Canter et al

Making A Case – How Psychology Can Inform the Investigative Process

Creating A Profile

3.1 Top-Down Typology

–    Refers to an approach which starts with the big picture and then fills in the details.

–    This approach has been used to build up profiles of crimes to aid police in solving crimes and apprehending criminals.

Canter et al (2004) Investigation of the Organised/Disorganisd Theory of Serial Murder

–    Hazelwood and Douglas advanced a theory that ‘lust murderers’ can be classified as organised or disorganised murderers.

Task:

–    What are the issues with building offender profiles? Do they help or hinder the police in their search for perpetrators…