Profiling In Criminal Minds

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Criminal Minds is undoubtedly one of the most popular crime TV dramas currently on air. The show revolves around FBI agents who profile and catch serial killers. Like most crime shows, Criminal Minds has highly qualified technical analysts that ensure the police procedure is as true to real life as possible (Nevitt, 2015, p. 1). While the plotlines of this show are often unusual, these analysts work to accurately portray proper police practices. The consultants ensure common mannerisms and actions of police officers, like how to correctly apply handcuffs and hold guns, are correctly shown. It is important that they show these procedures as accurately as possible because the actions shown on the show influence viewers as to what they think is normal police tactics. …show more content…

How they use the technique is misleading. Profiling “blends law enforcement with psychology to develop a better understanding or description of offenders (Huet, 2012, p. 1)”. Profiling is a central part of the show’s plot. The team works together to discuss cases, quickly determines crucial identifying factors about the suspects with incredible accuracy, and catch the killers quite easily. That’s just not how it works. The show is very dark and violent, not only with the crimes shown, but also by having the episode end with the suspect being killed by the police. Also, the characters commit wrongful acts without punishment, which wouldn’t happen to a real officer. They have access to a private jet to take them anywhere there is a case, and an amazing technical analyst who is able to access almost anything quickly, which is not true to real life (Ramsland,