ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the major points and findings of the previous chapters to illustrate the benefits and potential of utilizing an evidence-based method in offender profiling and the importance of conducting evaluations and replications to determine the validity and accuracy of the resulting profiles. Recurring themes in offender profiles for various crime types throughout all publications (as shown in the results presented in Chapter 4) and the replicability or recurring profiles found for evidence-based offender profiles (as shown in the results presented in Chapter 5) are discussed. Finally, the future of offender profiling, particularly in terms of scientific research, its use in law enforcement investigations and the courtroom (and criteria needed to meet Daubert status), and perceptions by the general public is discussed, with recommendations made about how to improve the field in the future.
