Approaches to Criminal Profiling Flashcards
Inference
A logical conclusion based on evidence and reasoning
Inductive Criminal Profiling
The conclusion is a prediction based on probabilities, statistics, comparisons, or experience - nomothetic
Who uses Inductive/Nomothetic profiling?
The FBI
What does the FBI focus on in profiles
Organized/Disorganized typography and MO
CCM Classifications are based on…
the victim, crime scene, and victim-offender exchange
Stages of creating a profile (5)
- Study offenders that have committed similar crimes
- Analysis of the crime scene
- Examination of victimology
- Analysis of motivating factors
- Development of the offender description
Organized Crime Scene
Reflects an offender who commits crimes out of a need for power - psychopaths and ASPD - planned, demands a submissive victim, restraints, aggressive acts after death
Disorganized Crime Scene
Reflects an offender who commits crime out of passion, anxiety, and/or frustration - psychotic - spontaneous offense, sexual acts after death, body left at the scene
Behavioral Consistency
The assumption that an offender will always behave the same
Homology
The assumption that two offenders of the same crime will share the same traits
Critiques of Inductive Profiling
Relies on homology and behavioral consistency
Deductive Profiling
Conclusions come directly from premises (arguments based on facts) - idiographic
Behavioral Evidence Analysis
Method of profiling that uses physical evidence and behavioral evidence
Idiographic Studies
Uses characteristics of a specific crime to determine unique characteristics of this particular offender
Behavioral Evidence
Any evidence that helps establish whether, when, or how an action took place
