Behavioral Analysis and Criminal Investigation

The following is an essay I wrote for my English Comp I class.

Can one get ahead of crazy if they do not know how crazy looks? The answer is no, which is why behavioral analysis has been one of the most prolific discoveries in history. Behavioral analysis changed forensic science and how criminal investigations are approached by understanding the psychology behind some of the world’s notorious crimes.

By combining the crime with the perpetrators' mental state, a clear picture of the bad guys will lead to their capture. In addition, this combination permits one to see not only the monster, but the everyday human behind the monstrous acts.

The Association for Behavioral Analysis International (ABAI) defines behavioral analysis as a “Natural science that seeks to understand the behavior of individuals.” (What is Behavioral Analysis). So much can be learned by studying one’s body language, environment, and past.

Research into the topic provides information on what patterns to look for when searching for specific answers that one may not be willing to give verbally. The idea is that no crime is random; there is always a motive that traces back to a behavioral pattern Robert M. Brzenchek, a police officer and consultant said, “When analyzing human behavior, patterns and habits create a bigger picture. This is why when you are around someone for a long period of time, you begin to notice different nuances about their behavior.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) formed the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) in 1972, which led to an explosion of information about behavior through conducting research involving interviews with serial killers, such as Ed Kemper.

Behavioral analysis is so crucial to investigations that the FBI conducts classes both nationally and internationally to teach the local law enforcement what to look for to protect themselves and their communities better and prevent future crimes from occurring (Part 2).

Analyzing behavior will always indicate a motive, and knowing the motive behind a crime will lead to the perpetrator. Robert M. Brzenchek, a police officer and consultant said, “When analyzing human behavior, patterns and habits create a bigger picture. This is why when you are around someone for a long period of time, you begin to notice different nuances about their behavior.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) formed the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) in 1972, which led to an explosion of information about behavior through conducting research involving interviews with serial killers, such as Ed Kemper.

Behavioral analysis is so crucial to investigations that the FBI conducts classes both nationally and internationally to teach the local law enforcement what to look for to protect themselves and their communities better and prevent future crimes from occurring. (Part 2) Analyzing behavior will always indicate a motive, and knowing the motive behind a crime will lead to the perpetrator.

For example, Ted Bundy is considered one of the most notorious serial killers in history, but he could not escape his behaviors. The FBI gave a profile based on his crimes in 1978, and shortly after, he was caught in Pensacola, Florida. However, behavioral analysis does not end with body language and past experiences.

Law enforcement will also look at crime scenes to determine how organized or disorganized a killer is. The use of certain weapons or methods of killing can tell if the crime was personal or random. Was the killer angry? Is this something they have done before?

Knowing this information forms a picture of what the perpetrator may look like outside of the crime. Where are they likely to spend their time? Is the killer married or single? Do they hate women? Is the reason a woman may target men because of unresolved feelings about her father?

In any event, where a kidnapping, murder, or other series of crimes occur, we can be sure that behavioral analysis will play a significant role in catching whoever is conducting said crimes. Learning behavioral patterns and understanding the psychology behind criminals' minds will help us know what to look for to keep our communities and families safe and prevent future crimes from happening.

Sources:

Brzenchek, Robert, M. “How Behavioral Analysis is used in Criminal Investigations.” American Military University Edge (16 Nov 2018): https://amuedge.com/how-behavioral-analysis-is-used-in-criminal-investigations/. Accessed 29 Sept. 2021.

“Part 2: The Birth of Behavioral Analysis in the FBI.” FBI (23 Oct 2013): https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/serial-killers-part-2-the-birth-of-behavioral-analysis-in-the-fbi. Accessed 29 Sept. 2021.

“What is Behavioral Analysis?” Association for Behavioral Analysis International: https://www.abainternational.org/about-us/behavior-analysis.aspx Accessed 29 Sept. 2021.