Forensics- Bottom up offender profiling

Question 1

Strength, double whopper

SUPPORT FOR GEOGRAPHICAL PROFILING

Answer 1

There is evidence to support geographical profiling.
Lundrigan and Canter (2001) collated information from 120 murder cases involving serial killers. The location of each body disposal site was in a different direction from the previous, creating a ‘centre of gravity’ indicating the offenders base.
This supports Canter’s claim that spatial information is a key factor in determining the base of an offender.
It could therefore be assumed that this is a valid method of offender profiling.

Question 2

Strength, double whopper

SCIENTIFIC BASIS

Answer 2

The bottom up approach is more objective and scientific than the top down approach.
Due to advances in artificial intelligence, investigators can manipulate geographical, biographical and psychological data quickly to produce insights that assist in the investigation.
This means that the bottom up approach is more grounded in evidence and psychological theory and less driven by speculation and hunches.
The impact of this should be that the offenders are more quickly and accurately identified in investigations.

Question 3

Strength, double whopper

WIDER APPLICATION

Answer 3

The bottom up approach can be applied to a wide range of offences.
For example, it can be used in burglary and theft as well as more serious offences such as murder and rape.
This means that it is better than the top down approach which can only explain a limited number of crimes such as rape, arson and cult killings.
As a result, bottom up profiling may be a more effective method of offender profiling.

Question 4

Limitation, double whopper
MIXED RESULTS
COPSON

Answer 4

Studies examining the effectiveness of offender profiling have produced mixed results.
Copson (1995) surveyed 48 police forces and found that the advice provided by the profiler was judged to be ‘useful’ in 83% of cases but only led to accurate identification of the offender in 3%.
This means that there are some significant issues with the reliability and accuracy of bottom up offender profiling.
As a result, it may not be an appropriate tool to use when identifying offenders.

Question 5

Limitation, double whopper

INCORRECT DIRECTION

Answer 5

There are some problems with offender profiling.
For example, in the case of Rachel Nickell’s death the original suspect had been ruled out of the enquiry at an early stage because he was several inches taller than the profile that had been created based on the bottom up approach to offender profiling.
This suggests that profiling may lead the investigation in the wrong direction if it is considered too literally.
Therefore, bottom up offender profiling may only be appropriate in helping to narrow down a list of potential offenders, rather than actually identifying the assailant.