Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis

by Brent E. Turvey

Now in its third edition, Criminal Profiling is established as an industry standard text. It moves evidence-based criminal profiling into a full embrace of the scientific method with respect to examining and interpreting behavioral evidence. If focuses on criminal profiling as an investigative and forensic process, helping to solve crime through an honest understanding of the nature and behavior of the most violent criminals. Throughout the text, the author outlines specific principles and practice standards for Behavioral Evidence Analysis, focusing on the application of theory and method to real cases. Criminal Profiling, Third Edition, is an ideal companion for students and professionals alike, including investigators, forensic scientists, criminologists, mental health professionals, and attorneys. With contributing authors representing law enforcement, academic, mental health, and forensic science communities, it offers a balanced perspective not found in othe

Genres: Psychology, Crime, True Crime, Nonfiction, Research, Textbooks, Science

824 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stars:
1 because I finished reading it
2 for being full of interesting topics
3 for being easy to read / understand
4 because the author managed to remain objective about each topic
and 5 because the author's way of writing is simply admirable

[Tawny Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource for authors of suspense and mystery fiction. The price is on the high side, but the book is well worth the cost. A keeper.

[notdenilol · Rating 5 out of 5]

criminal minds mention!!

[Carolyn McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, but it's definitely not light reading, this one is a textbook. A great resource for anyone writing about serial killers. It goes far more in-depth than I expected.

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking a Class. I love school.

REREADING IN 2020. I took a class in this and need a refresher along with reading other books.

[Mickey Pug · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is useful information in this book and I found things to learn. It was organized well. I wish the author engaged in less penis-jousting, as just trashing every other profiler or investigative agency began to get in the way. I think the author could have used the pages more productively in this regard. The appendix case example at the end of the book was great.

[Winnie Thornton · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this would be interesting. I thought this would be about criminal profiling. It is neither. Boring, dense as mud, and full of evolutionary self-refuting drivel.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is clear from this text that Mr. Turvey is a proponent of individual case study, rather than statistical analysis. I can understand and agree with that. In the text, however, he spends an inordinate amount of time stressing the limits of criminal profiling while not providing much in the ways of actually developing a profile. Basic terms are discussed, but clear strategies and "how to"s are missing. Perhaps, as a primer for further study, this text is a starting point. I had hoped for more procedural information. Not that his information was useless-quite the contrary. As a foundation, it stresses how to ensure fair, accurate, and usable profiles by avoiding pitfalls. But as a guide for actual psychological analysis, this is not the text.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems all right. Kind of boring. Very, very technical. The author's opinion on pioneering individuals in the field of criminal profiling is made clear to the reader. I never like it when an author references himself or his opinions and theories in a text - just give me the facts, please - and I think that's a big part of the reason why I don't really care for this. Can't imagine I'll finish it. Cool pictures, though.

[Ralph · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good survey of criminal profiling theory and methods. Part of the quality of the book comes from the breadth and depth of the contributors that Turvey brings in, but another reason for the book's quality stems from Turvey's personal interest in the subject, the reason for which he details in the introduction. This is a great book for anyone looking for a thorough overview of the subject, as well as an in-depth examination for professions.

[Ashley]

#
NC
Own in hardback.

FS: "The process of inferring the personality characteristics of individuals responsible for committing criminal acts has commonly been referred to as criminal profiling."

LS: "These guidelines do not represent a radical departure from those of other well established professional forensic organizations, such as the American Board of Criminalists and the California Association of Criminalists."

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

So confusing!!!! Will update when I finish. Right now however I think the author is horrible and contradictory. I am reading this for a class and I am getting irritated with this...well this is what it is but I disagree and this is the fault of blah blah blah...

[Katherine Maxted]

This looks really good, but as it arrived my daughter nabbed it. So i'm waiting my turn.

[Richard Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

My career has been in Criminal Justice and learned of this book. Purchased this book for reference and education - purchased it used for my library. Doubt I would have for new copy.

[Richard Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

My career was in Criminal Justice and I learned of this book and purchased it for reference - got it used, couldn't have afforded my whims for new.