 |
|
Geographic ProfilingGeographic profiling is an information management system and investigative methodology that evaluates the locations of connected serial crimes to determine the most probable area of offender residence. It can be applied in cases of serial murder, rape, arson, robbery and bombings. History & Background
The name most closely associated with geographical profiling is Kim Rossmo. Rossmo began studying geographical profiling as part of his PhD studies at Simon Fraser University (British Columbia, Canada). He studied under professors Paul and Patricia Brentingham who developed a theoretical crime model which examined where crimes were most likely to happen, based on offender residence, workplace and leisure activity. Put simply, the Brentingham model maintains that we all have an 'activity space' related to the areas in which we live, work and play and that this activity space produces a discernible pattern of movement around the city. In relation to criminal activity, therefore, it follows that an offender has to know about a particular geographical area before he or she begins selecting crimes to commit; and where the offenders movement patterns intersect within this geograhical area, will to a large extent determine where the crime takes place. Kim Rossmo noted that the Brentingham model was examined primarily in relation to crime prevention and was interested in approaching the topic from the opposite perspective i.e. asking the question, what does the location of a crime say about where the offender might live? Acknowledging the potential investigative use of this research the Vancouver Police Department established the world's first Geographic Profiling Section in 1995. Since it's launch, Scotland Yard, The FBI, The New York Police Department and The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have all called upon the services of the geographic profiling section. How Does Geographical Profiling Work As mentioned above, geographical profiling is a strategic information management system employed to support serial violent crime investigation. Geographic profiling works on the premise that the location of a crime site can provide the police with vital information. It assesses and predicts the offender’s most likely place of residence, place of work, social venues and travel routes etc. Geographic profiling consists of both quantitative (objective) scientific geographic techniques and qualitative(subjective) components e.g. a reconstruction and interpretation of the offender’s mental map.’ The primary geographic technique is a computerised system known as Criminal Geographic Targeting (CGT). Put simply, spatial data i.e. data relating to time, distance and movement to and from the crime scenes is analysed to produce a three-dimensional model known as a jeopardy surface.
The jeopardy surface contains height and colour probability codes which when superimposed onto a map of the area in which the serial crimes have been committed give an indication of the likelihood of offender residence or place of work. Although the science underpinning geographic profiling can be difficult to comprehend, it’s easy to see how this approach can offer practical assistance in the course of a criminal investigation. As Rossmo points out: ‘By establishing the probability of the offender residing in various areas and displaying those results on a map, police efforts to apprehend criminals can be assisted. This information allows police departments to focus their investigative efforts, geographically prioritise suspects, and concentrate patrol efforts in those zones where the criminal predator is likely to be active’. Geographical Profiling Process & Methodology process: A geographic profile would typically fit into a criminal investigation as follows: Methodology: In preparing a geographic profile, a number of operational procedures will be followed. This includes: Essential Reading: Geographic Profiling: Kim Rossmo
Don't forget to check out the other great profiling books listed on the forensic psychology books page. Click Here To Go To The Forensic Psychology Books Page Help Support This Website A great collection of forensic psychology gift ideas will soon be added to our Personality Trait CafePress Store. A criminal profiler gift range has already been added, see following video. Any profit made from the Personality Trait CafePress store will be put towards the hosting costs associated with the All About Forensic Psychology website, and the All About Forensic Science website, thereby helping to safeguard their continued production and development. Criminal Profiling Gift Range: The Criminal Profiler Collection You can visit the Personality Trait CafePress Store by Clicking Here Back To Top Of The Page
|
