Citation

Kocsis RN. J. Forensic Psychol. Pract. 2010; 10(3): 224.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15228930903550574

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This article considers the empirical evidence currently available, which examines the validity of criminal profiling. The manuscript also serves to highlight a third key flaw in Snook et al. (2007) which, in the writer's view, further renders its conclusions problematic. The phenomena referred to as the nomenclature illusion is discussed to explain its role in hindering the cogent development of scientific knowledge in the area of criminal profiling. The ramifications of these findings for competing theoretical approaches to criminal profiling are also explored. Final comments consider the optimal approach for the development of operationally relevant techniques for profiling violent crimes in the future.