What is the definition of criminal profiling?

Criminal profiling is primarily understood as a practice used by law enforcement to identify and apprehend suspects based on behavioral patterns and psychological traits linked to criminal activity. This practice involves analyzing the characteristics of criminal acts and the offenders to construct a psychological profile that can help in narrowing down potential suspects.

While the definition provided as an acceptable practice of law enforcement emphasizes its accepted use within policing, the essence of criminal profiling lies in its reliance on empirical data and behavior patterns rather than subjective assessments or legal interpretations. The methodology taps into various aspects such as crime scene analysis, victimology, and offender behavior to create profiles that guide investigations. This points to the systematic and analytical nature of profiling as a tool for law enforcement, which aligns with an acceptable law enforcement practice based on established methods rather than personal beliefs, social status, or mere legal interpretations.