The Idea of Profiling Criminals - Essay Example

      The profile of the killer in the crime is based on little evidence and more than anything else is simply a default profile. People involved in violent crimes tend to fit the profile described by the profiler in this case, but here there is no evidence to suggest the killer fits these behavioral categories. The description of the characteristics of this individual is also extremely broad. A large number of men would fit this profile. There are many men out there who are angry and slightly paranoid, who drink too much, and who have an interest in guns and military matters. There is nothing particular or detailed about this description, nothing which will lead investigators directly to their man.

      These kinds of profiles can be counter-productive. They tend to create a schema in the investigator's mind. They then have trouble thinking outside of the box. They look only for men of a certain background and age and disposition. The best example of a profile throwing off an investigation—and indeed leading to the preventable deaths of many individuals—occurred in the course of the Beltway Sniper investigation. A similar profile was presented to investigators: the shooter was to be a white man of a certain age, paranoid, and with a background in the military or law enforcement. Investigators combed DC and its suburbs looking for such people. In fact, the sniping turned out to be the work of an African American man and his 17-year-old son. What seemed to be the work of one man was the work of two—and the profile was completely wrong. If investigators had simply kept more of an open mind they would likely have found the Beltway Sniper before he could do such damage.

      There are however some advantages to following the suggestions of this profile. Being with it provides a starting point. Just because it may be a kind of default profile doesn’t mean that it isn’t accurate. The notion that the killer has an explosive temper and does not respond well under pressure and that he has a paranoid mind frame are all very likely to be true due to the nature of the crime. This crime occurred between strangers and it very likely happened on the spur of the moment. It is very unlikely the killer premeditated anything or is a serial killer or a sexual sadist, for example. He was trying jack a car and something went wrong and he squeezed the trigger. He is clearly an impulsive and difficult person. Also, the notion that he may have a substance abuse problem is also likely. His judgment in this situation was clearly impaired either by fear or adrenaline or perhaps as is more likely by drugs and alcohol. So these aspects of the profile give a good starting point upon which to work.

      This information can then be used to narrow down a pool of suspects. Assuming a number of people are brought in for questioning investigators would want to know about what kind of mental health and substance abuse problems the possible suspects have and whether are receiving counseling for them. (I think it is unlikely the killer is currently having any counseling regarding his problems as he appears to have gone completely off the rails). At any rate, this will allow the investigators to at least get a foothold in the investigation and hopefully find this madman before he kills again.