Criminal profiling is an investigative technique that is used by law enforcement agencies to identify likely suspects. It’s also the process of developing a psychological profile of a criminal offender based on the crime scene, which can be used by police departments to apprehend a criminal.

Studying criminal profiling can be beneficial for various reasons, advancing our understanding of criminal behaviour and aiding law enforcement efforts. Our Certificate of Criminal Profiling is an online professional development course that provides an in-depth introduction to criminal profiling, offering insights into crimes ranging from violent offences like serial killing and terrorism to white-collar crimes such as fraud and cybercrime.

This exciting field of study provides essential insights that help in solving crimes, enhancing public safety, and advancing our understanding of criminal behaviour. So, whether you’re looking for insight to write a bestselling crime novel or are considering a career as a criminal profiler, this course is ideal professional development for you.

What careers use criminal profiling?

If you’re interested in criminal profiling, you might consider a career that uses this critical skill. Below are several careers that use this skill as part of their role.

Police detective

Police detectives in local, state, or federal law enforcement agencies may use criminal profiling techniques to help solve crimes, especially those involving serial offenders or unusual patterns of criminal behaviour.

Criminal psychologist

Psychologists specialising in forensics often work as consultants or experts in criminal cases. They use psychological principles to understand and analyse criminal behaviour, often assisting with profiling and providing expert testimony in court cases.

Criminal investigator

Criminal investigators working for law enforcement agencies or private investigative firms often use criminal profiling techniques to gain insights into suspects and develop leads in criminal investigations.

Researcher – criminal justice

Researchers in the criminal justice system may study criminal profiling techniques, contributing to developing and improving profiling methodologies and practices.

Academic or professor

Some professionals with expertise in criminal profiling may teach courses at universities or colleges. They may also conduct research in the field and publish academic papers.

Consultant or expert witness

Profilers and criminal psychologists may work as independent consultants or expert witnesses in legal cases, providing their expertise to assist criminal lawyers, judges, and juries in understanding criminal behaviour.

Criminal intelligence analyst

Criminal intelligence analysts collect and analyse data about criminal activities to identify trends and patterns. Profiling techniques can be part of their analytical toolkit to assist law enforcement agencies in making informed decisions.

Corrections officer or parole officer

Understanding criminal profiling is helpful for corrections and parole officers who work with individuals who have committed crimes. Understanding the psychological factors behind criminal behaviour can help in rehabilitation and risk assessment.

Victim advocate

Professionals who support and advocate for victims of crime may use profiling information to help victims understand the justice system and processes and to provide much-needed emotional support.

Security consultant

In the private sector, security consultants may use profiling techniques to assess and mitigate risks, particularly those in corporate security and threat assessment areas.

Forensic scientist

Forensic scientists who are involved in analysing the physical evidence from crime scenes may work in partnership with criminal profilers to understand the behavioural aspects of a crime, which can help interpret evidence.

Remember, becoming a criminal profiler typically requires specialised training, on-the-job experience and a rigorous educational background in psychology, criminology, or forensic science. Professional development courses, such as the Certificate of Criminal Psychology and Certificate of Criminal Profiling are an excellent springboard to further study and work experience in the field.

What does a criminal profiler do?

These professionals have a unique combination of skills, including psychology, criminal investigation techniques and law enforcement, to create highly accurate and informative profiles of criminals. These highly trained professionals study the emotions, behaviours and personalities of offenders that are used alongside crime scene evidence and witness testimony to create a profile of a person law enforcement is attempting to prosecute.

These highly skilled professionals, often referred to as forensic psychologists, criminal psychologists, or criminal investigative analysts, perform several duties, including:

• Making connections between similar criminal types
• Identifying potential criminal offenders and key behaviour patterns of current criminals
• Performing geographic profiling
• Administering personality assessments and psychological testing
• Assisting law enforcement with violent and complicated crimes
• Building profiles of offenders to help law enforcement find an offender
• Analysing evidence, crime scene reports, witness and victim testimonies and any suspects to better form a profile
• Reading and preparing reports for law enforcement
• Participating in training to stay abreast of the latest trends
• Providing testimony in the courtroom.

Qualities of a successful criminal profiler

• Enjoy conducting research and investigations
• Intuitive
• Curious by nature
• Judgment skills
• High attention to detail
• Analytical skills
• Emotional detachment
• Excellent communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• Observant
• Active listening skills

 

If you’re interested in this fascinating field, our Certificate of Criminal Profiling is an excellent introduction to further study in criminal psychology or the justice sector.  Contact one of our friendly Course Consultants today on Live Chat or 1300 76 2221 to learn more. We’d love to help you find your new direction!