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| http://geographicprofiler.com |
Geographic profiling is a relatively new (1996) tool in the serial crime investigation toolbox. There are MANY different variables that can be inputted into the various mathematical formulas and the more data points you can enter then, hypothetically, the more accurate the profile will be. In short, the formula helps to narrow down the possible location of a "base" for a serial offender. The formula utilizes data such as the crime scene location, dump site (if any), proximity to and types of transit available, locations where weapons might have been obtained, and possible locations where the offender might have picked their victim. It's very in depth but it's still just a tool. Like psychological profiling, geographic profiling cannot solve crimes by itself. But it has proven quite useful in maximizing resources for search areas. Can this tool be used to help identify a suspect for the Axe Murders? The map at the right utilizes Kim Rossmo's formula for geographic profiling. The map shows the geographic profile of Dennis Radar (BTK). The area in red is the predicted base of Radar and lays on top of the College Hill neighborhood of Wichita. The problem with geographic profiling becomes evident here. Radar lived in the north, in Park City, and was mobile. He would park his car away from the crime scene, then walk to and from the victims' houses. In four cases, he drove the victim's car back to his own vehicle. Radar also stated that he "trolled" for victims just by walking around places. I believe only one of his victims was within walking distance of his house. Radar's house didn't necessarily need to be considered his base. Four of his seven crimes occurred between 1974 and 1979, when he was attending Wichita State. Wichita State falls in a fairly cool spot on the search zone and is roughly two and a half miles from the College Hill neighborhood and roughly 9 miles away from his actual house.
