Accuracy and usefulness of offender profiling: a review of the research.

This study sought to collect and summarize empirical research on offender profiling pertaining to its investigative accuracy and practitioner opinions on its use. A computerized search was performed using multiple academic databases to locate references, which were obtained and snowballed until resourced were exhausted. A detailed literature review table was constructed for the entire sample to summarize the methods, sample, results, and implications for each study. Key findings, gaps, trends, and future directions are discussed. This study helps guide research agendas on offender profiling research and serves as a valuable directory of information for practitioners.