Abstract
Geographic profiling is an investigative methodology that tries to determine the most probable residence of a serial offender by a geographical analysis of the majority of the crime locations (Chainey and Ratcliffe, 2005, p.27).
This literature-based dissertation focuses on the efficacy of geographic profiling methods. It aims to find out if recent geographic profiling methods are really supportive to the criminal investigative process and to what extent they can contribute to solve criminal cases. As a structured literature review, it seeks to evaluate the relevant evidence about the use of geographic profiling in terms of criminal detection and practical investigative applicability. This is done by using other completed literature reviews or research reviews, including evidence from these reviews and, additionally, by reviewing the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) in recent criminal cases.
This dissertation provides an insight into recent applications of geographic profiling and a presentation of the main profiling systems. The results of this dissertation are achieved by evaluating and comparing data from empirical research and by reviewing the evidence about the efficacy of this technique.
The efficacy and relative success of the application of geographic profiling in criminal investigations are supported by presenting a range of criminal cases solved with the contribution of geographic profiling methods. On the other hand, deficiencies in geographic profiling systems and applications are shown by the presentation of several other independent studies.
Overall, this dissertation concludes that the evidence reviewed suggests that geographic profiling can contribute to solve criminal cases to a crucial extent, i.e. in cases of locating the offender’s base or predicting where the next offence location is to be found, and thus, this thesis gives strong support for the use of geographic profiling in criminal justice investigations. Finally, the evidence also points to a growing importance of predictive crime prevention applications of this technology in future.
Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: Geographic Profiling and Criminal Cases
- How can Geographic Profiling Help in Criminal Case Processing?
- Terminology of Geographic Profiling
- Geographic Profiling in Criminal Cases
- Measuring how much Geographic Profiling Contributes to Criminal Justice's Success
- Chapter 2: Theories of Travelling Behaviour Applied to Geographic Profiling
- Typologies of Serial offenders
- Routine Activity, Rational Choice and Crime Pattern Theory
- Behavioural Geography and Environmental Criminology
- Travelling Habits by Offending Groups & Journey-to-Crime Conduct
- Linking Crime Series by Modus Operandi:
- CCA - Comparative Case Analysis & CPA – Crime Pattern Analysis
- Commuter and Marauder Models
- Decay Functions in Geographic Profiling
- Chapter 3: Geographic Profiling: How does it Work?
- Implementation of Geographical and Criminological Theories in Geographic Profiling
- Introduction into the Main Profiling Systems and Software and their Use
- Criminal Investigation Programmes interacting with Geographic Profiling Systems
- Case Studies: Examples for Practical Applications of Geographic Profiling in Police Work
- Chapter 4: A Review on the Research Evidence on the Effectiveness of Geographic Profiling
- Review of the Research Evidence on Geographic Profiling
- Deficiencies in Geographic Profiling Techniques & Geographic Profiling Evaluation Methodologies
- Human investigative skills vs. Geographic Profiling Software & Systems
- Research Studies on the Efficacy of Geographic Profiling Systems
- Conclusion on the Efficacy of Geographic Profiling Methods
Objectives and Key Themes
This dissertation examines the effectiveness of geographic profiling in solving criminal cases. It aims to determine the extent to which recent geographic profiling methods support criminal investigations and contribute to successful case resolutions. The study evaluates existing evidence regarding the use of geographic profiling in criminal detection and its practical applicability through a structured literature review.
- Efficacy of Geographic Profiling Methods
- Theories of offender travel behavior and their application in geographic profiling
- Practical applications and case studies of geographic profiling in police work
- Evaluation of geographic profiling techniques and methodologies
- Comparison of human investigative skills with geographic profiling software and systems
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Geographic Profiling and Criminal Cases: This chapter introduces geographic profiling as an investigative tool used to determine the most likely residence of a serial offender based on crime location analysis. It explores how geographic profiling aids in criminal case processing, defining key terminology and examining its role in investigations. The chapter also discusses methods for measuring geographic profiling's contribution to successful criminal justice outcomes.
Chapter 2: Theories of Travelling Behaviour Applied to Geographic Profiling: This chapter delves into the theoretical underpinnings of geographic profiling, exploring various theories of offender travel behavior. It examines typologies of serial offenders, relevant theories like Routine Activity Theory, Rational Choice Theory, and Crime Pattern Theory. The chapter also covers behavioral geography and environmental criminology, analyzing traveling habits of different offender groups, and methods for linking crime series through modus operandi, comparative case analysis (CCA), and crime pattern analysis (CPA). The commuter and marauder models are discussed, along with the concept of decay functions in geographic profiling.
Chapter 3: Geographic Profiling: How does it Work?: This chapter explains the practical implementation of geographic profiling, integrating geographical and criminological theories into the process. It introduces major profiling systems and software, their functionalities, and how they interact with criminal investigation programs. Case studies illustrating practical applications of geographic profiling in police work are presented, showcasing real-world examples of its utilization.
Chapter 4: A Review on the Research Evidence on the Effectiveness of Geographic Profiling: This chapter presents a critical review of research on the effectiveness of geographic profiling. It assesses existing research evidence, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of geographic profiling techniques and evaluation methodologies. A comparison between human investigative skills and the capabilities of geographic profiling software and systems is conducted. The chapter concludes with an overall assessment of the efficacy of geographic profiling methods, weighing the available evidence and its implications for criminal investigations.
Keywords
Geographic profiling, criminal investigation, serial offenders, spatial analysis, crime pattern analysis, offender behavior, investigative techniques, GIS, crime mapping, case studies, effectiveness evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Geographic Profiling
What is the main topic of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of geographic profiling, a technique used in criminal investigations to identify the likely location of serial offenders. It examines the effectiveness of this method, exploring its theoretical underpinnings, practical applications, and research evidence.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
The key themes include the efficacy of geographic profiling methods, theories of offender travel behavior, practical applications and case studies of geographic profiling in police work, evaluation of geographic profiling techniques and methodologies, and a comparison of human investigative skills with geographic profiling software and systems.
What chapters are included, and what are their respective focuses?
Chapter 1 introduces geographic profiling and its role in criminal case processing. Chapter 2 delves into the theoretical frameworks underpinning geographic profiling, including offender travel behavior theories. Chapter 3 explains the practical implementation of geographic profiling, including software and case studies. Chapter 4 critically reviews the research evidence on the effectiveness of geographic profiling, comparing it with traditional investigative methods.
What specific theories are discussed in relation to geographic profiling?
The document explores Routine Activity Theory, Rational Choice Theory, Crime Pattern Theory, and elements of behavioral geography and environmental criminology in relation to understanding offender travel behavior and its application in geographic profiling.
How does geographic profiling work in practice?
The document details the practical application of geographic profiling, including the use of specialized software and systems. It also showcases case studies illustrating real-world examples of how geographic profiling is used in police investigations.
What is the conclusion regarding the effectiveness of geographic profiling?
Chapter 4 provides a critical review of research evidence, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of geographic profiling techniques and methodologies. It compares human investigative skills with the capabilities of geographic profiling software and systems, offering a concluding assessment of its efficacy in criminal investigations.
What are the key terms and concepts used throughout the document?
Key terms include geographic profiling, criminal investigation, serial offenders, spatial analysis, crime pattern analysis, offender behavior, investigative techniques, GIS, crime mapping, case studies, and effectiveness evaluation.
What is the overall objective of the study presented in this document?
The primary objective is to examine the effectiveness of geographic profiling in solving criminal cases and to determine the extent to which it supports criminal investigations and contributes to successful case resolutions.
Who is the intended audience for this document?
The intended audience appears to be academics and professionals in the fields of criminology, criminal justice, and geographic information systems (GIS), interested in the application and evaluation of geographic profiling techniques.
Where can I find more information on geographic profiling?
This document serves as a starting point. Further research can be conducted using the keywords provided and by consulting academic databases and publications specializing in criminology, criminal justice, and spatial analysis.
- Quote paper
- Viola Abelius (Author), 2011, Mapping the Criminal, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/177322
