AO1

• The bottom-up approach is the UK approach to offender profiling where profilers use evidence from the crime scene and work their way up and develop a hypothesis about the likely characteristics, social background and motivations of the offenders. It is data-driven, using statistical analysis of minor details at the scene and is much more grounded than the top-down approach. It assumes that criminals work consistently and use similar modus operandi for multiple crimes.
• The bottom-up approach uses statistical analysis, Venn diagrams and databases/small space analysis to develop a profile.
• There are 4 key principles of the bottom-up approach:

  • Interpersonal coherence
  • Time and place (geographical profiling)
  • Forensic awareness
  • Investigative psychology
• Interpersonal Coherence

  This is how the offender interacts with the crime scene and victim, which reflects their everyday behaviour. For example, rapists may humiliate victims which shows how they treat women on a day-to-day basis.
• Time and place (Geographical profiling)

  This indicates where the offender lives based on spacial consistency in geographical profiling, suggesting the offenders operational area and future offences can be revealed by location of previous crimes.
• Forensic Awareness

  Behaviour may indicate previous criminal offenses and may denote how mindful they are of covering their tracks.
• Investigative Psychology

  Cross-referencing details of the crime scene to determine the composition of the offender profile using statistical analysis.
• Routine Activity Theory

  Suggests that crimes occur when 3 circumstances coincide

  • motivated offender
  • suitable and vulnerable victim
  • absence of a guardian

  Crimes are an extension of criminals normal activities, so will occur in place the offender makes regular use of.
• Canter's Circle Theory

  Based on geographical profiling, the circle theory suggests that criminals commit crimes in areas they know around their home, spatial consistency. If all crimes are committed in a circle, then the criminal likely lives in that area, providing investigators with a centre of gravity which may help them find out where the criminal will offend next, jeopardy surface.
• Canter's Circle Theory (2)

  It suggests 2 possible models of offender behaviour:

  • marauder: operate close to home
  • commuter: operate away from home

  Disruption of linked offences may reflect the offenders mental map of the area, this spatial data provides insight to aspects about the offender:

  • planned/oppurtunistic
  • mode of transport
  • employment status
  • approximate age