It is an analytical method that uses locations of linked crimes to estimate areas where an offender more likely lived or worked.
Not reliably. One or two locations provide too little data, so geography is better used to study routes and access.
Including unrelated crimes or missing linked ones can shift predicted areas entirely and produce misleading maps.
Trained analysts working with law enforcement, often using specialised software, usually sharing results only with investigators.
No. Maps can unfairly cast suspicion on residents; share analysis with investigators and never point to a specific person.