Sunday, September 28, 2008

Offender Profiling



(Photo Credit: John Griffiths)

This post follows on nicely from the criminal profiling debate alluded to in the last blog entry, as it demonstrates how criminal/offender/psychological profiling has evolved over the years.

There is a page on the forensic psychology website where I discuss the scientific credibility of forensic psychology. In doing so I suggest that students should seek out a more balanced view when evaluating the credibility of forensic psychology as a whole and individual topics within the discipline. To back up this assertion I make the point there is more than one approach to criminal profiling, the guiding principles of which can differ markedly.

With this in mind, I'd like to draw your attention to the concept of the behavioural investigative advisor. According to an illuminating article produced by the psychology department at Liverpool University (UK), the term behavioural investigative advisor reflects the fact that offender profiling has evolved from the traditional process of predicting the likely socio-demographic characteristics of an offender based on information available at the crime scene; toward a broader emphasis which embraces a range of reliable, tested and transparent evidence-based methods that psychologists can draw upon to assist the police during investigations.

"Extending well beyond attempts to set suspect parameters or explain the behaviour of offenders in one-off critical incidents, advisors can now assist on issues such as media strategy, interview strategy, DNA intelligence led screening, risk assessments, geographical analysis, veracity of victim statements and the linking of a series of crimes."

More Information

Click Here to read the offender profiling article from the psychology department at Liverpool University.

Click Here to access the scientific credibility of forensic psychology webpage.



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A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology



Offender Profiling

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Criminal Profiling

Criminal Profiling Debate



I've just finished reading a very interesting article on criminal profiling that appeared in the New Yorker last November. Written by Malcolm Gladwell the article documents the historical roots of criminal profiling, beginning with the pioneering work of psychiatrist James Brussel and how the work of Brussel influenced FBI profiling. The article then presents a critical review of the work of prominent FBI profilers, in particular John Douglas; a review that clearly questions the usefulness of criminal profiling as an investigative methodology.

If you would like to read Gladwell's article on criminal profiling in full, you can do so by Clicking Here

Learn More About Criminal Profiling

Don't forget that there are several pages dedicated to criminal profiling on the All About Forensic Psychology website.

Criminal Profiling (First Documented Use)

Criminal Profiling (The FBI Legacy)

Criminal Profiling (Methodology)

Geographic Profiling

Criminal Profiling (A Realistic career aspiration?)

Have Your Say

So what do you think about criminal profiling? Do you agree or disagree with the points raised in the New Yorker article?

To have your say on criminal profiling or anything else related to the fascinating world of forensic psychology simply fill out the Forensic Psychology 2.0 form via the following link and you'll be a published guest author on the All About Forensic Psychology Website in no time.

Forensic Psychology 2.0



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www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com

A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology



Criminal Profiling

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Forensic Psychology Book of The Month (September)

Forensic Psychology



The forensic psychology book of the month for September is Forensic Psychology by Graham M. Davies, Clive R. Hollin & Ray Bull. This comprehensive textbook is divided into four parts:

The Anatomy of Crime covers definitions and measurements as well as theories of why crime is committed.

Investigating Crime includes interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects, detecting deception and identifying perpetrators.

The Trial Process offers detailed coverage of judicial processes, safeguarding witnesses, evidence, and the role of experts in a number of contexts.

After Sentencing includes a discussion of the role of sentencing and therapeutic work with offenders.

You can get full details by visiting the forensic psychology book of the month page. See following link.

Forensic Psychology Book



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www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com

A Free & Comprehensive Guide to The World of Forensic Psychology



Forensic Psychology Book