A central facet of criminal psychology is the process of criminal profiling, a technique frequently used in criminal investigations.
Profiling involves constructing a psychological and behaviorally-based portrait of an individual who is likely to have committed a crime. The criminal profile process is complex, involving an in-depth understanding of criminal behavior and psychology.
Psychological profiling isn't about identifying a specific individual; instead, it's about identifying a type of individual. A clinical psychologist or criminal profiler looks at the evidence from crime scenes and, based on this, infers the characteristics of the likely offender, including personality traits, behavior patterns, and demographic variables.
Moreover, criminal psychologists often use crime scene photos and details about the nature of the alleged crime to deduce a criminal's profile. Their interpretations provide a unique perspective that can contribute significantly to the solving of crimes. The behavioral clues left at a crime scene can give insights into the personality and motivations of the perpetrator.