Forensic Psychology and Offender Profiling Certificate

Here we take a look at the VICAP system that is used by police forces throughout the United States but primarily by the FBI. 

Devised initially by the FBI, we begin to look at the apparent distinction between the organised and disorganised crime scene, behaviour of the offender who leaves clues as to whether he/she is an organised or disorganised individual.

Here is where we begin to explore the nature of criminal profiling, with the often cited quote: "if you want to understand the artist, you need to examine his/her painting"

Perhaps the first and in some ways the most important question for the profiler to consider, exactly what happened at the crime scene/s?

In this lecture we begin to examine how the crime happened? what took place and how?

The timeline of what happened in the crime is crucial for the profiler to understand, looking at the timeline, duration and related timings helps the profiler understand a great deal about the offender.

The million dollar question is examined here, why did the crime happen in the way that it did? and how can answering this question give us a range of useful information about the unsub.

Moving towards the main feature of the eventual criminal profile/psychological report; given the evidence that is available to use, who could have committed such a crime (or set of crimes)?

Here we look deeper into the characteristics of the organised and disorganised crime scene and what this tells us about the nature, personality and behaviour characteristics of the unsub.

Here we look at an official definition of serial killer as opposed to other kinds of killers.  WE also begin to consider some infamous killers from the contemporary period.

Based on evidence gained by the FBI and others who have studied this subject, we look at some of the personality characteristics of serial killers.

Central to the science of psychology is the observation of human behaviour in order to understand patterns, which in turn help us to make predictions about likely future behaviour.

Terms often used by the FBI in their hunt for serious criminal, the modus operandi and the signature of the criminal.  Here we look at the definitions of each and the difference between the two.

Vital for the criminal profiler (and the FBI) is the reconstruction of the crime scene.  Here we look at how this is done, why it is done and what information this may provide us with about the nature of the unsub.

In this lecture, we discuss the kind of information that is usually contained in the criminal profile report.  This is the result of all of the research carried out and evidence examined by the Forensic Psychologist/Profiler and is hopefully, of use to the Police in their search for the offender.

Here we explore a brief history of serial killing and you are encouraged to carry out your own research in order to understand this history more fully.

An infamous case from Victorian London 'Jack the Ripper' which was never solved.  Here we look at attempts by the FBI and others to reconstruct the crime scenes and to put together a criminal profile of the likely offender, we will never know how accurate it is!

How and why do some people ( a very very small proportion of the population!) develop into serial killers.  In this lecture we begin to look at some of the evidence around this age old question.

The amygdala is an area of the brain which is crucial for our development of emotions and our understanding of the emotions of others.  It is also implicated in expressions of violence in the individual.  How does this help us to understand why serial killers do what they do?

Here we explore a model of the human brain and discuss the amygdala and how this is implicated in the development of serial killers.

Here we explore one potential explanation for why some people develop into serial killers.  Psychoanalytic explanations, provide some insight into this question, but you can decide how valuable this might be in our hunt for serial killers?  Perhaps it will help in the treatment they receive once incarcerated?

Thank you so much for taking this course and in your determination to complete it.  I hope you have found it to be interesting and thought provoking.  Why not consider one of my other courses? Why not carry out more research into criminal profiling and perhaps read some of the recommended articles and books listed in this course?  My very best to you!