The role of psychological profiling in criminal investigation
Keywords:
psychological profiling, criminal investigation, psychological typologies, behavioral analysis, process standardization, profiling technologyAbstract
Psychological profiling, as a relatively recent technique, has experienced a significant increase in applicability within the field of criminal investigation. However, its use predominantly focuses on uncovering the structure of the crime rather than its predictive capacity. Numerous studies highlight that the nature and functions of psychological profiling remain insufficiently understood, and criminal investigators exhibit deficiencies in the specific competencies required for the effective implementation of this method. Although traditional law enforcement systems have implicitly included methods for recording and analyzing behavioral traits of offenders aimed at generating their profiles, there is a notable lack of systematic research on psychological profiling of criminals within contemporary jurisdictions. This paper argues that, in the current context characterized by a substantial increase in crime rates and heightened brutality of offenses, the fields of criminal profiling and victim profiling must evolve concurrently and adapt to emerging challenges. The study examines various theoretical and applied profiling models targeting the classification of crime scene activities, relevant psychological typologies, and associated methodologies, and it formulates recommendations for standardizing the process through the integration of increased automation and the use of information technology within the profiling procedure.
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