Investigative psychology and criminal profiling: ethical and practical challenges in behavioral analysis

Abstract

Investigative Psychology is a field of Legal Psychology applied to criminal investigations. It seeks to understand behavioral patterns through the analysis of delinquent conduct. Criminal profiling, on the other hand, is a technique used to infer psychological and behavioral characteristics of possible perpetrators of crimes, based on evidence from the scene and the context of the offense. Objective: To investigate the contributions of Investigative Psychology to the understanding of criminal behavioral profiles related to the practice of delinquent conduct. Methodology: This is a qualitative research study, conducted with five psychologists working in the legal field and as criminology scholars. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, conducted virtually. Data analysis was performed using Bardin’s (2016) content analysis technique, in order to identify perceptions, practices, and ethical challenges related to the application of behavioral analysis in the Brazilian investigative context. Results: Although criminal profiling is a useful tool in prioritizing investigative hypotheses, its application must be based on concrete evidence and conducted with ethical rigor. The study highlights persistent gaps in professional training and regulation of Investigative Psychology in Brazil, which compromises its consolidation as a recognized practice. Conclusion: The study contributed to the debate about the scientific legitimization of criminal behavioral analysis within the justice system and reinforces the importance of academic training that promotes its legitimization, recognition, and theoretical-methodological development.