This
stresses the need for a cautious and comprehensive approach, recognizing that criminal profiling
is just one tool among many in the investigative process.
While mental health professionals bring valuable expertise in understanding psychological
aspects, it is essential to recognize the limitations of their focus on mental health issues. Not all
criminals necessarily have diagnosable mental disorders, and relying solely on mental health
professionals to create successful profiles for law enforcement may overlook crucial behavioral
aspects that are not linked to a psychological disorder.
In conclusion, criminal profiling remains a valuable tool in law enforcement, offering insights
that can aid investigations. However, it is imperative to approach it with skepticism,
acknowledging its limitations and potential for inaccuracies. A balanced investigative strategy
considering multiple factors and perspectives is essential to ensure a thorough and unbiased
approach to solving crimes. Integrating behavioral health professionals as consultants rather than
primary profilers can further enhance the effectiveness of criminal profiling by providing a
broader perspective on the complex interplay of human behavior and crime.
Word Count: 366 words
References
Weaver, M. (2008). Rachel Nickell: A Case History. The Guardian.
https://www.theguardian.com/news/blog/2008/dec/17/rachel-nickell-case-history
Snook, et al. (2008). The Criminal Profiling Illusion. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 35(10),
1257–1276. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854808321528
CJUS 640
References
Alison, L., Bennell, C., Mokros, A., & Ormerod, D. (2013). The personality paradox in offender profiling: A
theoretical review of the processes involved in deriving background characteristics from crime scene actions.
Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 19(1), 118-135.
Douglas, J. E., & Dodd, J. (2018). Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit. Scribner.
Kiehl, K. A., & Hoffman, M. B. (2011). The criminal psychopath: History, neuroscience, treatment, and economics.
Jurimetrics, 51, 355-397.
Kocsis, R. N. (Ed.). (2015). Criminal Profiling: Principles and Practice. Humana Press.
Louden, R. J. (2017). The Psychology of Criminal Profiling in a Terrorist Context. Oxford University Press.
Snook, B., Eastwood, J., Gendreau, P., Goggin, C., & Cullen, R. M. (2017). Taking stock of criminal profiling: A
narrative review and meta-analysis. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 44(4), 572–606.
Torres, A. N., Boccaccini, M. T., & Miller, H. A. (2014). Perceptions of the validity and utility of criminal profiling
among forensic psychologists and psychiatrists. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 45(2), 118-129.
CJUS 640
It is unarguable that criminal profiling, as it is depicted in the media, often presents an oversimplified and
glorified view of a complex and nuanced investigative tool. As Snook et al. (2007) discussed, criminal
profiling involves a combination of psychological and investigative elements, drawing from various
disciplines such as psychology, criminology, and forensic science.
However, despite its successes, criminal profiling is not immune to criticism. The case of the 1996
Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta is an excellent example of such criticism. In this case, Richard Jewell
was wrongfully accused as the offender based on a criminal profile, emphasizing the potential dangers of
relying solely on the profiling technique alone. Even though there have been failures with criminal
profiling, and there are flaws in the theories, there are also many benefits of criminal profiling, especially
in serial crime cases. Criminal profiling allows law enforcement to research and learn about a suspect's
psychological profile, aiding in understanding motives and predicting future actions.
As you mentioned, drawbacks primarily center on the need for more empirical data and the potential for
prejudice and bias in the profiling process (Alison et al., 2002). The risk of confirmation bias, where a
profiler may selectively seek evidence that supports their theory, poses a significant concern (Snook et al.,
2007). Effective profilers must possess a deep understanding of psychology, sociology, and criminology,
as well as critical thinking and attention to detail. Additionally, they need to be vigilant about biases and
ensure their conclusions are decided more on the evidence and less on a psychological assessment alone.
While their expertise in human behavior, motivation, and psychopathology is valuable, concerns about a
lack of training in law enforcement procedures, crime scene analysis, and legal aspects of investigations
for mental health professionals are raised. The potential contribution of mental health professionals to
profiling should be considered, but it necessitates additional training in criminal justice and forensic
methodologies.
In conclusion, criminal profiling is a valuable tool in law enforcement, but its effectiveness depends on
the proficiency and rigor of the profiler. Integrating multiple disciplines and a cautious approach to
mitigating biases is crucial. Mental health professionals can contribute to profiling but must undergo
specific training to bridge any gaps between their expertise and the requirements or experience that make
law enforcement investigators experts in criminal investigations. The continuous refinement of
methodologies and a commitment to evidence-based practices are essential to maximize the benefits of
criminal profiling while minimizing its limitations.
Word Count: 409 words
References
Alison, et al. (2002). The Personality Paradox in Offender Profiling: A Theoretical Review of the
Processes Involved in Deriving Background Characteristics from Crime Scene Actions.
Psychology, Public Policy, and Law, 8(1), 115–135. https://doi.org/10.1037/1076-
8971.8.1.115
Snook, B., Eastwood, J., Gendreau, P., Goggin, C., & Cullen, R. M. (2007). Taking Stock of
Criminal Profiling. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 34(4), 437–453.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854806296925
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