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CHR Activities
Data Collection and Definition of the Data Set
One of the most crucial and most time consuming activities of
the Center for Homicide Research is its attempt to locate and document facts on each
gay homicide in the United States since 1969. These data are being
compiled into a usable data set with over 200 variables used to describe each incident.
Current datasets in progress include the Minnesota Dataset of GLBT Homicides
(developed by the Minnesota Gay Homicide Study), the National Dataset of GLBT
Homicides, and an offender database of serial and multiple homicide offenders.
These data are gathered from a number of sources, including
vital statistics, law enforcement and court records, news media articles, and
other sources.
Because sexual identity is not recorded in homicide statistics
and may not have been made public in media and court records, the Center's
researchers are developing "indicators" that will help identify cases
of gay homicide.
Analysis and Articulation of Research Findings
From the dataset and other information, Center for Homicide
Research researchers intend to develop the first, comprehensive analysis of
gay homicide in the United States. These findings will
 | identify the frequency of GLBT homicide over the past 30
years |
 | analyze law enforcement investigations, including
solvability and offender sentencing |
 | develop patterns and commonalties among the identified gay
homicide victims and their cases |
 | present theories about the nature of offenders of gay
homicide |
The goal of the Center is to present these findings nationally
through peer-reviewed journals and at conferences of criminologists,
victimologists, crime victim advocates, law enforcement professionals, gay
community leaders, etc. The Center aims to ensure that its research and findings
are readily available to all that could be impacted by them.
Presentation of Findings
and Training
The Center for Homicide Research will develop educational
materials and programs designed to educate the gay community, law enforcement
and criminal justice personnel, and the public about issues and topics related
to gay homicide. CHR researchers will also develop materials and information for
members of and advocates for the gay community about the issue of gay homicide.
Research papers, presentations and works-in-progress reports
have been presented at a variety of national and international conference over
the last 7 years. Presentations have occurred at meetings of
In total, more than 150 presentations and trainings have occurred
over the last 7 years in nearly a dozen states. For information on booking
a training, contact Dallas Drake at
dallas.drake@mindspring.com or by telephone at (612) 331-4820.
The Center anticipates a range of educational options
including workshops, "peer trainings" and the media. The Center will work
closely with other organizations to ensure the widest dissemination of this
information.
Publications
In addition, papers have been published in the
proceedings of several conferences and are in process for publication at
peer-reviewed journals.
In January 2004, Marcel Dekker,
Inc. published the Handbook of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender
Administration and Policy edited by Wallace Swan, Ph.D. This Handbook
includes a chapter on homosexual homicide by Dallas Drake, principal researcher
at the Center for Homicide Research; and a chapter about GLBT crime co-authored
by Wallace Swan, Ph.D.
Professional Development
For the Center to be successful, researchers must become
and remain knowledgeable of the published research studies of criminology and victimology.
Researchers will be involved in the study of research methodology and related
topics, professional discussions, conferences and workshops, and accredited
course work.
Through professional development activities, the Center will
develop a broad-based peer network of experts in criminology and victimology.
This network will be critical in fostering awareness and understanding of the
Center’s research and to continually evaluate its progress.
Networking and Consultation/Case Review Services
The Center is establishing working relationships with various
public and non-profit organizations to gather needed information and provide
consultation on specific cases. CHR researchers also review suspicious
deaths and potential homicide cases with respect to the potential of an
unidentified gay homicide, or to assist in directing or problem-solving in
the investigation. Referrals for confidential case reviews come from law
enforcement officials, criminal justice professionals or advocates of nonprofit organizations serving the
GLBT community.
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