| Thanks to films like silence of the lambs, | | | | and interpretation of the offenders mental |
| many people associate criminal profiling with | | | | map. |
| the methods and techniques developed by the | | | | |
| FBI at the Behavioral Science Unit at | | | | The primary geographic technique is a |
| Quantico. | | | | computerised system known as Criminal |
| | | | Geographic Targeting (CGT). Put simply, |
| There are, however, a number of other | | | | spatial data i.e. data relating to time, |
| approaches that can be used in the course of | | | | distance and movement to and from the crime |
| a criminal investigation. The role of one of | | | | scenes is analysed to produce a |
| these other approaches, geographic profiling, | | | | three-dimensional model known as a jeopardy |
| will be outlined in the course of this | | | | surface. |
| article. | | | | |
| | | | The jeopardy surface contains height and |
| Geographic profiling is an information | | | | colour probability codes which when |
| management system and investigative | | | | superimposed onto a map of the area in which |
| methodology that evaluates the locations of | | | | the serial crimes have been committed give an |
| connected serial crimes to determine the most | | | | indication of the likelihood of offender |
| probable area of offender residence. | | | | residence or place of work. |
| | | | |
| It can be applied in cases of serial murder, | | | | Although the science underpinning geographic |
| rape, arson, robbery and bombings. | | | | profiling can be difficult to comprehend, its |
| | | | easy to see how this approach can offer |
| Background and History | | | | practical assistance in the course of a |
| | | | criminal investigation. As Rossmo points out: |
| The name most closely associated with | | | | |
| geographical profiling is Kim Rossmo. Rossmo | | | | By establishing the probability of the |
| began studying geographical profiling as part | | | | offender residing in various areas and |
| of his PhD studies at Simon Fraser University | | | | displaying those results on a map, police |
| (British Columbia, Canada). | | | | efforts to apprehend criminals can be |
| | | | assisted. This information allows police |
| He studied under professors Paul and Patricia | | | | departments to focus their investigative |
| Brentingham, who had developed a theoretical | | | | efforts, geographically prioritise suspects, |
| crime model which examined where crimes were | | | | and concentrate patrol efforts in those zones |
| most likely to happen, based on offender | | | | where the criminal predator is likely to be |
| residence, workplace and leisure activity. | | | | active. |
| | | | |
| Put simply, the Brentingham model maintains | | | | Geographical Profiling Process |
| that we all have an 'activity space' related | | | | |
| to the areas in which we live, work and play | | | | A geographic profile would typically fit into |
| and that this activity space produces a | | | | a criminal investigation as follows: |
| discernible pattern of movement around the | | | | |
| city. | | | | A series of crimes is committed. |
| | | | |
| In relation to criminal activity, therefore, | | | | The crimes are investigated via traditional |
| it follows that an offender has to know about | | | | means. |
| a particular geographical area before he or | | | | |
| she begins selecting crimes to commit; and | | | | Linking analysis conducted to ascertain which |
| where the offenders movement patterns | | | | crimes are connected. |
| intersect within this geographical area, will | | | | |
| to a large extent determine where the crime | | | | Psychological profile of the unknown subject |
| takes place. | | | | conducted. |
| | | | |
| Kim Rossmo noted that the Brentingham model | | | | Geographical profile constructed. |
| was examined primarily in relation to crime | | | | |
| prevention and was interested in approaching | | | | New investigative strategies developed and |
| the topic from the opposite perspective i.e. | | | | pursued. |
| asking the question, what does the location | | | | |
| of a crime say about where the offender might | | | | Geographical Profiling Methodology |
| live? | | | | |
| | | | In preparing a geographic profile, a number |
| Acknowledging the potential investigative use | | | | of operational procedures will be followed. |
| of this research the Vancouver Police | | | | These include: |
| Department established the worlds first | | | | |
| Geographic Profiling Section in 1995. Since | | | | Examination of the case file: Witness |
| it's launch, Scotland Yard, The FBI, The New | | | | statements, autopsy reports & psychological |
| York Police Department and The Royal Canadian | | | | profile (if available). |
| Mounted Police have all called upon the | | | | |
| services of the geographic profiling section. | | | | Inspection of the crime scene. |
| | | | |
| How Does Geographical Profiling Work? | | | | Meetings and discussions with lead |
| | | | investigators. |
| Geographic profiling works on the premise | | | | |
| that the location of a crime site can provide | | | | Visits to the crime sites when practical. |
| the police with vital information. It | | | | |
| assesses and predicts the offenders most | | | | Analysis of local crime statistics and |
| likely place of residence, place of work, | | | | demographic data. |
| social venues and travel routes etc. | | | | |
| | | | Study of street, zoning and rapid transit |
| Geographic profiling consists of both | | | | maps. |
| quantitative (objective) scientific | | | | |
| geographic techniques and qualitative | | | | Overall analysis and report submission. |
| (subjective) components e.g. a reconstruction | | | | |