What kind of duties and stuff does a criminal profiler need?

Hi Hayden,

• Strong Analytical Skills:

A successful criminal profiler must be able to effectively analyze a variety of evidence from a crime scene. This includes photographs from a crime scene, as well as photos of victims and other evidence. Criminal profilers must also use other information, including the victim’s clothing (and its condition), weapons that may have been used and even a medical examiner’s report. Through this information, the profiler can create a profile of a suspect that is comprised of such characteristics as age, sex, race, weight, height and psychological condition.

• Investigative Psychology Skills:

Sometimes criminal profilers use investigative psychology to conduct their work. This involves being able to studying theories, hypotheses and behavior characteristics of a possible suspect. Criminal profilers use investigative psychology to explore how a criminal’s actions are connected to his or her past and present life, and what actions are unique to that individual. Investigative psychology was spearheaded by environmental psychologists. There are five approaches criminal profilers can use to create profiles of suspects: interpersonal coherence, significance of time and place, criminal characteristics, criminal career and forensic awareness.

• Intellect:

Profilers need strong analytical skills to successfully evaluate the often massive amounts of evidence involved in a criminal investigation. They must be adept in weighing the significance of individual pieces of information while also considering the big picture. They must also see past the surface details to uncover deeper meanings and hidden aspects of the crime. For example, they often begin by studying the victim to determine what attracted the suspect to him. They also scrutinize crimes for subtle patterns that could connect one incident to a series of seemingly unrelated events.

• Personality:

Patience is crucial, because it can take days, weeks or even months to create a psychological profile and understand the importance of each piece of the puzzle. Profilers often look at gruesome crime scene photos and read graphic testimony, requiring a strong stomach and the ability to maintain objectivity. They also need strong communication, people and teamwork skills because, while they spend much of their time poring over case files, they must also articulately share their findings in written reports or in meetings with investigators or prosecutors.

Some profilers hold full-time jobs as practicing psychologists or psychiatrists or as professors of psychology. They review cases for local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as needed, primarily for complex or challenging crimes such as serial offenses or cold cases. They need at least a master’s degree in psychology, with some agencies preferring a doctorate in either psychology or psychiatry. They rarely have formal law enforcement or forensic training, but must understand basic legal and investigative principles. With this knowledge they can better understand what kind of information investigators need to pinpoint a suspect or motive.

Profiler Job Description:

• Review and analyze investigative materials like crime photos, evidence and witness reports.


• Discuss with field personnel the details of a crime in order to provide relevant advice and insights.


• Maintain knowledge of cases and investigative techniques relevant to a specialized crime field.


• Train Special Agents in the use of behavioral analysis techniques so they may provide investigative support in the field.


• Attend conferences and liaise with other law enforcement personnel in order to obtain information about psychology and behavior relevant to violent crime.


• Conduct research into aberrant psychology and other aspects of violent or serial criminal behavior.

In: http://work.chron.com/key-characteristics-criminal-profiler-23449.html
http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/criminal-profiler-qualifications-11190.html
http://www.fbiagentedu.org/careers/intelligence/fbi-profiler/

Best of Luck!

Hi your project sounds interesting. So do you know any professional who is a detective for your local or any police department? I would start there. You may want to also look into other government careers and reach out to professionals.

Moreover, a criminal investigator would most likely have to have a college education in criminal justice along with some psychology. Any career that involves law enforcement (FBI, IRS, DEA, Special Unit) should get you on the right path for your project.