Professionalization of Profilers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the level of professionalism among psychological profilers and to determine the necessary steps to be taken in order to become professional. This study relied on a content analysis of books, journals, and newspaper and magazine articles. It also includes an analysis of job announcements. The authors ranged from actual profilers to professors to newspaper columnists to police departments. The analysis of this literature was then linked to Freidson's model of professionalization, which includes levels of expertise, credentialsim, and autonomy in order to measure the current level of professionalism among profilers. It was found that, currently, profiling cannot be considered a professional occupation. Profilers do not obtain any form of standardized knowledge resulting from a unique field of discipline. Next, there is no certification process available to profilers. Currently, anyone can become a profiler. Finally, there is not an autonomous organization that is self-governed by only profilers that all profilers are required to join. Typically, profilers adhere to the police department's rules and procedures.