How to become A Criminal Profiler

• Criminal Investigative Analyst
• Criminal Intelligence Analyst
• Criminal Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist

What do Criminal Profilers do?

A Criminal Profiler would typically need to:

• Help law enforcement to arrest a suspected criminal offender by creating a reliable psychological profile from comparison with similar crimes and offenders
• Visit the crime scene to analyse and identify criminal behaviour patterns, personality traits, emotions and demographic/geographic profiling of unknown offenders
• Design and formulate legally acceptable interview techniques aimed at getting specific suspects to confess or cooperate 
• Study statements from suspects to uncover probable motivation, hidden meanings and double-dealing
• Assess a suspect’s potential for violence in a given situation from their research on human behaviour and characteristics
• Come up with authorised media strategies and press releases that urge offenders or witnesses to contact proper authorities
• Offer expert advice on filling in the probable cause section of an affidavit or search warrant
• Present expert witness testimony in court on crime scene evidence and their reading of criminal behaviour
• Recommend investigative techniques based on behavioural sciences to help solve crimes more efficiently
• Train other law enforcement officers on productive criminal profiling techniques; read reports from other investigators and analysts; write reports

Criminal Profilers may generally be found either in their office or at crime scenes. They should be willing to travel to crime scenes or interview victims and witnesses in person. Consultants may offer remote analysis and insight to lead investigators. 

Criminal Profilers work during regular business hours. However, they must be prepared to work on significant cases at a moment's notice. It’s not unheard of for Criminal Profilers to work late into the night and over weekends when faced with challenging cases. 

Approach prospective employers directly or check out their websites for relevant information on applying for the post. Self-employment is rare but possible.

Criminal Profilers are generally employed by: 

• The Government
• Police Agencies & Departments
• Home Office
• Hospitals & Rehabilitation Centres
• Social Services
• Universities

Professional associations and organisations, such as The International Association of Forensic Criminologists, are crucial for Criminal Profilers interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation.

Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Emotionally disturbing cases with gruesome details
• Educated assumptions may lead to inaccurate criminal profiling 
• Stereotypical concepts in a criminal’s profile may not be entirely factual
• Common knowledge or logical extrapolation may not work in many cases

Ideally, an aspiring Criminal Profiler should have amassed ample experience in law enforcement and investigative techniques. Training in a police academy and a lengthy resume detailing your investigative expertise should help you achieve those goals.

Suppose the training academies you have access to do not have criminal profiling or behavioural science divisions. In that case, you may want to join an entry-level position and work your way up.

Read about the profession and interview/job shadow experts working in criminal profiling to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

By and large, Criminal Profilers have a bachelor’s degree in psychology, criminology, forensics & behavioural science, or criminal justice. However, note that employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree in forensic psychology or a PhD in criminal justice.

Psychology and behavioural science degrees aim to impart knowledge of human behaviour, interaction, and sociology, whereas forensic psychology courses focus on assessing and profiling criminal offenders.

Criminal justice programs of potential benefit typically integrate social science with an insight into the legal and criminal justice systems. You may opt to specialise in forensic investigation.

Gain board certification in criminal profiling from an objective and reputed organisation to help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement.

Students will obtain training in state-of-the-art criminal and racial profiling methodologies and delve into victimology, utilising informants and interviews & interrogations. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of Criminal Profilers. You may move into senior executive roles or get promoted to a principal/lead level and take charge of offending behaviour programmes. 

Candidates with a master’s degree or doctorate in criminal justice have the best job prospects.

Usually, Criminal Profilers employed by the government undergo two to three-year-long on-the-job training, including classroom teaching and working under an experienced superior. These programs also comprise courses in physical fitness, defensive driving, interrogation and negotiation tactics, intelligence and evidence collection and analysis, and firearms.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Criminal Profiler build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Most Criminal Profiles will continue training to keep pace with laws and regulations as well as the latest investigative techniques and tools. 

How To Sketch A Criminal Profile

Criminal Profilers judiciously blend their expertise in human psychology with available police evidence to draw similarities between criminal behavioural patterns. Historical data and the behaviour of criminals help them make predictions. When evidence and witness testimony add weight to the profile analysis data, law enforcement officials have an excellent chance of arresting the perpetrators.  

Criminal Profiling Through The Ages

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States played a significant role in introducing criminal profiling. After establishing the Behavioural Science Unit in 1974, several FBI agents, most notably John Douglas and Robert Ressler, developed theories to categorize different criminals. They interviewed 36 serial murderers between 1976 and 1979 and came up with various important concepts still being used in the field.

A crucial example is the idea of the “organized/disorganized dichotomy”. Organized crime was thought to be carefully planned and would likely leave little to no evidence at the scene. As per the classification scheme the FBI agents came up with, such criminals were antisocial but aware of the difference between right and wrong. They were not insane and did not repent their actions. 

In contrast, disorganized crime was not planned and happened in the spur of the moment. Criminals were thought to be young, possibly intoxicated or mentally unwell and commonly left evidence in the form of blood or fingerprints.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Criminal Profilers have more flexible work schedules and locations. They can consult on criminal cases and advise law enforcement agencies from a forensic context. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Criminal Profiler has sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

The first recorded application of criminal profiling techniques happened in 1888 when London physicians George Phillips and Thomas Bond used autopsy results and crime scene evidence to create a profile of the serial killer ‘Jack the Ripper’.

It is no walk in the park. Criminal Profilers deserve the same level of respect and trust that the general public affords the other professionals who face indomitable challenges daily so that the rest of us can always feel safe and secure.

You must study the process of profiling in great detail to understand the basic information that needs to be included in an accurate criminal profile.