CRJS-5140 : Investigative Criminology and Offender Profiling

This course explores the use of profiles in criminological theory and criminal justice practice with focus on profiling violent crimes. Examination of the differences between the types of crimes and criminals, what criminal profiling is, who does it, and how is it done. It will expose profiling as a science, profession, art, or media myth, consider the ethical issues of profiles when they are used in police investigations and the prediction of dangerousness. The course is intended to provide students with a general understanding of the theory and purpose of criminal profiling and focused review of the scholarly literature on profiling. The course is not intended to teach students how to become profilers, but as an introduction to the theory and practice of profiling, the scientific literature on criminal profiling, and to engage students in critical discussion of the use of profiles in the criminal justice system.