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Profiling Crime: The Deductive Reasoning Approach

Sherlock Holmes was the first deductive reasoning detective...and he is still one hard act to follow, thanks to author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning involves a lot more time and energy from the behavioral forensic profiler than those who attempt to use inductive reasoning skills. The deductive reasoning profiler must either view the crime scene or thoroughly analyze the crime scene photos, as well as any evidence gathered.

By doing this the profiler can compose some idea about the unknown offender. But this is just the beginning, since one of the most important components in crime analysis includes a thorough victimology. Performing a victimology-a complete study on everything about the victim (their habits, likes/dislikes, routines, etc)-the profiler is able to learn about the offender and what scenarios might have occurred that led to the crime; and what probably didn't.

This writer can personally attest to the importance of victimology, as it led to the discovery of an unknown witness in a case decades old that was worked on by this writer. The witness, never interviewed by police during the crime period--or any year since--was amazed that the process of victimology is what led to their contact years after the fact rather than a police canvassing during the murder period.

Needless to say, finding a witness in an unsolved homicide years after the trail of the killer has grown cold can help restart an investigation and bring a family some hope of case resolution and maybe closure.

Deductive reasoning, as evidenced by any Sherlock television shows you may have watched, can be a long process that isn't arrived at instantaneously. Just as Sherlock sought to view all evidence, speak to many people, and understand the victim, so too must today's behavioral profiler-as well as read and examine all forensic reports, crime scene and evidence reports, as well as witness statements and conduct interviews with those who knew the victim.

Victimology Caveat

Only after all reports and evidence have been reviewed and considered should the victimology process be undertaken, as to do so prior to this point will make the profiler vulnerable to information that may not be accurate by witnesses--hindering their ability to tell when someone is purposefully misleading them, or not as familiar with the victim as they claim--and thus cause the profiler to be unable to sway the conversation so that those inaccuracies are explored.

Deducting and Inductive: Both are needed

While deductive reasoning takes the driver's seat for a profiler, inductive reasoning is always invited along for the ride as well, since it will take both (just as it took Sherlock and Dr. Watson working as a team) to truly perform a thorough and complete psychological profile.

To attempt to use only one approach is akin to denying the victim every asset in the fight for their justice. And since profilers are brought in when an offender is unknown, and the victim is unable to bear witness (they're dead), it is left to the profiler to help get them the justice for the crime they suffered. Hence, all tools available should be utilized to that end.

Profile Objective

A misconception about profilers is that they are the leader of the investigation or there to solve a crime. That just isn't the case. A profiler has several goals. First, their goal is to aid law enforcement with a social and psychological written assessment of the suspected offender (age range, race, religion, educational level, employment, marital status, etc).

Second, if a potential suspect is known prior to the profile-and only after a profiler has first reviewed all material pertinent to the crime-the profiler can advise detectives of any potential items the suspect may have in their possession at home, in their car, or elsewhere, that would fit the profile of the offender who committed the crime.

Third, once an offender is apprehended, the profiler can offer suggestions on interview techniques and methods that will "break the ice" better and more easily in the desire to elicit a confession or crime-related details. However, this is a case-by-case type of technique, which may require the profiler's participation-or viewing from a two-way mirror in the interrogation room.

Profiling: An Art-not a science

The main point to remember about behavioral forensics and profiling is that this is an art; it isn't a science. Those who attempt to profile may employ scientific methods of reasoning in their pursuit of building a profile-and they attempt to do that, of course-however, when it comes right down to it: profiling assessments are only as good as the individual performing them and their knowledge of many disciplines, as well as their familiarity with human behavior, crime, and victimization.

References:
Personal Profiling Experience
Holmes, Ronald M. and Stephen T., "Profiling Violent Crimes - An Investigative Tool," 3rd Ed.