Introduction
Geographic profiling, applies Geographic Information tools to assist law enforcement officers map out crime, establish where law offenders may be living or working, track telephone calls, among other functions. Before this technique was introduced, investigators employed paper maps as a means of tracking offenders. These paper pins were accompanied by color pin downs that identified the location where the crime had been committed. It approximately took 4 to 5 crime analysts each week to refresh these plots. The major disadvantage was that after this complex process was finished, the map became outdated and hence required another process of updating it (Brantingham, 1984).
The situation has changed as now no less than thirteen percent of all the departments are utilizing the geographical profiling to either resolve crimes or thwart them. Geographical profiling has essentially changed the manner in which investigators analyze crime and its additional dynamics. It furnishes detectives with an investigative capability that was unheard of before.
Geographic profiling connects databases that include all forms of data. These data could be in the form of addresses, durations, occurrences and sites. This information can also be accompanied with statistical representations on crime activities to identify models, movement, and collections of unlawful acts (Canter, 2003).
Detectives are also exploiting the power of geographical profiling tools to plot criminal’s ways and activities to generate charts that track unlawful activities instantaneously. This is a big boost to crime fighting as criminals can be apprehended much faster thus reducing their chances of committing other crimes (MacKay, 1999 December). In the past, investigators had to have crammed link reports. This made prevention very hard especially in cases where the geography was complex and criminals were shifting quickly.
D.C. Sniper Case
The hunt for the snipers who threatened the residents of Washington, D.C. was another famous example of law enforcers exploiting the capabilities of geographical mapping to connect thirteen different hits that took place in a span of some weeks and happened in a number of states.
In 2002, in a span of three weeks, individuals staying all the way from Maryland to Virginia were being murdered as they doing routine activities such as filling up their vehicles in petrol stations. The country became passionate over the case and geographical and criminal profilers were consulted for advice. Lacking behaviors and traits to evaluate, apart from the manner in which the shots were fired, the media and general public were left to speculate. General perceptions from an individual driving a white truck, to a male of “White” origin were being floated. All these were guesses based on rumors and heresy. The media also spread them as there were no conclusive sightings of the sniper in question. Media banners blared that the geographical profilers in the case were baffled by the unsuccessful nature of the murderer to obey recognized patterns. But this statement came from a misinterpretation of the duties, functions and methods of the geographical profilers handling the case (Holmes, 2008).
After the suspects were detained, geographic profiling work became demonstrative, as detectives a from all over the country came together to analyze what, how, where these shootings were done. After this they were able to generate a pattern that was to be employed in other fields. Kim Rossmo, who came up with the geographic profiling program known as RIGEL, was one of them and he stated that his analytical tactic “can establish an offender’s job or home location. This can be narrowed down up to within the most likely five percent of offenders.
Mapping Crime
For diverse categories of criminal activities such as residence break-ins, purse stealing, motor vehicle robbery, and criminal activities committed by juveniles, detectives can plan out criminal events and information related to them. This can also be supported by combining this information with linked data in the geographical profiling tool to verify potential areas where these activities are being committed. Inhabitants of nearly all key urban towns and built-up locale can check on the published information which is free and very accessible online. This information can be also accessed through a Geographic Information systems set-up (Rossmo, 2005).
Crime Prevention
Geographical mapping is also used in crime deterrence. Geographical Information tools are also utilized in the determination and allocation of resources of law enforcement. These resources could be through human and monetary capital. Social welfare activities and housing can also be promoted. This goes a long way in raising the living standards of the community. Geographical information systems are being used to assemble together a wider outlook of criminal activities.
In another example of how geographical profiling is being applied is how some departments are utilizing geographical profiling to plot out suspension of students from school, students being kicked out, and absenteeism. These traits are connected to premature educational failure. The same traits are highly correlated to criminal activities being committed by youths. More resources can then be mobilized these places to counter the negative effects that could arise (Rossmo, 2005). These resources can be channeled towards the increase of after-school leisure activities that will go a long way in the prevention of potential crimes. Many law enforcement agencies both in the country and outside have taken note of this technology and are starting to harness its capabilities.
References
Brantingham, P. (1984). Patterns in crime. New York: Macmillan.
Canter, D. (2003). Mapping Murder: The Secrets of Geographic Profiling. London: Virgin Publishing.
Holmes, R. (2008). Profiling Violent Crimes: An Investigative Tool. New York: Sage Publications, Inc.
MacKay, R. E. (1999). Geographic profiling: A new tool for law enforcement. The Police Chief, pp. 51-59.
Rossmo, D. K. (2005). Geographic profiling. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.