Profiles are Helpful, but Should Never Limit the Search

George Metesky, “The Mad Bomber”
I have always been amazed at the ability of FBI profilers to piece together seemingly trivial shreds of information to develop a thorough character sketch of a wanted criminal. My respect for this process only heightened after engaging in my own studies of forensics and criminal behavior. What could an expert determine about an anonymous suspect just from his chosen victim and the manner in which a crime was committed? It’s a fascinating question.

The first time a