Applying Rossmo's Formula...on paper?

[DarkPassenger]

Is it practical, even possible, to manually create a jeopardy surface using Rossmo's formula using pen, paper and calculator?

[Bridewell]

I wish I knew what a jeopardy surface was!

Regards, Bridewell.

[Simon Wood]

Hi Bridewell,

Rossmo's formula divides the map of a crime scene into a grid with i rows and j columns. Thus, the probability that the criminal is located in the box at row i and j column is—



Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz . . . . .

Regards,

Simon

[Bridewell]

Hi Bridewell,

Rossmo's formula divides the map of a crime scene into a grid with i rows and j columns. Thus, the probability that the criminal is located in the box at row i and j column is—

[ATTACH]14329[/ATTACH]

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz . . . . .

Regards,

Simon

Hi Simon,

It's perhaps has some merit in the modern world. The problem with applying it historically, as I see it, is that, even if we could tie the killer to a particular address, it doesn't help if we don't actually know who lived there. I wish the Ripper had chosen the spring of a census year to do his filthy business - life would be so much easier!

Regards, Bridewell.

[lynn cates]

behaviour

Hello Colin. It would also be easier if he had read the FBI profile. Then he would know how to behave himself. (heh-heh)

Cheers.
LC

[Bridewell]

Thoughtless

Hello Colin. It would also be easier if he had read the FBI profile. Then he would know how to behave himself. (heh-heh)

Cheers.
LC

Hi Lynn,

A thoughtless individual, but that's hardly his worst character defect!

Regards, Bridewell.

[DarkPassenger]

So, is it feasible to work out a jeopardy surface using the formula without a fancy computer program? I've given it a go on paper and I might be making headway but it's hard to say. Not much about it online to fully explain it.

[DarkPassenger]

Just thought I'd bump this. Still interested.

[PhiltheBear]

The simple answer is no. Rossmo's formula isn't terribly good in that it requires you to provide some 'constants'. If you knew what the constants were that would be fine - but you don't. It's pure guesswork.

But, if you want to try....
You need to know the distance from each murder site to each spot within the area bounded by all the sites - and that's just for starters. When you have that I'll be happy to tell you how to carry on. Here's a hint - probably the easiest thing to do is to assume JtR lived on a corner. Get the X/Y co-ordinates of every corner and work out the distance to the next corner going towards each murder site. Repeat. Add together. Make sure you have the shortest route. Repeat.

Pencil and paper? I somehow doubt it.