FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY - Top Down Approach Flashcards
What is offender profiling?
A tool employed by the police to narrow down the list of likely suspects based on characteristics deduced from the offence and crime scene.
What is the basis of offender profiling?
The idea that offender characteristics can be deduced from details of the offence and crime scene.
What do profiling methods typically involve?
Careful scrutiny of the crime scene and analysis of evidence, including witness reports.
What are the two main types of offenders in the Top-Down Approach?
- Organised Offenders
- Disorganised Offenders
What characterizes organised offenders?
Evidence of having planned the crime in advance, targeting specific victims, and maintaining control during the crime.
What are common traits of organised offenders?
- Above average intelligence
- Skilled professional occupation
- Socially and sexually competent
- Often married with children
What characterizes disorganised offenders?
Little evidence of planning, impulsive attacks, and a lack of control during the crime.
What are common traits of disorganised offenders?
- Lower than average intelligence
- Unskilled work or unemployed
- History of sexual dysfunction or failed relationships
- Tend to live alone
True or False: Organised offenders leave a significant amount of evidence at the crime scene.
False
Fill in the blank: Organised offenders often display _______ during the crime.
high level of control
What is a key feature of the crime scene for disorganised offenders?
The body is usually left at the scene.
What is top-down profiling?
A method that applies to certain crimes such as rape, arson, and murders involving sadistic practices.
Which common offence does not lend itself to top-down profiling?
Burglary.
What was the basis for the organised or disorganised distinction?
Interviews with 36 serial killers in the USA.
What criticism is associated with the sample used for the organised or disorganised distinction?
The sample is too small and unrepresentative.
