... It is an inexact science and cannot establish guilt or innocence. It does, however, provide an opportunity for explaining criminal conduct, and possibly narrowing the field of enquiry in crimes where the offender is as yet unknown. Emergence of profiling in criminal investigations Profiling came to prominence in the 'Mad Bomber of New York' case. Commencing in 1939 a series of bombings occurred in New York City. After ceasing for the duration of the Second World War, the bombings resumed and lasted until the mid 1950's. Detectives enlisted a psychiatrist named James Brussell who examined the evidence collected, which included letters sent by the bomber to authorities. Brussell suggested the offender: * Was male; * Had graduated from high school; * Was aged between 40 and 50 years of age; * Lived in either Connecticut or Westchester; * Resided with a maiden aunt or sister; * Was Slavic and Catholic; and * Wore buttoned up double-breasted suits. Police eventually ...

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