Criminal Profiling

Catalog description

This course is intended to introduce and review the basic theoretical and practical applications of criminal profiling techniques. Specifically, the student will be introduced to concepts including, but not limited to: the uses of criminal profiling; crime scene evaluation and reconstruction; criminal motivation and offender characteristics; modus operandi and offender signature; psychopathic and sadistic behavior; behavioral aspects of fire-setting; serial offenses, including rape and homicide. Students will explore varied offense behaviors and their psychological underpinnings to develop an understanding of the role of behavioral analysis of evidence in critical investigations. Prerequisite(s): PY 332 or PY 232 .