Geogrpahic Profiling as an Investigative Methodology

Geographic profiling is a criminal investigation methodology that analyzes and evaluates the locations of large scale major serial crime occurrences to determine the most probable area of where the suspect might reside or work. It can also illustrate the offender's social venues and travel routes. The method aides Investigators in planning out and placing the data obtained during the process into a greater perspective. It is an effective tool that helps Investigators and Detectives in the apprehension of their criminal suspect.

Geographic profiling was derived from Environmental Psychology, which studies the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment. The methodology was originally developed for violent crime cases, but it is increasingly being used in the investigation of property crime cases as well. However, like many investigative tools its use is only limited to the ingenuity of the Detectives or Investigators handling the case.

The basis of geographic profiling is the connection between geographic crime scene data and the known habits and propensities of the criminal in their selection of a target victim and its location. This tool works on the premise that the location of previous crime scenes can provide valuable data for the Investigator. This information is comprised of both quantitative (objective) scientific geographic techniques and qualitative (subjective) components like reconstruction of the suspect's "mental map." Geographic profiling is an integral part of criminal profiling. It is the "where" and criminal profiling is the "who."

At current time there are software programs available to law enforcement such as, CrimeStat, and Dragnet. These sophisticated programs simply put use spatial datum relating to time, distance, and movement to and from crime scenes to formulate and produce a three dimensional model known as a "Jeopardy Surface." The jeopardy surface contains indications of probability that are then overlaid on a map of the area wherein the serial crimes under investigation have taken place to give a likelihood of the suspects residence, place of business, social venues, or routes of travel.

In older times this methodology was the primitive use of a map on the wall of a Detective Bureau with color coded pins stuck into it to show various locations and points of interest -- .

Regardless of whether a computer program is utilized or you resort to the use of a scaled map the method and process is basically the same to prepare a geographic profile:

1. The Investigator must examine the case file including any and all victim statements, witness statements, autopsy reports, any psychological profiles, etc.

2. Inspect and process the crime scene

3. "Round Table" with all involved Detectives and Investigators

4. Analysis of the current local crime trends including statistics and demographic information

5. Study the local street, zoning, and public transportation maps and routes

6. An overall profile and report is then formulated

The end resulting report of the geographic profile will afford Investigators and Detectives information to most efficiently allot and focus their resources and investigative efforts, as well as assist them in prioritizing the possibility of multiple suspects. In the current times of fiscal constraints and a lack of available personnel geographic profiling can alleviate wasted time and manpower. For instance, knowing the greatest probability of a suspect's target location can lead to a more productive surveillance operation thus allowing greater intelligence gathering or expedient apprehension of the suspect.