Retired FBI special agent investigator and criminal profiler Daniel Craft will be presenting “Inside the Criminal Mind” at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 15, at the Austin Public Library.

A native of St. Paul, Craft spent 31 years with the FBI, specializing in violent crimes. He was stationed in New York City and Milwaukee and worked cases involving street gangs, homicides, crimes against children, and serial murder cases, including the case of the “Milwaukee Cannibal,” Jeffrey Dahmer.

“I’ve dealt with some purely evil people,” Craft told the Herald.

Craft has also taught courses at Marquette University, Metropolitan State University, Concordia College – St. Paul and the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

His presentation “Inside the Criminal Mind” will focus on how criminals think and do what they do, drawing on Craft’s experience working for the FBI. He said the presentation will focus primarily on criminal behavior.

“The behavior is the result of the way people think,” he said. “It is purposeful. We look at the behavior at crime scenes, such as the way they plan. Some are very organized, and the method and manner reflects their personalities.”

“Everybody has a different side to them; the public, private and secret,” he added. “(Investigators) try to look at them. These are predictors of future behavior.”

Craft said that the presentation also includes images of crime scenes, some of which contain graphic material that some may find disturbing.

“To understand the mind of a criminal or serial murderer, you have to look at their handiwork,” he said. “I don’t intend to offend anyone, but you have to understand this stuff is real. It’s man’s inhumanity to man.”

Although the subject matter is intense, Craft said he would also share some humorous stories to help ease people along.

Craft, who has given the presentation several times, said that audiences have responded positively, as much of the material is not something seen on TV or in books.

“It will give (the audience) a keen insight into criminal behavior and motivation, thoughts, feelings and emotions,” he said.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Because of the disturbing subject matter and content, it is not recommended for younger audiences or for individuals sensitive to the subject of violence.

For more information, call the Austin Public Library at 507-433-2391.