PETALING JAYA: The Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) plan to form a behavioural science unit (BSU) has got the backing of criminology experts, who say it will strengthen the police force’s capacity to tackle crime and improve investigations.

Criminologist Datuk Dr P. Sundramoorthy (pic) of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) Centre for Policy Research said the BSU could help with analysing crime scenes, the behaviour of offenders, and profiling victims.

This could be done by using the principles of sociology, criminology, economics, political science, forensics science, computer science and psychology, he added.

Sundramoorthy said harnessing the power of data to study crime patterns and correlations can also aid in understanding criminal behaviour and improve policing strategies.

By applying profiling techniques and studying crime trends, he said, investigators could narrow down suspects and prioritise leads in cases.

“Apart from enhancing the efficiency of investigations, it is a valuable and progressive step towards improving community relations and ensuring public safety. There is an urgent need to form a BSU in the police force,” he told The Star.

Sundramoorthy said the BSU should comprise individuals who possess an academic background in such areas of study.

“Additionally, the members of the unit should receive specialised training to enhance their understanding of human behaviour, criminal profiling, crime mapping, investigative techniques and data analysis.

“Former police officers or those with such expertise should be roped in to impart their knowledge and skills in these areas,” he added.

Sundramoorthy also said acquiring knowledge through collaborations with international law enforcement agencies, universities and research centres will further boost the competence of the BSU.

Former Penang police chief Datuk Seri A.Thaiveegan agreed the move was timely.

He said the CID faculty at the Senior Police Officers’ College could initiate a special school and gather input from those who specialise in intelligence-gathering and criminal investigation.

“It certainly is an excellent approach to have an independent unit that solely specialises in criminal psychology,” said Thaiveegan, who is also a criminologist.

This article first appeared on TheStar.