NCJ Number
200864
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 37 Issue: 1 Dated: January/February 2003 Pages: 42-43,48
Editor(s)
Jean Holt
Date Published
January 2003
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the use of geographic profiling to identify, locate, and capture serial criminals.
Abstract
The series of sniper killings in suburban Washington, DC, renewed an interest in forensic profiling for many members of the legal and law enforcement professions. Geographic profiling is a high-tech, computer-driven, satellite-assisted extension of the "pins in the map" system traditionally used by homicide detectives. The article discusses the latest high-tech geographic profiling system, a brain child of Dr. Kim Rossmo, former Vancouver detective inspector and one-time constable who is the current director of research at the Police Foundation in Washington, DC. Dr. Rossmo's geographic profiling software system is based on a mathematical algorithm that enables law enforcement officials to reduce a search area to approximately 10 square miles. Researchers contend that this geographic profiling system has been used in approximately 500 serial crime cases with an 85 percent success rate. The success of the geographic profiling system lies in the fact that even seemingly random crime spots generate a mapable pattern.