Offender Profiling

• What is the main idea behind offender profiling?

  Characteristics of an offender can be deduced from the characteristics of the offence and crime scene.
• What is the main aim of offender profiling?

  To narrow the field of enquiry and the list of likely suspects.
• What does compiling a profile usually involve?

  Careful scrutiny of the crime scene and analysis of the evidence.
• What are the two main types of offender profiling?

  Top-down approach and Bottom-up approach.
• What is the top-down approach to offender profiling?


  • Originated in the United States
  • Developed by the FBI in the 1970s
  • Based on interviews with 36 sexually motivated serial killers
• What is the purpose of matching crime and offender characteristics in the top-down approach?


  To classify murderers or rapists into organised or disorganised categories.
• How does the classification of offenders inform police investigations?

  It helps guide the investigation based on the offender's characteristics.
• What are the characteristics of organised offenders?

  • Planned the crime in advance
  • Victim is deliberately targeted
  • High level of control during the crime
  • Little evidence left at the scene
  • Above-average intelligence and skilled occupation
  • Usually married with children
• What are the characteristics of disorganised offenders?

  • Little evidence of planning
  • Crime scene reflects impulsive nature
  • Lower than average IQ and unskilled work
  • Often live alone and close to the crime scene
  • History of sexual dysfunction and failed relationships
• What is the concept of modus operandi (MO) in offender profiling?

  • Refers to the particular way serious offenders operate
  • Correlates with specific social and psychological characteristics
• What are the four main stages in the construction of an FBI profile?


  1. Data collection from the crime scene
  2. Analysis of evidence and witness reports
  3. Hypothesis generation about the offender
  4. Profiling based on the gathered information