We have all heard about criminal profilers. We have seen movies and series about criminal profilers which make their job seem glamorous, easy even. But, according to Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin from the Violent Crimes Institute, criminal profiling has gotten a bad name that it does not deserve because people largely confuse criminal profiling with racial profiling which includes racial or ethnic characteristics to determine whether a person is likely to commit a particular crime.

We spoke to Dr. Schurman-Kauflin who has studied serial killers for twenty years. In 1997 she became an independent consultant to provide profiles on serial killers, serial rapists, abductions, cases of stalking and other unusual cases for police around the world. Police departments across the United States have used her profiles to solve many cases.

- I became fascinated with serial murder when I was 15. My mother was a psychologist who did evaluations of violent offenders for trials. She gave me a book on the Zodiac serial killer, and after I read it, I wanted to know why someone would commit such atrocities – Dr. Schurman-Kauflin told Javno.

What is criminal profiling? 

- Criminal profiling is the examination of a crime scene in order to determine the type of person who would have committed the crime. One can also examine a suspect’s personality in order to determine the best way to obtain a confession in an interview –Dr. Schurman-Kauflin says.

The first thing a criminal profiler focuses on is the behaviour of the criminal. A profiler’s first task is to determine what exactly was done to the victim. This can tell you who would have committed the crime, she said.

- In order to effectively profile a killer, one has to enter their minds. The way I do this is to focus on what a purely evil person would do, and then, I am correct in my profiles – Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said. When asked whether ‘entering the minds’ of murderers and rapists affects her, she replied, “It is akin to a surgeon who must detach from a patient in order to operate”.

What makes serial killers and rapists tick? 

- Serial killers all want to feel powerful. In killing, they play God, and it makes them feel special, as if they are part of an exclusive killing club. Similarly, rapists are typically out of control in their lives. They are frustrated and want to lash out to regain a sense of control of themselves and their lives. They may not be able to control anything else, but they can control their victims – Dr. Schurman-Kauflin told Javno.

She says that the most common motive for murder is loss of control of one’s emotions. “Killers are very childish in that they believe the only way to settle a score or make the self feel better is through murder. There is no intellectual prowess in that”.

- Most get caught when they become careless. That is when intense police officers will catch them. Good investigations coupled with large offender egos can lead to apprehension – Dr. Schurman-Kauflin told Javno.

How do we protect ourselves and our children?

We asked Dr. Schurman-Kauflin whether there are any behavioural patterns that might give parents reason to suspect that their child is on its way to being a criminal.

- Warning signs can be seen in children who are progressing to violence. Acting out against small animals, stalking neighbourhoods, and breaking into homes all can indicate trouble – she said,

adding that the seeds of evil are planted at a very young age. There is not one single element that will create a serial killer. Psychopathology and being a victim are factors that can make one head down the path to becoming a predator.

- There is no difference in serial killers around the world. They may adapt to their surroundings in order to fit in, but the motives remain the same. Currently there are predators everywhere. In India where many call centres have arisen, city growth has not kept up. So workers often must walk home in dark settings making them perfect targets for these offenders.  In Africa, soldiers rape and brutally kill those simply trying to survive. There is femicide in parts of Latin America which largely is ignored. Wherever there are innocent people, the predators will follow - Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said, adding:

- Being vigilant is always important. Always lock your doors, both in the car and at home. Listen to your instinct. If something feels wrong, do not hesitate to get out of the situation. Better to be rude and not talk to a stranger than to be polite and dead. I’ve spoken with male and female serial killers. They tell me that they always know who would make a good victim. If looking to abduct a child, they watch and find the one who is off by himself. They look for the one who is not getting attention. This child would be more vulnerable and easier to abduct.

Josef Fritzl was God in a world he created

Dr. Schurman-Kauflin commented for us the case of Josef Fritzl who was arrested in Germany for holding his daughter captive for 24 years and fathering her seven children.

- Clearly, if true, Josef Fritzl is a very demented creature. Sometimes those who are psychopathic will not only treat unrelated victims as objects, but will do the same with family. To him, his daughter was his possession, to do with whatever pleased. He was obviously a control freak who decided that the daughter would serve his needs, no matter how sick. The victim was a sex toy and incubator, and this would be arousing to him. He was God in this world he created.

Read also: Cruellest Serial Killers