PsyCRJ_Week 1_DQ1

Psychological profiling is not a new concept. It has been practiced for centuries and has been the foundation of popular fiction from Sherlock Holmes to Clarice Starling. TheSnook, Cullen, Bennell, Taylor, & Gendreau(2008) and Kocsis (2003) articles outline many of the preconceptions and misperceptions surrounding the field of forensic psychology as it is used in contemporary law enforcement. Television programs such as Law and Order, NCIS, Criminal Minds and the Mentalist have made psychological profiling a popular pastime. While the line between fact and fiction can often be thin and tenuous, the impacts that fiction and/or misinformation can have on reality can be enormous. What impact has there been, if any, on the public’s perceptions and beliefs about criminal behavior and the impact on law enforcement investigations, prosecution and trials due to the use of psychological profiling? Are these impacts positive or negative? Provide an example from your review of a scholarly journal to support your discussion.

Guided Response: Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length. Support your observations with examples from the required materials and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Respond to at least two or your colleagues’ posts by Day 7. Be sure to include the impact of psychological profiling on how people view offenders, investigators and/or trial proceedings, and whether you agree with your peer’s views – and why or why not. Continue to monitor the discussion forum until 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) on Day 7, and respond with robust dialogue to anyone who replies to your initial post.