Top-down approach Flashcards
Define offender profiling
It is a tool that predicts the characteristics and personality of a criminal
Who and when created the top-down approach?
The FBI in the 1970’s
How is the top-down approach used?
Experienced profilers use the evidence in crime scenes to develop a profile.
What type of crimes is the top-down approach used?
Mainly violent crimes
How many stages does the top-down approach consist of?
7
What is stage 1 of the top-down approach: explain?
Murder type: is it an isolated incident.
Define what is meant by serial killer
3+ killings over 1 month with periods of downtime in between
Define what is meant by spree killer
Killing several people in different locations in a day
Define what is meant by a mass murderer
Multiple murders in 1 location in 1 time period
What is stage 2 of the top-down approach: explain?
Primary intent: was it deliberate or pre-meditated
What is stage 3 of the top-down approach: explain?
Victim risk: how risky is it to kill somebody
Give an example of a low risk victim
Elderly
Children
Prostitutes
What is stage 4 of the top-down approach: explain?
Offender risk: the risk they took (broad daylight)
What is stage 5 of the top-down approach: explain?
Escalation: has this crime escalated from previous crimes and how
What are stage 6 and 7 of the top-down approach?
Time factors
Location factors
