Expert: Loren Stevens - 11/28/2005

Question
Do you think if criminal profiling was used on more crimes that it would help catch criminals quicker and help lower the crime rate in that area?

Answer
Craig,
You pose an interesting question.
However, it is difficult to commingle generalizations with specifics.
The two essential features in a philosophical discussion, are:
DEFINITIONS,and
ASSUMPTIONS.
what is meant by "criminal"? what are the parameters of "Profiling"?
Lastly, "crime rate" can be very misleading.
Crime rates generally refer to Part one and Part two offences, as listed (and agreed upon) in the UCR [Uniform Crime Reporting] data.
Basically, this data can only be considered by known crimes, or reported crimes....crimes with a complaintant.
Many "profiling" oriented offenses, are not unlike "victimless crimes" where there is no known crime, until the LE discover an offense, by their initiative(s).
As for "criminal", is this for known criminals? those with a documented past? suspected criminals only"? principals to a possible crime not yet known to LE? etc etc......
All these issues are wraped in the warm embrace of that which is currently legal, ethical, and consistent agency policies/procedures.
In many such matters, you have a 4th and 14th ammendments problems to overcome. Clearly, some Due Process ,matters depending on how the "profiling" is structured. If it is gender or racially based, there will be challenges aplenty.
Also, keep in mind, that ALL crimes do not necessarily lend themselves to the potentials of profiling. Some crimes simply need to be persued by conventional methods, and some by a pattern of MO (modus operendi, or method of operation)
There may be some gains derived in a given area that is sustaining certain kinds of crimes, but I would be careful of broad-brush on the assumptions.
Another consideration, is that virtually every jail and prison bed is currently full, with a waiting list for future occupancy. Somebody in LE must be experiencing some sucesses by a variety of methods to get to that level.
To answere your question....YES, (possibly) but not a given. There STILL needs to be an abundance of evidence to advance the case in chief, and support a finding of guilt.
Hope this is helpful.
Good Luck,
Regards,
loren