We need to talk about dialogue: Accomplishing collaborative sensemaking in homicide investigations

In this paper, we explore the importance of dialogue for collaborative sensemaking during homicide investigation, focusing upon interactions between detectives, forensic scientists and other experts involved in managing and undertaking forensic work. Drawing on data from a 4-year ethnographic study of British homicide investigations, we provide insights from criminal justice actors about both the value of, and barriers to, inter-professional and cross-disciplinary dialogue. We explore how and why organisational arrangements may limit opportunities for forensic scientists and other experts to engage collaboratively with detectives and prosecutors. We conclude by considering ways to enhance collaborative sensemaking during the investigation of homicide.

The Investigation of Homicide

This special issue of Homicide Studies devotes attention to the how of homicide investigation. Much like the Homicide Research Working Group itself, this issue calls attention to the contributions of both practical and academic homicide experts. We were looking for manuscripts that examined or extended the various facets of investigating homicide. The processes and practices of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and investigators greatly affect case resolution. How these entities interact as well as engage with members of the community go far in determining case success and views of efficacy.

An Examination of Investigative Practices of Homicide Units in Florida

The study examined Florida law enforcement agency homicide investigation practices previously identified in the literature as best (or most frequent). Departments handling at least 25 homicides per year and those that handle fewer were surveyed, a comparison not previously examined. The agencies had similar clearance rates. Smaller agencies and those handling fewer homicides tended to use an outside agency for crime scene services, did not have a cold case function, were less likely to use a computerized case management system, and did not view public cooperation as a barrier to homicide investigations to the degree that larger agencies did.