NCJ Number
199844
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 47 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2003 Pages: 126-144
Date Published
April 2003
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article presents previous empirical research designed to assess the validity and accuracy of criminal psychological profiling.
Abstract
Criminal psychological profiling, which is defined as the technique of constructing a descriptive template of the probable offender of a given crime, has flourished despite scant empirical evidence supporting its validity. The majority of materials supporting the use of profiling have relied on anecdotal accounts contained in true crime stories. As such, the author presents conclusions garnered from previous empirical research regarding the effectiveness of criminal profiling. Previous studies were examined that tested the accuracy and skill of different groups in their rendition of profiles based on facts of criminal accounts. The conclusions of such studies indicate that professional profilers seem to be more proficient at producing accurate predictions of offender characteristics than are control groups. Results of previous research also provide clues about the types of skills involved in the production of accurate criminal profiles. The most widely preferred prerequisite to the production of accurate criminal profiles is investigative experience, however, the author notes that the data fail to support prior investigative experience as a key skill for profiling. Empirical research regarding the validity and underlying skills of criminal profiling is sorely needed, especially given the growing popularity of criminal profiling as an investigative tool. Notes, references