Criminal Profiling Psychology 2

History of Profiling First seriously used in 1888 on “Jack the Ripper” case (London) 5 prostitutes murdered in one month; most disembowled Several suspects were interviewed but no arrests ever made –Some modern argument over whether “Jack” was a man or woman Remains the most famous serial murder case but “timid” compared to modern cases

Jack the Ripper Dr. Thomas Bond –Surgeon performed autopsy on 5th victim and developed profile Profile –Nature of wounds suggested killer hated women –Sexual in nature –Strong, cool, and daring - murders out in the open –Quiet, blend in, middle age –Cloak to cover bloody mess –Cuts were “surgical” - perhaps doctor or surgeon

Psychiatric Approach (1930s-1960s) Peter Kürten (Germany) 1930 –Dusseldorf Vampire –Questioned by psychiatrist Karl Berg in 1930 –Centered on neurological problems that created behaviors Charles Starkweather (US) 1957 –Questioned by psychiatrist James Reinhardt –Inspiration for movie “Natural Born Killers”

Psychiatric Approach (1930s-1960s) “Mad Bomber” George Metesky –30 bombs in New York City over 15 year period –When NYPD could not find suspect, they turned to profiling –At that time, the practice was still not taken seriously –Dr. James Brussel After arrest, profile was found to be extremely accurate

FBI Behavior Science Unit (1972) Homicide in the 1960s and 1970s showed a marketed increase and received the attention of director J. Edgar Hoover Developed methods for analyzing unknown offenders in unsolved crimes Elite group of highly specialized MD’s and behavior scientists Now known as the Investigative Support Unit

Modern Profiling Criminal or behavioral profiling considered more art than science Based on combination of analyzed data and extensive law enforcement experience Premise that says behavior shows commonalities Profiles have ranged from uncannily accurate to way off

Modern Profiling Investigators examine all aspects of crime and crime scene (called “victimology”) –Weapons, style of death, markers –Victim details –Time, date, geography –Employment –Personal history –Reasons victim and assailant may have met

Modern Profiling Victimology ideally leads to ideas about nature of assailant –Reasons –Habits –Psychiatric problems, deviancy