Kanika Bell
Clark Atlanta University, United States
Title: Black boys should be indoors by dark!: Victim and offender profile myths in the United States
Biography
Biography: Kanika Bell
Abstract
The overall goal of forensic profiling is to make inferences about potential suspects using evidence from crime scenes and previous cases. Though many forensic psychologists and psychiatrists believe in the validity and utility of forensic profiles, views among the general population vary widely concerning their reliability. This study examines the contradictions between what lay persons believe and what the statistical research shows about the demographics of those most likely to commit particular crimes and those most likely to be victims of particular crimes. Further discussed are how these beliefs are resistant to change and how these attitudes often influence behavior.