Citation

Bennell C, Jones NJ, Taylor PJ, Snook B. Int. J. Offender Ther. Comp. Criminol. 2006; 50(3): 344-360.

Affiliation

Carleton University, Canada (cbennell@connect.carleton.ca)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0306624X05277660

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In a recent issue of this journal, Kocsis reviewed the criminal profiling research that he and his colleagues have conducted during the past 4 years. Their research examines the correlates of profile accuracy with respect to the skills of the individual constructing the profile, and it has led Kocsis to draw conclusions that are important to the profiling field. In this article, the authors review the contributions of the Kocsis studies and critique their methodological and conceptual foundations. The authors raise a number of concerns and argue that data from the Kocsis studies fail to support many of the conclusions presented in his recent review. The authors present evidence in support of their assertions and provide recommendations that will allow future research in the area to generate data that are more meaningful and generalizable.