NCJ Number
225846
Journal
Homicide Studies Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2009 Pages: 50-68
Date Published
February 2009
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study sought to examine the practices of law enforcement agencies in solving homicide cases.
Abstract
Results of the study yielded findings reflecting the impact of management practices, analytical methods, investigative procedures, and political influences on homicide clearances. From the analyses, the conclusions drawn include: (1) management of homicide detective units is a delicate balance of oversight and accountability that must provide adequate latitude for detectives to pursue their investigations; (2) development and use of analytical methods are important and can increase homicide clearances; and (3) formal training of homicide detectives can substantially increase agency performance as gauged by homicide clearance rates. The findings show significant effects of community demographics on homicide clearances that underscore this point. Solving reported homicides is a paramount concern for police departments and the communities they serve and protect. However, the national clearance rate for homicide dropped significantly from about 90 percent in 1960 to about 61 percent in 2006. This study sought to advance knowledge of homicide solvability in several distinct ways. First, it examined homicide investigative practices across a multitude of jurisdictions commonly experiencing homicides and investigated these crimes. Second, it examined the management and decisionmaking attributes that comprised homicide investigative strategies. Lastly, five of the areas thought to affect homicide case clearances (staffing, investigative procedure, analytical processes, demographics of the agency, and the influence of political variables) were examined. Tables, appendix, and references