bottom up profiling Flashcards
who uses bottom up profiling
UK
what is the aim of bottom up profiling
generate a picture of the offender - their likely characterstics, routines, social background. Achieved through systematic analysis of crime scene.
what is investigative psychology
an attempt to apply statistical procedures (eg. using a computer, smallest space analysis) and psychological theory to a crime scene in aim to establish patterns on behaviour that exist and may co-exist with other crimes. A complex data base compares crime scene characteristics with existing recorded crimes in hope of matching specific crimes to each other.
what is interpersonal coherence
suggests there is a consistency between the way offenders interact with their victims and with others in their everyday lives.
what is geographical profiling
using information about the location of linked crime scenes using a data base to make infernces about the likely base of the offender. This is used in conjunction with psychological theory to create hypothesis about the offenders modus operandi.
what assumption is made in geographical profiling
serial offenders will restrict their offences to geographical areas they are familiar with, often the pattern of offending forms a circle around the offenders base.
what are the two ways in which bottom up profiling describes an offender
marauder - operates in close proximity to their home base
commuter - likely to travel a distance away from their usual residence.
what is the psychological theory that may be used in conjunction with geographical profiling
people store information about their lives their schemas/mental maps. According to canter each person’s mental map is highly individual. Therefore the location of crime scenes can be used to infer where the offender is based and other information about the offender such as interests, employments and relationships. As a result can try to predict where next crime may occur and set up a serveillence area.
what is smallest space analysis (investigative psychology)
method that compares the frequency and co-occurance of crime characterstics between different crimes.
why is bottom up profiling called bottom up profiling
starts with small details and creates the big picture. no pre made categories therefore building up to a profile of an offender.
what is a case study that supports the efficacy of geographical profiling (AO3)
John Duffy, nicknamed the railway rapist, was responsible for the rape and murder of women near railway stations in north London. Canter placed all the cases on a map and this allowed him to speculate about where the rapist might live. Using geographical information, circle theory and data from previous offences, canter developed an accurate profile which led to his arrest and conviction.
what is a strength of this approach using data bases and computers to help build profiles. (AO3)
the use of computer systems means that information can be collated and analysed quickly in a standardised way. This is useful because it can be used to assist investigations, and try and solve crimes more quickly.
The use of computer databases and previous research makes this approach more scientific and objective than top down typologies. This is because there is less chance of human error or bias
How has this approach been praised for being more hollistic
(AO3)
the combination of investigative psychology and geographical profiling makes it holistic as it is considering a number of contributing factors when profiling an offender e.g. location, time, offender behaviour, employment, criminal characteristics etc. Being holistic means that it may be more accurate, as it is ensures no detail is missed.
How does the case study of John duffy also support the efficacy of investigative psychology (Validity)
IP looks at specific details of an offence which can then be ‘matched’ in a database to determine whether a series of offences are linked + commited by same person. By looking at duffy’s case of serial rape and murder, it was clear the crimes were linked as they occured near to a railway and the behaviour of the offender was consistent. Canter used this info to build an accurate profile which led to his capture.
however there are mixed results when using bottom up profiling in real life to create correct profile - who found this,
outline a case that demonstrates this (reliability AO3)
Copson - only 3% of cases did the profile lead to an accurate identification of the offender.
Paul britton was responsible for profiling the killer of rachel Nickell, the investiation targeted colin stagg who often walked his dog in the same location and matched the profile drawn up. which led to a full investigation into Stagg. However rachel’s actual killer had been ruled out at early stages of the previous investigation because he was several inches taller than profile. This illustrates that just because someone fits the profile does not mean they are the offender. profiling can narrow down a list of suspects and give a lead but will not deliver the actual suspect.
