History: An Introduction to Criminal Profiling and Crime Scene Analysis

The main aim of this course is to introduce criminal profiling and crime scene analysis, with the opportunity to participate in three related practical activities. Using a photoset related to each event, group discussion, analysis, and evaluation will be actively encouraged, whilst recognising that some participants may wish to work alone at times.

Intended learning outcomes are focused on discussing the strengths, limitations, and application of the Canter (2011) Investigative Psychology Framework. Canter believes that a scientific framework for drawing inferences about offender characteristics from actions involved in the planning and execution of a crime, (possibly before, during, and after the event itself), can be used to inform successful offender profiling outcomes expertly and systematically. This course will explore the strengths and limitations of the framework when applied to three different types of criminal activity.

The main objective of the course is to inform a concluding discussion, based upon the perceived advantages and disadvantages of different criminal profiling techniques, comparing and contrasting those preferred by crime agencies in the United Kingdom, compared with those preferred by their United Stated of America counterparts.

Key questions around the relative merits of crime scene analysis and criminal profiling in solving crimes swiftly, to prevent any further victimisation, will be considered throughout.