Visit Elgin Scotland

The Myth of Serial Killer Profiling
2023-06-09 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Elgin Town Hall, 1 Trinity Place, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1UL, United Kingdom
Join us for an insightful and eye-opening evening – The Myth of Serial Killer Profiling with Professor Craig Jackson, a renowned expert in the fields of psychology, occupational health, and criminal behavior. With extensive experience as a media commentator and consultant on high-profile crime cases, Professor Jackson will explore the controversial practice of criminal profiling in serial murder investigations.

Developed by the FBI in the 1970s, criminal profiling has long been regarded as a reliable and scientific method for identifying and apprehending serial criminals. However, Professor Jackson’s research and expertise challenge this popular belief. Drawing from his contributions to over 50 documentaries and his work assisting investigations into serial rape, murder, and missing persons, he will present compelling evidence that profiling has never successfully led to the capture and conviction of a serial murderer.

During this thought-provoking talk, Professor Jackson will delve into some of the FBI’s most infamous and perplexing serial murder cases, including The BTK (Bind Torture Kill) serial murderer, The Trailside Killer, The Unabomber, The Tylenol Poisoner, and The Zodiac Killer. He will reveal how criminal profilers often got it wrong, and how the true nature of these cases defies common “FBI myths” about serial murderers.

Furthermore, Professor Jackson will discuss the unintended consequences of criminal profiling, such as how serial killers have exploited this knowledge to misdirect police investigations and continue their killing sprees. Examples include the BTK and Zodiac killers, who were not recognized as serial murderers by the FBI until they claimed responsibility themselves.

The talk will also cover the use of behavioral analysis in high-profile murder investigations that have reached dead ends. Professor Jackson will highlight cases like those of Robert Napper, Michael Stone, and Vincent Tabak, demonstrating how these profiles have often been unhelpful or even detrimental to the investigation process.

The Myth of Serial Killer Profiling is a captivating and informative event that challenges conventional wisdom on criminal profiling and provides a fresh perspective on serial murder investigations. This presentation is suitable for those aged 16 and over.
