Geographic Profiling

Geographic Profiling

Geographic profiling is a crime analysis technique that uses crime and other locations to focus the search for the offender.  Combined with the proper strategies, a geographic profile can be used to provide leads and produce a prioritized list of suspects for investigators.  This presentation outlines the geographic profiling process and includes discussion on series identification, spatial and temporal patterns, production of a geographic profile, creation of investigative strategies, and multi-parameter suspect prioritization.  Key points are demonstrated with case examples.

Bio

Lorie Velarde is a GIS Analyst with the Irvine Police Department and a consultant with the Bureau of Justice Assistance.  Over her 30-year law enforcement career, she has designed and implemented a department-wide geographic information system (GIS), instructed on the use of GIS to analyze crime, and published in the area of geographic profiling.  She holds a Master of Science degree in Criminology, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Ecology, a California State Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a certification in crime and intelligence analysis.  Lorie has received several awards for her work, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police/ChoicePoint Award for Criminal Investigative Excellence, the Southern California Crime and Intelligence Analyst Association’s Analyst of the Year Award, and the Alpha Group Center’s Award for Creativity and Excellence in Crime Analysis.