Offender Profiling

Question 1

Outline the top-down approach

Answer 1

The top-down approach classifies a crime scene as organised or disorganised and uses this along with other information to narrow down a list of suspects. This also allows generation of hypotheses about the probable characteristics of the likely offender.

Question 2

Outline the bottom-up approach

Answer 2

The aim is to generate a picture of the offender by inferring their likely characteristics, routine behaviour, and social background, through systematic analysis of evidence at the crime scene, using principles like Inrerpersonal coherence, and Forensic Awareness. Makes use of geographical profiling to identify ‘Marauders’ or ‘Commuters’

Question 3

Strengths of the top-down approach

Answer 3

• Research Support - Canter et al. analysed 100 US murders by different serial killers using small space analysis - (identifies correlations across different samples of behaviours). Analysis revealed there is a subset of features of many serial killings which matched the FBI’s typology for organised offenders. Suggests a key component of the FBI typology approach has some validity. HOWEVER, most killers have multiple, contrasting characteristics, and don’t fit into one type. This suggests the organised-disorganised typology is more of a continuum.
• Wider application - it can be adapted to other kinds of crime. When applied to burglary, 85% rise in solved burglary cases, US. Detection method remains the same but 2 new categories are added - interpersonal (offender knows victims and steals something of significance), or opportunistic (generally inexperienced young offender).

Question 4

Limitations of the top-down approach

Answer 4

• Flawed Evidence - FBI profiling developed using 36 murderers. Canter et al argued that the sample was poor, not randomly selected, nor large, nor did it include different types of offenders. There was no standard set of questions so each interview was different and not really comparable. Suggests that top down profiling does not have a sound, scientific basis.

Question 5

Strengths of the bottom up-approach

Answer 5

• Evidence for geographical profiling - 120 US serial killer cases, places where the bodies were left created a circle of gravity, pointing to a home base. This supports the view that geographical information can be used to identify an offender.
• Evidence - Canter and Heritage (1990) - 66 sexual assaults. Several behaviours identified as common, and each individual displayed a characteristic pattern of such behaviours and this can help to establish case linkage. Supports one of the basic principles that people are consistent in their behaviour. HOWEVER, the database of solved crimes using case linkage may be because these were easy and straightforward to link together.

Question 6

Limitations of the bottom-up approach

Answer 6

• Geographical information insufficient - Based on the quality of data the police can provide, and crime recording is not always accurate, 75% of crimes are not reported (est.). Critics claim that other factors are just as important, such as timing and age of offender. Suggested geo info alone may not always lead to successful capture of the offender.