The bottom-up approach

• What is the bottom-up approach in offender profiling?

  It involves working up from evidence collected from the crime scene to develop hypotheses about the offender.
• Who is most closely associated with the development of the bottom-up approach to offender profiling?

  David Canter
• How does the bottom-up approach differ from the American top-down approach?

  The bottom-up approach does not begin with fixed typologies but is data-driven.
• What are the two examples of the bottom-up approach mentioned?

  • Investigative psychology
  • Geographical profiling
• What is investigative psychology?

  A form of bottom-up profiling that matches crime scene details with statistical analysis of offender behavior patterns.
• What is the principle behind geographical profiling?

  It is based on the principle of spatial consistency, indicating that an offender's operational base is revealed by the geographical location of their previous crimes.
• How did David Canter assist in the capture of John Duffy?

  He analyzed geographical information from crime scenes and matched it with details of similar past attacks.
• What does the bottom-up approach aim to generate about the offender?

  A picture of their characteristics, routine behavior, and social background through systematic analysis of evidence.
• What is the aim of investigative psychology?

  • Apply statistical procedures alongside psychological theory
  • Establish patterns of behavior across crime scenes
  • Develop a statistical database for comparison
• What is interpersonal coherence in the context of offender profiling?

  It suggests that an offender's behavior at the crime scene reflects their behavior in everyday situations.
• What does forensic awareness describe?

  Individuals who have been interrogated by police and may be mindful of covering their tracks.
• What does geographical profiling use to make inferences about an offender?

  Information about the location of linked crime scenes.
• What is Canter's circle theory?

  It suggests that the pattern of offending forms a circle around the offender's home base.
• What are the two types of offenders described in geographical profiling?

  • The marauder: operates close to their home base
  • The commuter: travels a distance away from their usual residence
• What does crime mapping provide investigators with?

  A 'centre of gravity' which likely includes the offender's base.
• What evidence supports the use of investigative psychology?

  Canter and Heritage's analysis of 66 sexual assault cases identified common behaviors across different samples.
• What is a limitation of case linkage in investigative psychology?

  It depends on the database, which consists only of historical crimes that have been solved.
• What evidence supports geographical profiling?

  Lundrigan and Carter's study of 120 murder cases revealed spatial consistency in the behavior of serial killers.
• What is a limitation of geographical profiling?

  Its success may rely on the quality of data provided by the police, which can be inaccurate.
• What is the 'dark figure of crime'?

  • Refers to the estimated 75% of crimes not reported to police
  • Highlights the limitations of relying on recorded crime data
• What factors might be important in creating a profile besides geographical information?

  The timing of the offence and the age and experience of the offender.
• How did the case of the Railway Rapist illustrate the bottom-up approach?

  Canter used geographical information and past attack details to create an accurate profile of John Duffy.
• What is the significance of time and place in investigative psychology?

  They may indicate where the offender is living and how they operate.
• What does the systematic analysis of evidence aim to achieve in the bottom-up approach?

  To generate a comprehensive profile of the offender.
• How does the bottom-up approach relate to psychological theory?

  It is much more grounded in psychological theory compared to the top-down approach.
• What is the role of statistical analysis in investigative psychology?

  To identify common behaviors and establish patterns across different crime scenes.
• What does the term 'modus operandi' refer to in geographical profiling?

  The method and pattern of behavior an offender uses when committing crimes.
• How can understanding an offender's 'mental maps' assist investigators?

  It can provide insights into their mode of transport, employment status, and approximate age.
• What is the significance of the 'centre of gravity' in geographical profiling?

  It indicates the likely home base of the offender based on the spatial pattern of their crimes.
• What does the term 'case linkage' refer to in investigative psychology?

  It refers to establishing whether two or more offences were committed by the same person.
• What is the role of smallest space analysis in investigative psychology?

  It helps identify common behaviors across different samples of behavior.
• What is a potential circular argument in case linkage?

  It suggests that solved crimes were straightforward to link, which may not apply to unsolved crimes.
• How does the geographical profiling approach relate to the behavior of serial offenders?

  Serial offenders tend to commit crimes within familiar geographical areas.
• What is the significance of the study by Lundrigan and Carter in geographical profiling?

  It provided evidence of spatial consistency in the behavior of serial killers.
• What is a limitation of relying solely on geographical information for profiling?

  It may not always lead to the successful capture of an offender due to other important factors.
• How does the timing of an offence impact offender profiling?

  It can provide insights into the planning and execution of the crime.
• What does the term 'marauder' refer to in geographical profiling?

  An offender who operates in close proximity to their home base.
• What does the term 'commuter' refer to in geographical profiling?

  An offender who is likely to have traveled a distance away from their usual residence.
• What is the role of psychological theory in geographical profiling?

  It helps create hypotheses about the offender's thinking and modus operandi.
• How does the bottom-up approach contribute to the field of offender profiling?

  It moves offender profiling into a more scientific and empirical domain.