description of the bodys condition and position when found and determine exactly what did the person who found the body do to alter the crime scene. At some crime scenes, the investigator needs to be able to differentiate between whether the scene is truly disorganized or if the offender staged the scene. This determination helps to direct the analysis of the underlying motive, and also helps shape the offender profile. Recognition of staging can be difficult, therefore investigators must examine all aspects of the scene if they suspect it has been staged (7). Although criminal profiling is an incredibly detailed process, it is a key factor in determining the offender in a crime. Criminal profiling is an effective way to identify and find a criminal. Profiling is not used in all cases; it is most commonly used in cases of extremely violent homicide, rape, potential serial killings, and potential serial rapes. By using such behavioral patterns as staging, signature, and modus operandi, a profiler can narrow the search for an offender greatly. Even though there are many generalities in a profile, profilers are able to get more specific by looking at either the crime scene or photographs of the crime scene (Jones 1). When approaching a crime scene with the awareness of the factors used by profilers (signature, staging, modus operandi), investigators can improve their ability to read the story of each violent crime scene. By doing so, they will become more knowledgeable and better equipped to apprehend the violent crime offender. Without criminal profiling, investigators would be working with much less information, and their chances of catching offenders would be lessened greatly. Profiling is used to apprehend the most dangerous criminals, the ones who leave tiny little trip-ups, indecipherable clues, and psychological mind games....
