Validity of Criminal Profiling

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1 The Persistence of Criminal Profiling Despite Limited Empirical Support for its Validity Student’s Name Affiliated Institution Course Tutor Date

2 The Persistence of Criminal Profiling Despite Limited Empirical Support for its Validity Some researchers have criticized criminal profiling as lacking empirically based support, but this practice continues to evolve and grow in popularity over the years. Several variables, including its foundation in investigative intuition, developments in forensic psychology, and the need for investigative tools in law enforcement, have contributed to the endurance of profiling. Remarkably, criminal profiling originated in the early 20 th century, when investigators used intuitive sense and personal experience to get the gist of the crime scene. Profile developed a reputation in investigations involving FBI agents such as John Douglas and Robert Ressler, who used psychology to comprehend the nature of the crime ( Brayne & Christin , 2021). Although it was not rigorously and empirically validated, profiling found its way into the law enforcement culture, and media portrayals increasingly popularized it. Its intuitive appeal explains the persistent existence of profiling. Profiling is attractive for investigators because of its ability to reveal the criminal mind and the reliance by humans on decisions largely driven by intuition ( Williamson, 2020). Despite that, however, investigative intuitions are still relied upon to evolve methods for profiling. Despite the questions about its scientific validity, law enforcement and criminal investigations continue to use it since it seems to reveal offenders' thoughts. Over the years, criminal profiling has proved to work in tracking serial killers, thus making it commonly used in criminal investigations in many parts of the world. The complicated relationship between intuition and profiling in criminal justice makes this investigative method appealing. The field of forensic psychology has advanced over the years, leading to the improvement and development of profiling methods ( Brayne & Christin , 2021). The attempt of psychologists to overcome this divide has involved attempts to incorporate empirical research

3 into their profiling strategies. Despite difficulties in establishing on solid scientific basis, some organizations have undertaken profile construction to improve accuracy and validity by combining psychological theorists and empirical evidence ( Brayne & Christin , 2021). Criminal profiling is supported and challenged by various studies highlighted in the literature. However, one of the challenges with measuring empirically for profiling is selective reporting and confirmation bias. Published works that indicate success might attract more researchers and practitioners, thereby increasing the perceived efficacy of profiling ( Chifflet, 2015). Although more research is required, the literature is influenced by a mix of positive results and case studies. Moreover, profiling continues to persist because of the need for law enforcement to adopt efficient investigation devices. Investigative agencies use profiling as an alternative method as it helps to simplify complex cases and solve them ( Fox et al., 2020) . Despite lacking adequate empirical evidence to support this fact, the apparent benefits of profiling still exist and account for its continued use. Profiling remains vital in criminal investigations since such needs require quick analysis and action-oriented information. Nevertheless, profiling still takes place, but such an act comes with some challenges and ethics. Others have criticized profiling, claiming it can breed prejudiced judgment and result in faulty charges whereby people are presumed guilty before being proven innocent. The inconsistency in procedure creates doubts regarding the validity of the final results of profiling. This highlights the importance of being wary and knowing fully about using an unverified instrument in court.

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