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Profilers are not the people who solve cases all by themselves and Profiling is often seen as a resource that could be used to help investigators when their conventional methods fail to make progress when little or no evidence is left at the scene of a crime.

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Profilers are not the people who solve cases all by themselves and Profiling is often seen as a resource that could be used to help investigators when their conventional methods fail to make progress when little or no evidence is left at the scene of a crime.

Serial killers and other offenders may exhibit an unquenchable desire to fulfil a fantasy by committing a violent act or shows signs of psychopathology. Often cases have baffled the belief - specifically when little or no evidence is left. Let's look at the methods profilers use to catch these serial offenders and save communities from their inhumane acts of violence.

In this course, we look at the history, techniques, and important terms used by law enforcement and profilers during various attempts made by profilers in the past to catch ruthless predators. We will also explore why it often does not work and how profiling has been refined and criticized over the years.

In this course, we will take an in-depth look at:

  • Crime Scene Profiling

  • Geographical profiling

  • Psychological profiling

  • Suspect-based profiling

  • Death analysis

  • Crime scene staging

  • Modus Operandi, trophies and important terms

  • Serial offenders including rapists, killers and arsonists

  • Profiling limitations

  • Case studies

  • Psychopathy

  • History of profiling

  • Criticism regarding profiling and its limitations

  • Diagnostic Evaluations

  • Cult leaders

    ...AND MORE...

At the end of this course, you should have a good understanding of the different criminal profiling techniques, how it was developed, how it is used and also what it can realistically achieve.

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Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Examines the complex behavior of serial killers and other offenders, providing insights into their motivations and patterns
Taught by law enforcement and profilers, ensuring the authenticity and accuracy of the information provided
Covers a wide range of profiling techniques, including crime scene profiling, geographical profiling, and psychological profiling
Explores the limitations and criticisms of profiling, providing a balanced perspective on its effectiveness
Provides practical case studies, allowing learners to apply the profiling techniques to real-life scenarios
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of criminal justice or psychology, which may pose a barrier for some

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Criminal Profiling with these activities:
Create a Digital Notebook
Organize your notes, assignments, and other course materials into a digital space for easy access and reference.
Show steps
  • Choose a digital notebook app
  • Create a new notebook
  • Import your notes
  • Organize your materials
Online Profiling Tutorials
Follow online tutorials to learn specific profiling techniques.
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials
  • Watch the tutorials
  • Take notes
  • Practice the techniques
Profiling Workshop
Attend a workshop led by an expert in the field of criminal profiling.
Show steps
  • Find a workshop
  • Register for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop
  • Take notes
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Profiling Practice Exercises
Use the techniques learned in the course to analyze specific case files and scenarios.
Show steps
  • Review the case file
  • Identify the relevant information
  • Apply profiling techniques
  • Draw conclusions
Profiling Study Group
Join a group to discuss the concepts covered in the course and to work through practice problems together.
Show steps
  • Find a study group
  • Meet regularly
  • Discuss the course material
  • Work through practice problems
Profiling Challenge
Participate in a profiling challenge to test your skills and knowledge.
Show steps
  • Find a profiling challenge
  • Register for the challenge
  • Analyze the case
  • Submit your profile
Case Report
Create a detailed case report on a serial offender using the techniques learned in the course.
Browse courses on Criminal Profiling
Show steps
  • Select a case to profile
  • Gather information about the case
  • Use profiling techniques to analyze the case
  • Write a report summarizing your findings

Career center

Learners who complete Criminal Profiling will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Law Enforcement Officer
Law Enforcement Officers are often involved in the investigation of crimes, including those involving serial offenders. A course in Criminal Profiling can help build a foundation for a career in this field, by providing insights into the methods profilers use to catch these offenders.
Criminal Investigator
Criminal Investigators are responsible for investigating crimes, including those involving serial offenders. A course in Criminal Profiling can help build a foundation for a career in this field, by providing insights into the methods profilers use to catch these offenders.
Forensic Psychologist
Forensic Psychologists are responsible for evaluating the psychology of criminals, including serial offenders. A course in Criminal Profiling can help build a foundation for a career in this field, by providing insights into the methods profilers use to catch these offenders.
Detective
Detectives are responsible for the investigation of crimes, including those involving serial offenders. They also provide support to law enforcement officers and other agencies in developing cases. A course in Criminal Profiling would provide insights into the methods profilers use to catch these offenders, which could be beneficial to one in this role.
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence Analysts gather and analyze information on crimes and other security threats in order to provide insights for law enforcement agencies, government and businesses. A course in Criminal Profiling would help build a foundation for a career in this field, providing insights into the methods profilers use to catch serial offenders, which would be valuable to those working to provide intelligence on threats.
Crime Scene Investigator
Crime Scene Investigators are involved in the investigation of crimes, including those involving serial offenders, by collecting evidence and documenting the scene.
Behavioral Analyst
Behavioral Analysts review and analyze behavioral patterns in order to develop profiles of individuals, including serial offenders, in order to provide insights to law enforcement and other agencies.
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers oversee and provide for the security and rehabilitation of inmates. A course in Criminal Profiling may be useful for those in this role, to gain insights into the methods used to profile serial offenders, which can be helpful in managing and supervising offenders.
Parole Officer
Parole Officers supervise and provide support to individuals who have been released from prison. A course in Criminal Profiling may be useful for those in this role, to gain insights into the methods used to profile serial offenders, which can be helpful in monitoring and supervising parolees.
Probation Officer
Probation Officers supervise and provide support to individuals who have been sentenced to probation. A course in Criminal Profiling may be useful for those in this role, to gain insights into the methods used to profile serial offenders, which can be helpful in monitoring and supervising probationers.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks for businesses and organizations. A course in Criminal Profiling may be useful for those in this role, to gain insights into the methods used to profile serial offenders, which can be helpful in evaluating and mitigating risks.
Security Consultant
Security Consultants provide advice and expertise on security matters to businesses and organizations. A course in Criminal Profiling may be useful for those in this role, to gain insights into the methods used to profile serial offenders, which can be helpful in developing security plans and strategies.
Victim Advocate
Victim Advocates provide support and assistance to victims of crime. A course in Criminal Profiling may be useful for those in this role, to gain insights into the methods used to profile serial offenders, which can be helpful in understanding the needs of victims and providing them with appropriate support.
Forensic Accountant
Forensic Accountants investigate financial crimes, such as fraud and embezzlement. A course in Criminal Profiling may be useful for those in this role, to gain insights into the methods used to profile serial offenders, which can be helpful in identifying and investigating financial crimes.
Insurance Investigator
Insurance Investigators investigate insurance claims, including those involving crimes. A course in Criminal Profiling may be useful for those in this role, to gain insights into the methods used to profile serial offenders, which can be helpful in identifying and investigating fraudulent claims.

Reading list

We've selected 14 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Criminal Profiling.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theories, and methods of criminal profiling. It valuable resource for students and practitioners in the field.
Provides an in-depth look at the minds and methods of serial killers. It fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in the topic.
Comprehensive guide to crime scene investigation. It valuable resource for law enforcement officers and students of criminal justice.
Is the official crime classification manual used by the FBI. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how crimes are classified and recorded.
Memoir by John E. Douglas, one of the pioneers of criminal profiling. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit.
Provides a concise overview of the field of forensic psychology. It good starting point for students and practitioners who are new to the field.
Explores the psychology of serial killers. It valuable resource for students of criminal justice and anyone interested in the topic.
Explores the methods and madness of serial killers. It valuable resource for students of criminal justice and anyone interested in the topic.
Explores the nature of psychopathy. It fascinating and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the topic.
Tells the story of H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who preyed on young women during the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. It gripping and suspenseful read.
Tells the story of Richard Ramirez, a serial killer who terrorized Los Angeles in the 1980s. It chilling and disturbing read.
Memoir by Ann Rule, a former police officer who worked with Ted Bundy. It provides a unique and personal perspective on the life and crimes of one of America's most notorious serial killers.

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