Criminal geographical profile as a methodology of spatial analysis applied to psychology and criminology. A case study of Quito, Ecuador

Abstract

Fighting criminal activity represents a challenge for the security system. The Geographic Profile allows locating with a degree of belonging the most probable area where an aggressor can be found. However, a defined or standardized methodology is currently lacking. The geographic information system (GIS) is a powerful tool for analysis and decision-making since more than 80% of the information can be spatialized. For this reason, the present study defined a methodology that allows the construction of a Criminal Geographical Profile (CGP) through the use of a GIS. The construction of the PGC was spatially simulated, as a case study called “Mata Viejitas”. The results obtained indicated a decrease of 79.83% in the area of influence of the crime, with a monthly saving of USD $ 43,406.10. Additionally, an average reduction of almost 90% of the area of criminal influence in other simulated cases.