PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILING

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Context: The CBI is assessing the accused psychologically to understand their motives and mental state, aiding in legal proceedings and future crime prevention.

Details

• The Kolkata junior doctor rape-murder case has drawn significant attention not only because of its horrific nature but also due to the investigative methods employed, particularly the use of psychological profiling by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• The psychological profiling method is not commonly used in all cases, so its application in this case prompts important questions about its purpose and effectiveness.

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) ●It was established in 1963 under the Ministry of Home Affairs and later transferred to the Ministry of Personnel. ●It is not a statutory body but derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. ●The CBI is the main investigating agency of the Central Government, focusing on corruption prevention and assisting the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal. ●The CBI investigates cases of corruption, bribery, fiscal and economic law violations, serious crimes with national and international implications, and coordinates with anti-corruption agencies and state police forces. ●The CBI acts as the National Central Bureau of Interpol in India, coordinating requests for investigation-related activities.

What is Psychological Profiling?

• Psychological profiling involves creating a detailed profile of a person’s psychological characteristics. This includes understanding their mental state, personality traits, and potential motivations behind their actions.
• In criminal investigations, profiling helps to:
  • • Understand the Criminal’s Mindset: By analyzing the accused’s responses and behaviour, investigators can gain insights into their psychological state and possible motives.
    • Determine Planning and Coordination: Profiling helps in understanding if the crime was premeditated or impulsive and whether the accused had any associates.
    • Prevent Future Crimes: Understanding the fundamental psychological issues can help in preventing similar crimes by addressing root causes.

Methods of Psychological Profiling

Interviews and Behavioral Observations

●Approach: Psychologists and forensic experts conduct interviews and observe the accused’s behaviour to gather information about their personality and emotional state. These interactions help in creating a psychological profile. ●Example: During interviews, experts may ask questions designed to provoke emotional responses or reveal personal traits, which are then analyzed to understand the accused’s psyche.

Polygraph and Neuropsychological Tests

●Approach: In some cases, polygraph (lie detector) tests, brain mapping, and narco analysis (administering substances to elicit truthful responses) may be used, although these require the accused's consent and are subject to legal constraints. ●The methods can supplement psychological profiling by providing additional data about the accused’s truthfulness and mental state.

Challenges and Considerations

Ethical and Legal Issues

• Psychological profiling and associated methods raise ethical and legal concerns, especially regarding consent and the potential for misuse. It’s crucial to ensure that these methods are conducted fairly and ethically.
• The Supreme Court’s ruling in the Selvi v/s State of Karnataka (2010) case established that certain psychological tests require consent, which must be obtained without force or pressure.

Accuracy and Reliability

• The accuracy of psychological profiling depends on the skills of the psychologists and the quality of the information gathered. It is not foolproof and should be used in conjunction with other evidence.
• Profiling provides valuable insights but should be complemented by forensic evidence and witness testimonies to build a comprehensive case.

Conclusion

• In the Kolkata junior doctor rape-murder case, psychological profiling is being used to gain a deeper understanding of the accused’s motivations, mental state, and possible involvement of others. This method helps investigators piece together the psychological factors behind the crime, offering insights that can aid in legal proceedings and future crime prevention.

Source:

Indian Express

Wikipedia

Wikipedia

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of psychological profiling in criminal investigations? A) To predict the exact time and location of future crimes based on statistical analysis. B) To create a detailed psychological portrait of the offender to understand their motivations and behaviour patterns. C) To establish a link between the crime and specific geographic locations using geographic profiling techniques. D) To use polygraph results as definitive proof of the accused's guilt or innocence.   Answer: B