Forensic Science :)

lol

Criminal Profiling

Identifying offender characteristics based on crime scene evidence, victimology, and behavior patterns.

Motive vs MO

Motive: The "Why" (reason). MO (Modus Operandi): The "How" (method/tools used).

Signature

Unique, stable behaviors left behind that fulfill an offender's psychological needs (the "calling card").

Organized Killer

Plans crimes, methodical scene, socially competent, blends into society (e.g., Ted Bundy).

Disorganized Killer

Spontaneous, chaotic scene, leaves evidence, socially isolated/unstable (e.g., Richard Chase).

Victimology

The study of victims to identify patterns, risk levels (High vs. Low), and why they were targeted

Lust Killer

An offender motivated by sexual gratification

Comfort Killer

An offender who kills for personal gain, such as money or insurance

Escalation

An increase in frequency or brutality of crimes, indicating growing confidence or frustration

Cesare Lombroso

1878 author of criminal man; believed physical appearance indicated criminal behavior

Lombroso’s Legacy

Positive: Shifted focus to studying individual psychology. Criticism: reductionist and supported dangerous stereotype

Profiling Inputs

Gathering all case info (photos, autopsy, witness statements) while avoiding suspect bias.

Decision Process Models

Organizing data to find patterns: Is it a serial crime? What is the motive?

Crime Assessment

Reconstructing the sequence of events to classify the crime as organized or disorganized.

Criminal Profile

Developing demographics (age, job, education) and psychological traits of the likely offender.

Investigation

The profile is given to police to narrow the suspect pool; updated as new evidence arrives.

Apprehension

Comparing the suspect to the profile once caught to test the profile's accuracy.

Wayne Williams (Atlanta)

Profiled as a young Black male, familiar with the area, and socially awkward with access to transport.

Top-Down Approach

The "FBI Approach": Starts with a big-picture category (Organized/Disorganized) and fits the crime into it.

overkill

Inflicting more injury than is necessary to kill the victim; often suggests a strong psychological motive.

Limitations of Profiling

it must be used with forensic evidence; behavior can evolve; risks of bias/stereotypes.