Psychologists And Profilers Use Descriptors In Serial Killer Cases

Forensic psychologists and profilers know that its impossible to determine everything about a criminal suspect from the type of crime committed

. However, they are able to use descriptors, which are descriptions of the types of person who often commits certain types of crimes. Since the popular image of forensic psychologists is one of someone who hunts down and tracks serial killers, lets look at some of the descriptors used to profile serial killers.

Descriptors

The age of most serial killers is the 20s and 30s, and 85% of serial killers are males. In addition, 88% of serial killers are Caucasian, and most serial killers choose to kill those that are members of their own race. Thus, most Caucasian serial killers are going to murder other Caucasians. However, this isnt always the case. One also has to consider the victims. If the victims are those who seem to be victims of opportunity or convenience, prostitutes for example, it can be difficult to determine race based on descriptors alone. You have to consider many things.

Another descriptor of the serial killer is going to be where they might live. Those who have organized crime scenes may have children and a marriage, as well as friends. The disorganized killer will probably be unmarried, often because of a mental problem. They could live along or with a family member. Many serial killers will begin their murders close to where they live, in areas that are familiar and safe to them. They stay in this comfort zone for a few murders, and then they will expand their territory.

Determining where a killer is in terms of number of murders can be difficult the comfort with the kill can be an indicator though. For example, someone who has killed before is going to have fewer hesitation cuts (if murdered or later dismembered with a blade), and this could be an indicator that they are no longer killing as close to home. However, this is something best left to the experts.

Something else that one can often discern from the victims is the level of social skills the killer has. Victims that appear to have been lured away, or who have willingly let someone into their home either know the killer, or were comfortable with the killer. This could indicate good people skills.

It is even possible to determine the work history of a person and the educational level of a murderer based on the crime scene. Organized offenders with an organized crime scene are likely to have stronger work histories. If they were in the military, they probably had an honorable discharge. If the scene is disorganized, you might be dealing with someone who has a scattershot work history with periods of unemployment and trouble holding jobs. Disorganized crime scenes are often the work of someone who has a lower education as well.

by: Anita Schepers

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