Forensics - bottom up approach

• Bottom-up approach


  British approach
• Bottom-up approach


  • Data driven approach where statistical techniques are used to produce predictions about the likely characteristics of an offender
  • Generates picture of the offender, likely characteristics, routine behaviour and social background - through analysis of evidence at crime scene
  • Analysing specific details rather than predetermined categories
  • Allowing for a more flexible and data driven strategy that can lead to a more accurate profiling of suspects
• Forms of bottom-up psychology

  • Investigative psychology
  • Geographical profiling
• Investigative psychology


  • Combines statistical procedure and psychological theory to analyse crime scene evidence and establish behaviour across crime scenes
  • A statistical database is developed to compare specific offense details or related offences
  • Can then be matched against this database to reveal important details about the offender, their personal history, family background, etc.
  • This may also determine whether a series of offences are linked in that they are likely to have been committed by the same person
• Geographical profiling


  • Use of locations of related crimes scenes to determine the probable home or base of an offender = crime mapping
  • Based on the fact that offender reveal themselves not only through their crimes but also through the locations they choose
  • Geographical profiling suggests that serial offenders tend to commit crimes in areas they know well
  • By analysing the spatial patterns of their behaviour, investigators can identify a central area, often where the offender is based
  • This can also help predict where the offender might strike next
• Canter's circle theory


  • Marauder - operates in close proximity to their home base
  • Commuter - likely to have travelled a distance away from their usual residence