Criminal Profiling

[Kristilove]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I am just wondering if anyone knows of a website that explains the certain characteristics that law enforcement "watch for" when profiling. I have searched for hours through several different search engines and have found a wealth of information concerning the topic, history, and studies, but not a thing which states what types of things get the attention of police officers.

[The Occultist]

I don't think you're going to find a precise list of exactly what a police officer looks for. Either something looks fishy, or it doesn't.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Kristilove

I am just wondering if anyone knows of a website that explains the certain characteristics that law enforcement "watch for" when profiling.

Profiling for what? Drug dealers? Gang members? Thieves? Terrorists?

You are searching for information that is too broad and too diverse for a simple response. In most cases these profiles are not going to be published for a host of reasons.

- Carl

[acmb05]

Originally Posted by CdwJava

Profiling for what? Drug dealers? Gang members? Thieves? Terrorists?

You are searching for information that is too broad and too diverse for a simple response. In most cases these profiles are not going to be published for a host of reasons.

- Carl

One of which will be that EVERY police officer in the nation will get on TV and say that they do not profile suspects because profiling is wrong.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by acmb05

One of which will be that EVERY police officer in the nation will get on TV and say that they do not profile suspects because profiling is wrong.

Maybe - if they don't know what they are talking about.

RACIAL profiling is wrong - and in some cases can be unlawful ... CRIMINAL profiling is not only effective, but it is perfectly lawful. Additionally, race CAN be a major component of that profiling.

- Carl

[Kristilove]

I am interested in criminal profiling, but not necessarily just that of drug dealers or addicts, or gang members. I realize that my question covers a very broad spectrum, but I know that I read some quick facts a few years back but do not remember where. One thing that I remember reading is that when crossing the Mexican border into Texas, a vehicle is less likely to be focused on if it is a white, four-door with 2.3 kids in the back. I may not have this exactly right, but I believe it is close enough to offer it as an example. Which model of cars are targeted most? What color car is more likely to be pulled over and searched? Blondes or brunettes? Wearing sunglasses or not?

I hope this makes a little bit more sense.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Kristilove

I remember reading is that when crossing the Mexican border into Texas, a vehicle is less likely to be focused on if it is a white, four-door with 2.3 kids in the back. I may not have this exactly right, but I believe it is close enough to offer it as an example. Which model of cars are targeted most? What color car is more likely to be pulled over and searched? Blondes or brunettes? Wearing sunglasses or not?

What you are describing is either a statistical study on the vehicles BEING stopped, or some part of a particular drug courier profile.

I know some of the clues we use for couriers in a couple parts of CA including the border, but I have no idea what they might use in TX.

No one here can possibly tell you what criteria will be used by interdiction officers in some other part of the country. Frankly, if I did know what they use out there I certainly wouldn't post the profile on the internet! Just as the TSA doesn't post their profile of couriers or terrorists on the internet, don't expect the police to do it either.

If you are looking for a way to dodge the profile, you'll have to try it the way the couriers, dealers, and coyotes do: trial and error.


- Carl

[Kristilove]

It is in no way my intention of dodging a profile. I am just a normal citizen of my community that rather enjoys psychology, particularly criminal psychology. I have no reasons other than curiosity driving me towards the answer to my question.

I agree that more than likely a published list of statistical studies will not be openly available to the average Joe Blow; I just thought it worth a try, because who knows? I completely understand the reasoning behind not having a list of this type broadcast on the internet.

Thank you for your answers; you all are so kind!

Kristi

[ceara19]

Originally Posted by Kristilove

It is in no way my intention of dodging a profile. I am just a normal citizen of my community that rather enjoys psychology, particularly criminal psychology. I have no reasons other than curiosity driving me towards the answer to my question.

I agree that more than likely a published list of statistical studies will not be openly available to the average Joe Blow; I just thought it worth a try, because who knows? I completely understand the reasoning behind not having a list of this type broadcast on the internet.

Thank you for your answers; you all are so kind!

Kristi

Criminal profiling is not based on physical attributes that are genetically inherent to an individual. It is typically based on a persons actions and demeanor and the intuition of the officer. A blonde driving a red convertable and wearing sunglassed does not make them more likely to be targeted then a family of 4 in a white sedan. However, if the person in the red car is wearing a blonde wig, a bad fake mustache and gets fidgety when the officer starts to approach his car, they would be considered a "suspicious person". Many times, an officer's intuition is what raises the red flag. Typically, the longer time the officer has on the job, the better their ability to spot suspicious behaivior increases. Sometimes driving TOO perfectly can be considered suspicious.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by ceara19

Criminal profiling is not based on physical attributes that are genetically inherent to an individual.

Well ... sometimes they are. For instance, any realistic profile of a suicide bomber is going to include a racial component - as would a profile concerning certain gangs. If I am working a local barrio where the local Hispanic gang is in conflict with a local Crip set, a profile of likely threats is going to include race and age. If I am looking for crips, I'm not likely going to be keying on the car full of blonde-haired blue-eyed teens in a Toyota 4-Runner, but I might key on a car load of black teens in a lowered Cadillac. While that "profile" alone might not be sufficient for a detention, it could be one element of articulable reasonable cause to detain.

- Carl

[ceara19]

Originally Posted by CdwJava

Well ... sometimes they are. For instance, any realistic profile of a suicide bomber is going to include a racial component - as would a profile concerning certain gangs. If I am working a local barrio where the local Hispanic gang is in conflict with a local Crip set, a profile of likely threats is going to include race and age. If I am looking for crips, I'm not likely going to be keying on the car full of blonde-haired blue-eyed teens in a Toyota 4-Runner, but I might key on a car load of black teens in a lowered Cadillac. While that "profile" alone might not be sufficient for a detention, it could be one element of articulable reasonable cause to detain.

- Carl

That's true when law enforcement is on the lookout for a specific type of person. I was referring more to the question the OP posed about certain people or cars being targeted for no specific reason.

However, if you were patrolling the barrio watching for crips, you might want to reconsider checking out that 4-Runner. A group of preppy white kids in a $50K car really have no reason to be cruising through gangland unless they're lost or up to no good.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by ceara19

That's true when law enforcement is on the lookout for a specific type of person. I was referring more to the question the OP posed about certain people or cars being targeted for no specific reason.

However, if you were patrolling the barrio watching for crips, you might want to reconsider checking out that 4-Runner. A group of preppy white kids in a $50K car really have no reason to be cruising through gangland unless they're lost or up to no good.

Unless I am working drug interdiction or interested in drug sales, that is suspicious but might not be part of a "profile" for the area.

Profiles are generally specific for an area or activity in the area. A profile for local gangsters in my area might not be the same for gangsters in another area - same with dope users and mules.

Cops in CA are so scared of profiling allegations that they run away from the terminology. When I give instruction in "Racial Profiling" I have to spend a great deal of time trying to articulate the difference between lawful CRIMINAL profiling that includes racial characteristics, and unlawful RACIAL profiling which can be unlawful. When someone is stopped SOLELY based upon a perception of race or other protected class, then it can be unlawful ... if the class is part of legitimate policing, it is lawful.

- Carl

[Kristilove]

Very interesting. I learned quite a bit through the conversation between ceara19 and CdwJava and feel much more enlightened on the subject of criminal profiling.

CdwJava: how long have you been in law enforcement, if I may ask? My hunch would say around 17 years. Goodness, watch you be 24 years old! Not meant to offend in any way; you just come across as very experienced.

[CdwJava]

Originally Posted by Kristilove

CdwJava: how long have you been in law enforcement, if I may ask? My hunch would say around 17 years. Goodness, watch you be 24 years old! Not meant to offend in any way; you just come across as very experienced.

I almost remember the age of 24 ... but I was teaching at an outdoor education school at the time. Ah, memories ...

I have been a sworn peace officer for 15 years and was a non-sworn crime prevention specialist for one year before that. So, 16 years in all. Pretty good guess with the 17!

- Carl