SIGNIFICANCE OF OFFENDER PROFILING AS A KEY TOOL IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION IN PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Offender profiling is an investigative technique that integrates forensic psychology, and criminology to analyze crime scene characteristics, and offender behavior in order to reconstruct the profile of the offender. Although the technique widely utilized in global investigations; its practical application in Pakistan remains uncertain. This research work aims to explore the techniques used in making a criminal profile, challenges facing by the investigation officers in profiling process, and its admissibility status before the court of law. The study is guided and consistent to the Behavioral Evidence Analysis (BEA) theoretical framework, which focuses on forensic backed profiling through in-depth crime scene interpretation such as analyzing victim’s features, modus operandi, and offender signatures.  Further, Purposive sampling technique was employed to consider 25 respondents who are relevant stakeholders to offender profiling includes police investigation officers, forensic experts, lawyers, and judges. Data was collected through interview guide and analyzed qualitatively by organizing into six major themes including nature of profiling practices, perceived gaps in formal training, challenges faced in practical applications, and barriers to profiling being accepted as evidence in court. Findings revealed critical gaps like the absence of formal training on offender profiling, skepticism among professionals, and barriers to inter agency communication that hinder profiling effectiveness. Further, profiling remains inadmissible as primary evidence in court and used only for corroboration purposes. This research work underscored the urgent need for standardized training to Police investigation officers, enhanced collaboration among relevant stakeholders to recognize the importance of profiling, and adoption of forensic based methodologies like behavioral evidence analysis to enhance profiling accuracy and improve the efficiency of criminal investigation.