Criminal profiling is an investigative technique used by many law enforcement agencies, particularly the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in analyzing elusive criminals through the study of their criminal profiles. Profiling is usually carried out based on the type and nature of the crime. Studies are usually conducted on the whereabouts and occupation of offenders before, during and after the commission of a particular crime. The evidence against the different personality types is then brought together and an adequate description of the criminal can be formulated. However, it is important to note that in any criminal profiling effort, the criminal's psychological mind must be described comprehensively through his or her actions during and after the crime. For example, if the criminal attempted to hide something from the crime scene, this would probably indicate that he is meticulous and therefore acquiring the social disposition of the criminal is very feasible. Criminal profiling isn't just something a law enforcement officer skips over to. It is usually performed by forensic experts who have anatomical knowledge and are familiar with the criminal mind and culture. According to Fintzy (2000), this requires diligence, intellectual skills, and the ability to question assumptions and presumptions. Thus a normal police officer would be confused if left to decipher the cause of a particular crime and would appear completely subdued if asked to deduce the profile of the possible criminal. Criminal profiling itself, as the process of deciphering criminals and their actions, began in 1969 and was advanced by the FBI (Turvey, 1997). According to many psychological experts on crime scenes, the crime scene should and will always tell the psychological picture of the perpetrator...... middle of the sheet ......i/content/full/157/9 /1532Muller, A. Damone. (2000). Criminal profiling: real science or just wishful thinking? University of Melbourne, 2000. Retrieved May 26, 2011, from http://www.uwinnipeg.ca/academic/ddl/viol_cr/files/readings/reading22.pdfTurvey, E. Brent. (1997). "The role of criminal profiling in the development of trial strategy". Knowledge Solutions; 61535 S Highway 97, #9-148; Bend, OR 97702. Retrieved May 26, 2011, from http://www.corpus-delicti.com/Trial_Strategy.htmlWinnerman, L. (2004). Criminal profiling: the reality behind the myth. American Psychological Association. Retrieved May 25, 2011, from http://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug04/criminal.aspxWagner, D. (2006). 'Criminal profiling 'between science and art'. The Arizona Republic. Retrieved May 25, 2011, from http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-08 24-criminal-profiling_x.htm