Offender profiling - Bottom-up Approach

Question 1

Who suggested a bottom up approach?

Answer 1

David Canter

Question 2

Who uses the bottom up approach?

Answer 2

The UK

Question 3

define the bottom up approach

Answer 3

When profilers work up from evidence collected from the crime scene + statistical data of similar crimes, to develop hypothesis about the likely characteristics, motivations and social background of the offender

Question 4

When is an assumption made about the offender?

Answer 4

when statistical analysis using correlational techniques has been carried out on the details of the case

Question 5

Name a few possible issues with the bottom up approach?

Answer 5

• outdated info
• inaccuracy via
  eyewitness accounts
• human error
• anomalous results
• leading questions
• not all crimes being followed up

Question 6

What are the main 2 core components to Canter’s theory (bottom up approach)

Answer 6

1. investigative psychology

2. geographic profiling

Question 7

define investigative psychology

Answer 7

It aims to match evidence collected from a crime with a statistical analysis of typical behaviour patterns.

It considers 3 patterns.

Question 8

what are the 3 behaviour patterns investigative psychology considers?

Answer 8

1. interpersonal coherence
2. forensic awareness
3. smallest space analysis

Question 9

define interpersonal coherence

Answer 9

the belief that peoples behaviour is consistent.

Therefore there will be a link between crime behaviour + daily behaviour

Question 10

define forensic awareness

Answer 10

When individuals who may have a knowledge of forensic measures (to help avoid exposure)

Question 11

what is an example of forensic awareness?

Answer 11

e.g rapists, who knew how to conceal fingerprints have often been previously convicted of burglary hence the knowledge to conceal prints.

Question 12

define smallest space analysis (main component of bottom up theory)

Answer 12

Main component,

A statistical technique which uses police database to create profiles.

Question 13

how does smallest space analysis use police database to create offender profiles?

Answer 13

1. It does this by inputting the known information about a NEW crime, into the database.
2. The statistical produce will then look for patterns and consistencies in the new crime compared to previous crimes already in the database.
3. Correlates the crime with previous crimes

Question 14

define geographic profiling

Answer 14

Uses geographical techniques to plot crimes.

Question 15

what is the aim of geographic profiling?

Answer 15

To use the location based facts from the geo profiling, to build hypothesis about the crime

Question 16

what are the 3 parts to geographic profiling?

Answer 16

1. centre of gravity + jeopardy surface
2. Circle theory
3. marauders v.s commuters

Question 17

define centre of gravity + jeopardy surface

Answer 17

The idea that plotting previous crimes can help to locate

1. The base of operations of an offender
2. Location likely to be struck next

Question 18

define circle theory

Answer 18

The idea that if you plot the point at which crimes have taken place.

The criminal activity will fit within a circle.

Question 19

define marauders

Answer 19

offenders who commit crimes nearby where they live

Question 20

define commuters

Answer 20

offenders whom are more inclined to travel to commit the crime