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[V76]Victims Of Violent Crime

by Andrew Ashworth, And

Many parents worry that their child may become the victim of a violent crime, such as kidnapping or sexual assault. Unfortunately, increasing numbers of American children are becoming exposed to acts of violence-against themselves, a family member, or a friend. Violent acts can have harmful, long-lasting effects on a child's physical and mental health and quality of life. The best way to protect your child from harm is to teach him or her some basic safety rules and to make sure that he or she understands and follows them.

You can teach your child how to avoid potentially dangerous situations and what to do if he or she gets into frightening circumstances. As soon as your child is old enough to understand, teach him or her, the following safety measures:

? How to give his or her name, address, and phone number (by age 4 or 5).

? Safe routes for walking in the neighborhood and to and from school. He or she should always walk with a friend and walk only in well-lighted, busy areas. If your child comes home to an empty house after school, he or she should immediately call you (or another adult).

? If your child gets separated from you in a public place, instead of wandering around looking for you, he or she should go immediately to the checkout counter, security office, or the lost-and-found and tell the person in charge that he or she is lost. On outings, designate a meeting place in case you get separated.

? Never get into a car or go anywhere with anyone unless you have said it is OK to do so.

? If someone follows your child, to stay as far away from that person as possible and to run for help if someone tries to take your child somewhere, to scream or yell and run away.

? To be suspicious of and get away from anyone who asks for directions.

? If someone your child doesn't know well wants to take his or her picture, to refuse and tell you or a trusted adult.

? To tell you, a teacher, other trustworthy adult, or the police about any observed crime or suspicious activity or to call 911 or the emergency number in your area for help.

? To not allow anyone except a doctor, or a baby-sitter helping him or her with a bath, to see him or her unclothed and to not let anyone touch him or her inappropriately.

Here are some things you can do to help keep your child safe:

? Know where your child is at all times. Become familiar with his or her friends and daily activities and routines.

? Don't leave children and young teens alone and unsupervised after school.

? Make sure your child always has enough money to make a phone call in case

? It may also be a good idea to get your child a cell phone. The best and cheapest option may be to get a cell phone that has prepaid minutes. Also ensure that the cell phone always has minutes available for the child to use.

There are, however, a number of other approaches that can be used in the course of a criminal investigation. The role of one of these other approaches, geographic profiling, will be outlined in the course of this article.

Geographic profiling is an information management system and investigative methodology that evaluates the locations of connected serial crimes to determine the most probable area of offender residence.

It can be applied in cases of serial murder, rape, arson, robbery and bombings.

Background and History

The name most closely associated with geographical profiling is Kim Rossmo. Rossmo began studying geographical profiling as part of his PhD studies at Simon Fraser University (British Columbia, Canada).

He studied under professors Paul and Patricia Brentingham, who had developed a theoretical crime model which examined where crimes were most likely to happen, based on offender residence, workplace and leisure activity.

Put simply, the Brentingham model maintains that we all have an 'activity space' related to the areas in which we live, work and play and that this activity space produces a discernible pattern of movement around the city.

In relation to criminal activity, therefore, it follows that an offender has to know about a particular geographical area before he or she begins selecting crimes to commit; and where the offenders movement patterns intersect within this geographical area, will to a large extent determine where the crime takes place.

Kim Rossmo noted that the Brentingham model was examined primarily in relation to crime prevention and was interested in approaching the topic from the opposite perspective i.e. asking the question, what does the location of a crime say about where the offender might live?

Acknowledging the potential investigative use of this research the Vancouver Police Department established the worlds first Geographic Profiling Section in 1995. Since it's launch, Scotland Yard, The FBI, The New York Police Department and The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have all called upon the services of the geographic profiling section.

How Does Geographical Profiling Work?

Geographic profiling works on the premise that the location of a crime site can provide the police with vital information. It assesses and predicts the offender's most likely place of residence, place of work, social venues and travel routes etc.

Geographic profiling consists of both quantitative (objective) scientific geographic techniques and qualitative (subjective) components e.g. a reconstruction and interpretation of the offender's mental map.'

The primary geographic technique is a computerised system known as Criminal Geographic Targeting (CGT). Put simply, spatial data i.e. data relating to time, distance and movement to and from the crime scenes is analysed to produce a three-dimensional model known as a jeopardy surface.

The jeopardy surface contains height and colour probability codes which when superimposed onto a map of the area in which the serial crimes have been committed give an indication of the likelihood of offender residence or place of work.

Although the science underpinning geographic profiling can be difficult to comprehend, it's easy to see how this approach can offer practical assistance in the course of a criminal investigation. As Rossmo points out:

‘By establishing the probability of the offender residing in various areas and displaying those results on a map, police efforts to apprehend criminals can be assisted. This information allows police departments to focus their investigative efforts, geographically prioritise suspects, and concentrate patrol efforts in those zones where the criminal predator is likely to be active'.

Geographical Profiling Process

A geographic profile would typically fit into a criminal investigation as follows:

A series of crimes is committed.

The crimes are investigated via traditional means.

Linking analysis conducted to ascertain which crimes are connected.

Psychological profile of the unknown subject conducted.

Geographical profile constructed.

New investigative strategies developed and pursued.

Geographical Profiling Methodology

In preparing a geographic profile, a number of operational procedures will be followed. These include:

Examination of the case file: Witness statements, autopsy reports & psychological profile (if available).

Inspection of the crime scene.

Meetings and discussions with lead investigators.

Visits to the crime sites when practical.

Analysis of local crime statistics and demographic data.

Study of street, zoning and rapid transit maps.

Overall analysis and report submission.

To find out more about geographic profiling and criminal profiling in general visit www.all-about-forensic-psychology.com

Article Source : out of control teenager

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Both Andrew Ashworth & David Webb are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

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