Criminogenic profiling requires strong enforcement and evaluation - experts

SHAH ALAM - Criminogenic profiling can aid employment screening but experts warns it needs strong enforcement, as it also requires ongoing evaluation in its implementation.

Management and Science University criminologist Nadiah Syariani said criminogenic profiling would be useful for screening-in and screening-out procedures for employment.

She said it allows employees or organisations to make objective decisions in finding the desired characters and qualities to fill in positions and roles in the organisation.

“Through this, the profiles serve as proactive measures in combating corruption through objective selection of individuals. Timely assessment among current employees also allows organisations to conduct better risk management and due diligence processes.

"However, it would not be effective if it is followed with weak enforcement and implementation, lack of will and cumulative effort to combat corruption and especially if there is a high tolerance with corruption culture and practices,” she stressed.

Nadiah added that with such an application in place, it can reduce corruption, therefore better opportunities for the economy to strive and for small businesses to learn important skills.

Besides, she said it would flourish in competitive markets, as well as garner public trust in the system by having high-integrity individuals in organisations and transparent procedures in place.

“First, the profiles act as guides to identify at-risk criminogenic traits and avoid undesired characteristics or qualities. However, when it comes to the assessment of an individual, the profile may not reflect actual decision-making when various situational factors and opportunities play a role in corruption activities.

"This should be kept in mind that over-reliance on the profiles should be avoided. This is where enforcement, legislation, and nurturing a strong anti-corruption culture are important,” she said.

She added empirical findings on risk factors of corruption outside Malaysia, especially in Western countries, may be a useful guide, but it does not necessarily mean the findings can be replicated in a local context.

“This is due to geographical and cultural differences, that what works in other countries, may not be suitable in local settings.

“Therefore, defining, or framing the criminogenic profiles within a local perspective is of the utmost importance, what do the profiles include, what are the local concerns on corruption, what are the psychometrics used, are the psychometrics valid and reliable to measure the identified criminogenic factors,” she said.

Additionally, she said despite of high number of arrests for corruption-related cases, there is a small percentage number of conviction.

"The challenge is there is limited data to build empirical criminogenic profiles based on this population It is important to include this population in the profiles as it would serve as the baseline data, to be compared with data from the public.

“Another challenge would be the complex nature of the corruption itself, improved modus operandi and advancement of technology making corruption more feasible.

“The profiles need to stay current and relevant with changes in corruption practices, therefore there is a need to see if enough sources and labours are available to review the profiles when needed,” she said.

Meanwhile, crime analyst Kamal Affandi Hashim said that the effectiveness of criminogenic profiling would become apparent after the pilot phase criminogenic profiling.

"Now it is still in its initial stages, and its success can only be assessed after the pilot phase concludes," he said.

He also questioned the measures ensuring the process's protocol and recommended ongoing evaluation during the pilot phase to prevent potential malfunctions.

“I suggest along the way while conducting this pilot attempts to evaluate the whole process or ecosystem.

Kamal pointed out that a candidate might appear innocent on paper but could have hidden issues, such as a gambling habit, which is not detected by the test.

"The need for an overhaul of the entire process, considering both individual and situational aspects, emphasising the importance of good governance and welcoming government initiatives, is apparent so that this doe noy backfire or get manipulated," he said.

Kamal also highlighted the necessity for public understanding and step-by-step implementation of the action plan.

“To combat systemic abuse, the importance of examining not only individuals but also methods, machinery, and decision-making opportunities should be emphasised,” he expressed.

Recently, the government aims to create profile corruption traits and develop integrity instruments to strengthen and acculturate integrity in public service.

According to the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Mid-Term Review (MTR) released by the Economy Ministry today, a pilot project using criminogenic profiling will be conducted through collaborative efforts between selected agencies and public universities.

"The profiling will determine the corruption tendency of an individual. The outcome of this pilot project will determine the use of criminogenic profiling as one of the tools to profile corruption traits in the public service,” it said.