Criminal profiling is a part of forensic psychology, and when you go to forensic psychology schools, you will find that you learn how to profile criminal suspects. While profiling isn’t the only task that a forensic psychologist is going to have, it is one of the most interesting, and it is one made popular by a variety of television shows and movies. Still, it is quite interesting, and you will be able to learn a lot about criminals and crime scenes. For example, you will learn about the different types of offenders and how you might be able to identify which type of offender was at a crime scene. These are just a few examples that you might come across in forensic psychology schools.
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The organized offender
The organized offender commits crimes and leave crime scenes that show premeditation. They will generally have average or above average intelligence, and they may be able to seem to fit into society. They might have family, friends, and gainful employment. These individuals have fantasies that might compel them to commit certain types of crimes, such as arson, rape, or murder, but they are able to restrain themselves so that they don’t fall to their impulses until they are ready. These offenders prepare, carry their tools with them, and often target victims in advance. Murderers will usually dispose of the body, and will have a dumping ground chosen in advance.
The disorganized offender
The disorganized offender is quite different. He will live alone or with a relative, and usually has lower than average intelligence. They often don’t have a job, or if they do have a job, it is a menial one. They have trouble controlling their impulses and will often commit crimes without thinking about the consequences. They don’t usually keep their tools with them, and they rarely try to clean up their crime scene. Mixed offenders may show some evidence of premeditation, and they might have a detailed modus operandi. However, they will often leave the scene of the crime unclean.
These are only two examples of types of offending criminals. You will learn a lot more about this subject as well as other psychological topics when studying this topic in class. If you would like to learn more about the field of forensic psychology, or what steps to take to become a forensic psychologist, please visit our home site that contains valuable information not only on a general level, but information about the career of forensic psychology in each state.