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Criminal Psychology | The Psychology of Criminal Profiling |
Rating: 4.5 out of 5(55 ratings)
796 students

Criminal Psychology | The Psychology of Criminal Profiling |

Criminal Profiling and Behavioral Analysis: History, FBI Methods, Case Studies, and Offender Classification.
Last updated 2/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • The participant will gain knowledge about the historical development of criminal profiling and its key contributors.
  • The participant will become familiar with the FBI’s profiling method and offender behavioral analysis.
  • The participant will learn to distinguish between organized and disorganized offenders.
  • The participant will analyze real criminal cases to see profiling in practical investigations.
  • The participant will apply profiling techniques to assess crime scenes and offender behavior.
  • The participant will understand psychological and criminological factors influencing criminal actions.
  • The participant will develop critical thinking skills in offender classification and investigative strategies.

Course content

15 sections15 lectures1h 50m total length
  • Criminal profiling - introduction.1:59

Requirements

  • No requirements.

Description

Criminal Profiling Training – Course Summary.

Can criminal behavior be predicted before we even identify the perpetrator? Are there patterns that can help investigators narrow down suspects and successfully close cases? Criminal profiling seeks to answer these questions—combining psychology, criminology, and behavioral analysis to create a powerful investigative tool.

This training offers a comprehensive introduction to criminal profiling, covering its historical foundations, modern methodologies, and practical applications. We begin by tracing the origins of profiling, exploring the work of Cesare Lombroso and Ernst Kretschmer, who were among the first to examine the relationship between physical characteristics and criminal tendencies. We then move to William Sheldon's somatotypical theory, which connected body structure to personality traits, providing new insights into offender behavior.

A key part of this course focuses on the FBI’s criminal profiling method, which has become a cornerstone of modern investigations worldwide. Participants will learn how to analyze offender behavior, classify perpetrators as organized or disorganized, and draw actionable conclusions from these classifications. We will guide you through each stage of the process, from crime scene analysis to offender profiling and suspect narrowing. By the end, you will have the skills to better understand criminal behavior and apply profiling techniques effectively.

The course also explores historical milestones in profiling, including how World War II and the Cold War shaped the development of criminal psychology. We will examine the role of profiling in counterterrorism, analyzing high-profile cases such as terror attacks in New York and how investigative methods have evolved to address modern security threats.

To bring these concepts to life, we will analyze real-life case studies, including the Boston Strangler and the “Vampire of Sacramento”. These cases demonstrate how behavioral analysis played a crucial role in predicting offender actions and narrowing down suspects. Step by step, we will break down how profiling was applied in these cases and what lessons can be learned from them.

The training concludes with an in-depth look at the final stages of profiling, where investigators use profiling techniques to plan interrogations, anticipate offender behavior, and build stronger cases.

Upon completing the course, participants will:

  • Learn to recognize different types of offenders based on their actions and psychological traits.

  • Gain insight into effective FBI profiling strategies used in real investigations.

  • Understand how to combine psychology, criminology, and forensic evidence to predict offender behavior.

  • Develop practical analysis skills through real case studies.

If you're fascinated by the world of criminal profiling, this training will not only provide you with valuable knowledge but also immerse you in the mindset of the world's top profilers. We look forward to seeing you in the course!

Who this course is for:

  • This course is designed for students, professionals, and crime enthusiasts who want to gain a deeper understanding of criminal profiling and behavioral analysis. It will be particularly valuable for psychology and criminology students, law enforcement officers, investigators, and anyone interested in forensic psychology and investigative techniques. Participants will explore historical and modern profiling methods, learn how the FBI classifies offenders, and analyze real-life case studies to see profiling in action. The course provides a structured approach to understanding criminal behavior, offender motives, and investigative strategies, making it a valuable resource for those looking to expand their knowledge or apply it in professional settings.