Investigative challenges relating to gang-related homicide: senior investigating officers’ perspectives
| Pages | 189-201 |
| Date | 16 September 2019 |
| Published date | 16 September 2019 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/JCRPP-04-2019-0024 |
| Author | Katarina Mozova |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care |
Investigative challenges relating to
gang-related homicide: senior
investigating officers’perspectives
Katarina Mozova
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with senior investigating officer (SIO)
perspectives of their understanding of gang-related homicide and associated investigative challenges.
Design/methodology/approach –A phenomenological design was utilised in this study. In sum, 15 SIOs
from the Metropolitan Police Service were interviewed using a semi-structured interview and analysed using
thematic analysis.
Findings –It was found that the original typology of “gang homicide”might be too narrow and focus should
be paid to “gang-related homicide”, characterised via motive behind the offence. This type of homicide
exhibited specific characteristics (e.g. violent nature, large potential scene and pool of suspects) and
investigative challenges which made it different from other types of homicide (e.g. complexity, need for more
resources, managing unwilling witnesses, managing media interest, specific evidence challenges, need for
thorough risk assessments). The need for expertise in the deployment of officers was highlighted and related
to the desire for more continuing professional development (CPD).
Practical implications –Gang-related homicide is especially challenging, but due to its volume, SIOs in
London developed a sort of “muscle memory”–something that other police services do not have, even
though the “gang problem”is spreading outside of metropolitan areas. Support for changes (e.g. in the utility
of community impact assessment) and non-standard procedures (e.g. consideration of covert operations
early on) should be discussed in further training and manual development. More attention needs to be paid to
the synthesis of experience, expertise and science, SIOs being especially interested in debriefs and CPD
opportunities. Multi-agency training is key for homicide investigators, relating to the complex nature of
gang-related homicide and relevant safeguarding issues. Resourcing isa clear issue relating to the increase in
gang-related homicide, as well as its investigation.
Originality/value –This is the first research into investigative challenges of gang-related homicide in England
and Wales, and the findings can be utilised by all police services who may be dealing with gangs in their area.
The findings can also support calls for change and development within services.
Keywords Policing, Training/professionalization, Gang-related homicide, Homicide investigation,
Senior investigating officers, Street gang
Paper type Research paper
Homicide statistics in England and Wales were the highest in the year ending March 2018 since
2008 (OSN, 2018). What is more, recent years have seen a changing landscape of the nature of
homicides. For example, some 40 per cent are perpetrated by knives or sharp objects, there is
an increase in young male victims (17 per cent between 16 and 24 years old), and larger numbers
of homicides occur in public places (almost 23 per cent took place on the street, footpath or
alleyway). This is taking place in the context of an increased number of homicides around larger
cities, with over a fifth committed in London alone which some attribute to gang culture (Centre
for Social Justice, 2018). Whilst homicide investigations themselves are complex by default
(Brookman, 2005; ACPO, 2006), no research currently exists in England and Wales which would
consider the investigative challenges gang homicides entail. This is likely due to their increased
occurrence being a fairly recent phenomenon, as they used to only form about 1 per cent of
homicides (Brookman, 2005). The aim of the current study is to fill in this knowledge gap by
Received 2 April 2019
Revised 5 July 2019
29 July 2019
Accepted 31 July 2019
Katarina Mozova is based at
the Department of Policing,
Canterbury Christ Church
University, Canterbury, UK.
DOI 10.1108/JCRPP-04-2019-0024 VOL. 5 NO. 3 2019, pp.189-201, © Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2056-3841
j
JOURNAL OF CRIMINOLOGICAL RESEARCH, POLICY AND PRACTICE
j
PAGE189
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