criminal profiling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criminal profiling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to law enforcement, psychology, or criminology, particularly when discussing methods of identifying potential suspects based on behavioral patterns. Example: "The detective utilized criminal profiling to narrow down the list of suspects in the ongoing investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Experts in criminal profiling concurred.

Independent

Today, Mr. Pierce lectures on criminal profiling, often at the Police Academy.

The New York Times

The 16-year hunt for the Mad Bomber was solved by using one of the first applications of criminal profiling.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other entertainment-spurred fields of study include emergency medicine ("E.R")., law ("L.A. Law"), criminal profiling ("The Silence of the Lambs") and investigative journalism ("All the President's Men").

The New York Times

"We were never taught racial profiling, we were taught criminal profiling," said Ed Lennon, president of the State Troopers Fraternal Association.

The New York Times

He wanted to know why, if the F.B.I.'s approach to criminal profiling was based on such simplistic psychology, it continues to have such a sterling reputation.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Wins in tribal council by: Saying opponents fit criminal "profile".

The New York Times

The resulting criminal profile noted that he was "egocentric, narcissistic, shrewd, persistent, tenacious, meticulous, discriminating, and secretive".

The New Yorker

That didn't mean we should stop every black driver on the road, but if you encountered some that fit a criminal profile, that could indicate they may be a posse and may be transporting or dealing in marijuana".

The New York Times

Bigombe asked a criminal profile specialist from Scotland Yard to analyse Kony to try to understand why he commits such disturbed atrocities against women and children – including cutting off the ears and legs of deserters.

Independent

Though the Princes are known to be fans of hip-hop, and have somewhat more exotic recreational tastes than their father, who spent his stag night with a group of aristocratic chums in a private suite at the gentlemen's club, White's, even they may blanch at associating themselves with a man who boasts Snoop Dogg's criminal profile.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "criminal profiling", ensure that you emphasize the scientific and analytical aspects of the process, differentiating it from biased practices like racial profiling.

Common error

Avoid using "criminal profiling" interchangeably with racial profiling. The former is based on behavioral patterns and evidence, while the latter is based on discriminatory factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criminal profiling" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes a specific process within law enforcement and criminology.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "criminal profiling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It refers to the investigative technique of identifying suspects based on behavioral patterns and crime scene analysis. While predominantly found in news and media, it's also common in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, be mindful of differentiating it from racial profiling, and consider alternatives like "offender profiling" or "behavioral profiling" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offender profiling

Focuses specifically on the offender's characteristics rather than the crime itself. The meaning is almost identical.

behavioral profiling

Focuses on observable behaviors to predict offender traits. It highlights the behavioral aspect.

psychological profiling

Highlights the psychological aspects used in creating a profile. It specifies that psychological techniques are being used.

creating a criminal profile

Highlights the active process of constructing a profile. It focuses on the action.

crime scene analysis

Emphasizes the analysis of the crime scene to infer characteristics of the perpetrator. It shifts focus from general profiling to specific crime context.

investigative psychology

Broader term encompassing the application of psychological principles to criminal investigations. It is wider in scope.

suspect identification

Refers to the process of identifying potential suspects based on available information. It is more general.

criminal assessment

Implies a broader evaluation of an individual's potential for criminal behavior. It focuses on evaluation.

forensic psychology

Application of psychological knowledge to legal matters, including but not limited to profiling. It is a larger field.

predictive policing

Involves using data to predict and prevent crime, indirectly related to profiling specific offenders. It has a prevention focus.

FAQs

How is "criminal profiling" used in law enforcement?

"Criminal profiling" is used to identify likely suspects by analyzing crime scene evidence and patterns of behavior, helping investigators narrow their focus.

What's the difference between "criminal profiling" and "racial profiling"?

"Criminal profiling" is based on behavioral evidence, while "racial profiling" is based on race or ethnicity, which is discriminatory and illegal.

What are some alternatives to "criminal profiling"?

Alternatives include "offender profiling", "behavioral profiling", or "crime scene analysis" depending on the specific context.

Is "criminal profiling" always accurate?

"Criminal profiling" is a tool that can assist investigations, but it is not always accurate and should be used in conjunction with other evidence and investigative techniques.