Criminal Profiling Deductive vs Inductive Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Criminal Profiling Deductive vs Inductive - Essay Example Inductive and deductive criminal profiling are different from each other in more ways than one. Deductive criminal profiling is more common because it needs one to have specialized training and education in the field under investigation. This paper will give an in-depth analysis of the differences between deductive and inductive criminal profiling. Profiles work best when the criminal displays psychopathology traits, for example, postmortem mutilation, pedophilia or sadistic torture. A profile usually offers helpful information regarding issues such as age range, education level, and racial identity as well as travel patterns. These demographic variables come in handy when following the trail of the offender and the eventual arrest. Inductive profiling is the case whereby characteristics of offenders who are known are applied to subjects that are unknown. In this case, detectives believe that the two groups have some common features. It is important to note that it is risky owing to the fact that two people can engage in identical behavior but for different reasons. It is challenging to apply data that is relevant to a group of single entities who are members of the group (Turvey, 2011). Inductive profiling id used in the classification of rapists as well as serial killers. Inductive profiling uses all the evidence gathered from police reports, crime scenes, psychological evaluations as well as victimology reports. This is in order to analyze the data empirically and consequently support a theory. On the other hand, deductive profiling is limited to the evidence left at the crime scene. This kind of profiling is very common in the movies. The crime scene is assumed to be the canvas while the criminal deems himself the artist.