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The covert operative introductory guide to the FBI method of profiling; the CIA modified way of utilizing it professionally in the field or in daily life practice, and a concept on how to implement it to read people. 
In the professions of law enforcement and intelligence, one of the most fascinating and highly specialized fields is that of criminal profiling. Developed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), profiling has proven to be an essential tool for thoroughly understanding and accurately predicting criminal behavior.
Profiling, however, is far from a straightforward science. It’s an art that requires a deep understanding of psychology, sociology, criminology, and the law.
Understanding human behavior is an essential skill for any field operative. Whether in the CIA or FBI, the ability to ‘read’ people can be the difference between a successful mission and a catastrophic failure. By honing the science and art of profiling, you can apply the techniques to increase your perceptiveness when interacting with individuals in a face-to-face context.
The Genesis of FBI Profiling
The FBI’s profiling methodology began its evolution in the 1970s within the Behavioral Science Unit (BSU), and later progressed into what is now the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU). The original purpose of this unit was to apply psychological theory to criminal behavior, allowing investigators to predict an offender’s characteristics based on the specifics of the crime committed.
Agents John Douglas and Robert Ressler were pioneers in this field, conducting numerous interviews with incarcerated serial killers to understand their motivations and behaviors. This method of research was unprecedented and led to the formation of the unique approach that the FBI uses in profiling today.
Understanding Profiling
Profiling, in the context of law enforcement and intelligence work, is the practice of analyzing observable behavior for the purpose of inferring characteristics, attitudes, and intentions. A competent profiler identifies patterns in behavior, and leverages these patterns to predict potential future actions.
This is not a parlour trick, nor some sort of pseudo-psychological mind reading – it’s a rigorous, methodical approach based on a deep understanding of human psychology and a keen observational skillset.
Profiling involves the analysis of a person’s behavior, motivations, and psychological characteristics to make predictions or draw conclusions about their actions – often used to help identify potential suspects in criminal cases or to understand the behavior of a known suspect more deeply.
Criminal profiling, specifically, involves looking at the crime scene, the nature of the crime, victimology, and other forensic evidence to develop a hypothesis about the traits and behaviors of an unknown perpetrator. This method can include determining the suspect’s age range, employment, living arrangements, and even possible psychological issues.
Behavioral profiling extends beyond the immediate details of a crime and looks into the broader behavioral patterns that may predict or explain criminal activity. It’s often used in cases involving serial crimes, such as serial murders or bombings, where understanding the patterns in behavior can lead to identification and apprehension of the perpetrator.
From the perspective of tradecraft, similar profiling techniques can be very useful for operatives. The ability to analyze and predict the behavior of individuals can be critical in missions involving surveillance, intelligence gathering, or interactions with potential assets or threats.
Effective profiling by an operative can lead to more strategic decision-making, better risk management, and enhanced operational success. This proficiency in understanding human behavior and motives aligns closely with key aspects of tradecraft such as elicitation, surveillance, and counterintelligence.
The Mechanism of Profiling
At its core, profiling is an exercise in inductive and deductive reasoning. The profiler collects data (through observation, interrogation, evidence, etc.), analyzes this data to identify patterns or anomalies, and then makes educated guesses about the subject’s personality, intentions, or past behaviors.
A key aspect of profiling is understanding the relationship between behavior and underlying psychological processes. Profilers use theories of personality, social psychology, and developmental psychology, among others, to make sense of observed behaviors. Profiling is as much a science as it is an art. It requires deep knowledge, experience, and intuition to create an accurate profile.
The Profiling Process
The FBI’s method of profiling, often referred to as criminal investigative analysis, is fundamentally an inductive and deductive reasoning process. It involves gathering all available information about the crime scene, the victim, and the method of operation (MO), then using that information to infer characteristics about the unknown offender.
Data Collection
This involves compiling detailed crime scene photographs, autopsy reports, victim information, and any available witness statements.
Crime Assessment
The profiler analyzes the collected data, carefully considering the offender’s choices before, during, and after the crime. This process often includes categorizing the offender’s level of organization (organized vs disorganized) and evaluating the possible MO.
Offender Profiling
Based on the analysis, the profiler generates a detailed profile of the offender. This profile can include demographic attributes, psychological characteristics, behavioral patterns, and potential suggestions on how to interact with the suspect during the interview and interrogation.
The Profiling Method
Step 1) Observation and Recording
Step 2) Analyzation
Step 3) Interpretation
Step 4) Prediction
Step 5) Verification
Base Types of Profiling
There are two broad categories of profiling developed by the FBI: crime scene profiling and investigative psychology.
Crime Scene Profiling: This is the process of identifying personality traits, behavioral tendencies, geographical location, demographic attributes, and, in some cases, the offender’s level of education based on the analysis of the crime scene.
Investigative Psychology: This branch involves studying the behaviors and motivations of criminals to establish patterns. These patterns can then be applied to ongoing investigations, aiding in narrowing suspect pools or predicting future offenses.
Profiling in Practice
My transition from the Special Forces to the CIA has taught me that the principles of criminal profiling are not limited to the realm of law enforcement. They can be equally applied in the intelligence field, particularly in counterterrorism and counterintelligence.
Understanding an individual’s or a group’s motivations, behaviors, and patterns can aid in predicting future actions, thus allowing for proactive rather than reactive responses.
In a face-to-face interaction, profiling should be subtle. Operate in an unassuming and unobtrusive way, demonstrating genuine interest in the other party, yet keeping a keen eye on the nonverbal cues and conversational insights they offer.
For example, if you notice someone consistently avoiding eye contact, it may be a sign of discomfort or deception. Similarly, quick changes in the pitch or volume of someone’s voice could be an indicator of emotional volatility or a cue that a sensitive topic has been broached.
These are mere examples; the real world application of profiling techniques requires a nuanced understanding and careful interpretation of human behavior.
Limitations and Controversies
Despite its successes, FBI profiling is not without its critics. Some argue that the method lacks scientific rigor and is more of an art than a science. Others question its reliability and validity, noting that the practice tends to reinforce stereotypes. It’s also crucial to understand that a profile is only as good as the data it’s based on, and erroneous inputs can lead to misleading outputs.
In my view, while these critiques hold validity, they do not entirely undermine the value of profiling. It’s a tool — not a magic bullet — in the arsenal of law enforcement and in my personal experience in intelligence. Like any tool, its effectiveness relies heavily on the skill and experience of the user.
The FBI’s method of profiling is a complex process that requires a holistic understanding of human behavior, the criminal mind, and the contextual factors surrounding a crime. It remains a vital asset for law enforcement and intelligence agencies despite its limitations and the controversies surrounding it.
While the art of profiling may seem daunting, it’s a skill that can be honed with practice and discipline. As an operative, it’s essential to always stay objective, keep learning, and adapt your approach based on experience.
Profiling is an invaluable tool in the field, enabling you to understand others on a deeper level, predict their actions, and navigate complex interactions with greater confidence and precision.
[INTEL : TSA Agent Method of “Profiling” Passengers]
[OPTICS : New York City]