OFFENDER PROFILING
1. KEY AIMS OF OFFENDER PROFILING
A. Key Aims to Use in Introduction
i. It’s an investigative tool
ii. Reduce the suspect pool
iii. Predict and prevent future crimes from occurring
iv. Uses psychological characteristics of the offender
v. Can refine the geological area in which the offender lives/operates in
2. UK APPROACH
The UK uses a bottoms-up approach. The profile is built-up bases on data/statistics
and factual information obtained from the crime scene. Also considers evidence left
or taken from the crime scene (trophies/souvenirs)
A. Geographical Profiling
Geographical profiling uses map locations to identify patterns of crimes, narrow
down areas to search for the offender, helps the police focus their resources to
specified locations
B. David Canter’s Circle Theory
Offenders can be categorised into one of two Marauders or Commuters
i. Marauders commit crimes in/around the area in which they live. They have
knowledge of the area so their crimes may be more spread out. However,
they will travel sightly further from their actual home to prevent being
identified by local residents or they will try to conceal their identity e.g.,
wearing a balaclava.
ii. Commuters travel to a separate location to commit their crimes. They don’t
know the local area and so their crimes are likely to be closely located. They
don’t necessarily need to hide their identify as they won’t be known by
locals.
iii. Spatial consistency says the offender may be knowledgeable of the area but
not necessarily live there. They may work in the area, have friends or family
that live in that area
C. Ainsworth Timing Theory
1. KEY AIMS OF OFFENDER PROFILING
A. Key Aims to Use in Introduction
i. It’s an investigative tool
ii. Reduce the suspect pool
iii. Predict and prevent future crimes from occurring
iv. Uses psychological characteristics of the offender
v. Can refine the geological area in which the offender lives/operates in
2. UK APPROACH
The UK uses a bottoms-up approach. The profile is built-up bases on data/statistics
and factual information obtained from the crime scene. Also considers evidence left
or taken from the crime scene (trophies/souvenirs)
A. Geographical Profiling
Geographical profiling uses map locations to identify patterns of crimes, narrow
down areas to search for the offender, helps the police focus their resources to
specified locations
B. David Canter’s Circle Theory
Offenders can be categorised into one of two Marauders or Commuters
i. Marauders commit crimes in/around the area in which they live. They have
knowledge of the area so their crimes may be more spread out. However,
they will travel sightly further from their actual home to prevent being
identified by local residents or they will try to conceal their identity e.g.,
wearing a balaclava.
ii. Commuters travel to a separate location to commit their crimes. They don’t
know the local area and so their crimes are likely to be closely located. They
don’t necessarily need to hide their identify as they won’t be known by
locals.
iii. Spatial consistency says the offender may be knowledgeable of the area but
not necessarily live there. They may work in the area, have friends or family
that live in that area
C. Ainsworth Timing Theory
