Criminal Profiling: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis (Hardcover)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

". . .Brent Turvey's opus is a major and much needed step towards professionalism [for criminal profiling]." -- THE ACADEMY OF EXPERTS

"I can say without reservation that the book is probably the most applicable, most broad ranging, and most contemporary text in the area. . ." -- WAYNE PETHERICK, BOND UNIVERSITY, AUSTRALIA

Review

"...The chapters address investigative as well as trial strategies, ethics, alternate methods of criminal profiling, arson, serial rape/homicide, criminal behavior on the Internet, task force management, and more. This book is a text, reference source, and proselytizing attempt, all in one. A glossary, bibliography, and index abet this worthy contribution...This book should be reviewed by anyone intent on becoming a professional criminal profiler."
--Robert T. Fintzy, M.D., in the AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, September 2000

"Throughout this fascinating book, its author illustrates, by use of extremely pertinent case examinations, the tapestry of complex and interwoven threads from several relevant disciplines which constitute a criminal profiler's area of expertise. Brent Turvey's opus is a major and much needed step towards professionalism [for criminal profiling]."
--THE ACADEMY OF EXPERTS

"I can say without reservation
that the book is probably the most applicable, most broad ranging, and most contemporary (and a little controversial!) text in the area to date. Student feedback is equally encouraging and most find themselves agreeing wholeheartedly with
the chapter on critical thinking among others."
--WAYNE PETHERICK, BOND UNIVERSITY, AUSTRALIA

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 462 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 1 edition (June 11, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 012705040X
• ISBN-13: 978-0127050409
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #546,604 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a book that explains the process of profiling!!!, July 15, 1999

By A Customer

I have read all the books out there on profiling and nothing comes close to Turvey's book. Turvey actually spells out how one should go about developing a profile instead of talking about war stories and trying to explain why only FBI profilers can profile. Anyone who has every wished to learn about profiling or crime scene reconstruction should read this book. It will demonstrate that anyone with a background in psychology, forensic science, crime scene reconstruction, and investigative techniques can learn to profile. It is not a gift or talent given to FBI agents or FBI trained fellows. It is a skill that can be learned and improved upon, just like any other skill. The book is written is plain english and is a very easy read. So if you really want to develop your profiling and reconstructive skills this book should be on your shelf.

48 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great book, contains subtle negativism., November 7, 1999

By A Customer

Mr. Turvey's book is a very informative approach to Criminal Profiling. Without a doubt this work is an excellent addition to the many books on Serial Crime and Criminal Profiling that have flooded the market place recently. It is a text book approach to this multidisaplinary topic which does add some originality to this latest addition to the genre. However, the author takes a few brief departures throughout his discourses to throw out subtle, but negative critiques of retired and former FBI profilers. Turvey, though well educated, is still a bit too new to the profession to come off this judgemental of those that have gone before him. His somewhat deliberate bashing and relatively inaccurate criticisms of Profiler's John Douglas, Robert Ressler and Joel Norris PHD, really have no place in an otherwise excellent work. Turvey's claim that Douglas and Ressler advocate and employ only the inductive method of Criminal Profiling is ofcourse inaccurate as well. These statements are unfortunate and one would only have to read John Douglas's book 'Mind Hunter', or Ressler's 'I have lived in the monster', to know that these comments are false. Those who are interested in a more applied approach to Criminal Profiling, with fewer memoirs, will not be disappointed though, it is packed with usefull information. I would however recommend a more cost effective and entertaining book, John Douglas's new book 'Anatomy of Motive'.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Seminal Text in Crime Scene Behavior Analysis, January 26, 2004

By	Ronald J. Miller "Book Hoarder" (Vancouver, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Criminal Profiling, Second Edition: An Introduction to Behavioral Evidence Analysis (Hardcover)

Mr. Turvey has done an outstanding job in assembling and presenting critical, fundamental concepts on behavioral analysis of crimes and criminals based upon what the physical evidence describes. The introduction by John Thornton, PhD, one of the worlds leading forensic scientists and authors is an endorsement that says it all. Each human act is unique in the context of the mindset of the offender and his behavior at the time of the crime. This book describes the effective analyis and interpretation based upon the uniqueness of each crime scene evidence and event, keeping the investigator on track. This book should be required reading for all "introduction to criminal investigation" classes for both law enforcement and the defense bar. The book demonstrates the importance of merging and considering all aspects of victimology, forensic science, psychology and good old fashioned investigative work. Mr. Turvey does an excellent job of promoting the deductive, individualized analysis of a crime. Although it is tempting to look at the "statistical" data of similar scenes, the inductive process can be distracting and misleading. Yes, he takes a few jabs at some of FBI's legends, however it is more likely that he attacks the process and not the individual. For those of us who have worked with the Feds and enjoyed their friendship, it does evoke a chuckle or two...