A Level Psychology students were extremely fortunate to get an introduction into the world of forensics yesterday afternoon as they received a lecture from a Geographic Profiler. The representative from the National Policing Improvement Agency spoke to the girls about the field of geographic profiling and how it can be used to help solve criminal incidents.

The girls listened intently as the profiler explained how the methodology is used to determine the most probably location of an offender's residence from analysing crime scenes.

He explained how his role differs from that of a behavioural psychologist. From a behavioural point of view the main focus is look at "who" the person is by examining factors like age, pre-conditions and their education and work life. Geographic profiling differs in that it concentrates on the "where" factors relating to a suspect. These can include the home address, work address and travel patterns.

Although it is a relatively new form of investigation geographic profiling is becoming more widely used, particularly in cases where no or very little DNA evidence exists.

The talk was extremely interesting and certainly captured the imagination of the girls judging by the number of questions they asked and the fact that unfortunately the time ran out far too quickly.

Psychology teacher Miss Cookson said, "This afternoon's lecture has been an invaluable experience for the girls as it has given them a unique insight into how psychology is used to explain and predict not only behaviours but also locations. I'm sure that all of them were interested to see how profiling a suspect can be the key turning point in an investigation that ultimately leads to a conviction."

**ENDS**

For more information contact:
Fran Knight, Marketing and Communications Manager, Pipers Corner School. Telephone 01494 719 850 or email fknight@piperscorner.co.uk