HRWG Newsletter

Volume 4, Number 1 -- July 1997

Annual Workshop Once Again a Success

The annual Homicide Working Group Intensive Workshop, sponsored by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was attended by 74 members. The conference site, at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown, WVA was an excellent setting for the meeting. Overall themes of the workshop focused on the intersection between policy and research. Below is a brief summary of the agenda. Copies of paper summaries and abstracts can be purchased from Richard Block.

Workshop sessions featured the following general topics:

• Building Bridges Between Research and Practice
• Youth Violence Prevention
• Violent Offenders-Motives and History What Works:
  The Rewarding and Painful Process of Collaboration
  to Prevent Domestic Violence
• The Brady Act: Evaluation Considerations and Where to Go from Here
• Comparing and Coordinating Information on Lethal Violence
• Projecting Homicide Trends
• What Works? Using Firearm Tracing Information in Violence Reduction
• Intervention Projects
• Gangs, Drugs and Youth Violence
• Area Research on Homicide

1998 Annual Workshop to be Held in Ann Arbor, MI
at ICPSR Wednesday, June 10 - Saturday, June 13, 1998.
Mark your calendars now!

The ICPSR has generously offered to sponsor the next workshop. Plans are underway to continue our tradition of providing an environment for lively discussion of homicide research, policy, and theory. Victoria Brewer and Kim Vogt will act as program co-chairs. Please contact one of us if you would like to be involved in program planning and implementation. Please refer to your printed newsletter for contact information for Vickie and Kim.

The following is the letter received from ICPSR.

Dear Dick and Becky:

The National Archive of Criminal Justice Data and the Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) are pleased to invite the Homicide Research Working Group to hold its 1998 Spring Symposium at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

As you know, the ICPSR has been a supporter of the HRWG since 1992 when ICPSR hosted the first meeting of the HRWG. We continue to share similar goals of encouraging collaborative relationships and effective use of social science research data among researchers in many disciplines. Accordingly, we invite HRWG members to consider the University of Michigan as the site for the 1998 meeting or any year thereafter.

We look forward to seeing you and the other HRWG members in Shepherdstown.

Sincerely yours,
Chris Dunn
Director, National Archive of Criminal Justice Data and
Manager, ICPSR Crime and Justice Programs

Juvenile Murder in Virginia: A Study of Arrests and Convictions

by Don Faggiani, Ph.D. and Thomas Dover, MS

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Criminal Justice Research Center released a new report focusing on the problem of juvenile homicides in Virginia. The report Juvenile Murder in Virginia: A Study of Arrests and Convictions, takes a comprehensive approach to examining the problem of juvenile murder in Virginia. First, it provides an examination of the entire criminal justice system's response to juvenile murder by consolidating in one document information on juveniles arrested for murder and juveniles convicted of murder in Virginia. Second, the report draws on a wide range of data sources covering many years to provide a more comprehensive picture of juvenile murders than has previously been published in Virginia.

The intent of the report is to provide a discussion of the relationships, trends, and situations underlying juvenile arrests and juvenile convictions for homicide. It also provides detailed information about juveniles convicted and sentenced for murder in juvenile and adult court. The level and detail of information provided in the report can aid in identifying strategies to combat the growing trends in juvenile homicides in Virginia.

Major findings of the report include:

• Between 1984 and 1994 there was a 232% increase in arrests of those under age 18 for murder and manslaughter in Virginia
• Between 1986 and 1994 - 49% of juveniles arrested for murder appear to have robbery or drug transactions as the primary motive for the incident
• Firearms were used in almost 82% of all incidents where a juvenile is arrested for murder
• 88% of juveniles convicted of murder had a prior juvenile record

Juvenile Murder in Virginia: A Study of Arrests and Convictions received the 1996 Phillip Hoke Award for Excellence in Analysis. The Hoke award is a national award presented by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Justice Research and Statistics Association at their annual Conference.

For additional information on Juvenile Murder in Virginia: A Study of Arrests and Convictions please contact the Criminal Justice Research Center, Department of Criminal Justice Services, 805 E. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219.

Sex Homicides in New York State

A new report on inmates committed for "sex homicides" in New York State contains a number of interesting findings. For example, two-thirds did not have a prior record of a sex crime, and there were very few cases in which drugs or alcohol played a crucial role. For more information, contact Leonard Morgenbesser, who is one of the authors of the study and a new member of the HRWG. A Research Specialist at the NYS Department of Correctional Services, his phone number and fax number are provided in the printed newsletter.

Announcement

The Criminal Justice Network of the Social Science History Association is sponsoring a workshop on research into historical violence, to be held Thursday, October 16th, 1997, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will precede the regular SSHA meeting by one day. The workshop will be held in downtown Washington in the conference room of the Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice.

This workshop will focus on issues of measurement, data sources, and definition. The sessions will be organized loosely around these three themes, with session leaders functioning as facilitators. Participants are encouraged to raise specific questions prior to the workshop. Flexibility will be encouraged, and should prior questions suggest an additional theme, we will rearrange the schedule. We expect about 30 participants. Prior registration is encouraged. Please email Eric Monkkonen at his email address provided in the printed newsletter.

Gun Control Studies

Taylor Buckner reports that his studies of gun control are now available on the world wide web and may be of interest to HRWG members. The studies can be viewed at web site:

http://www3.sympatico.ca/taylor_buckner

"Proportionality Review of Capital Cases"

by Leigh Beinen

Leigh Bienen has an article entitled "The Proportionality Review of Capital Cases by State High Courts after Gregg: Only the Appearance of Justice?" in the most recent issue of the Journal of Criminology and Criminal Law published at the Northwestern University School of Law. The article looks at how state high courts in all of the capital punishment jurisdictions have addressed, or not addressed, proportionality review of capital cases. It also includes data on dates of reenactment, date of first death sentence imposed, upheld and first execution for every capital state. The Proportionality Review Project of the New Jersey Supreme Court is discussed in detail, and previously unpublished data on homicide in New Jersey is included. If you can't get a copy from your library, Leigh be glad to send a reprint. You can email Leigh at her address provided in the printed newsletter.

Capital Jury Project

Bill Bowers would like the members of the HRWG to know about the Capital Jury Project. The Fall 1995 issue of the Indiana Law Journal (vol. 70, no. 4) provides an excellent summary of project findings in nine papers and a keynote address. Individuals with questions can contact Bill Bowers at the telephone numbers provided in the printed newsletter.

HRWG Member Deborah Spungen recently published the book:
Homicide: The Hidden VIctims, a guide for professionals

The book, published by Sage will be available in October 1997. The book details the impact of homicide on 'co-victims' - family, friends, co-workers, left to deal with the death of the homicide victim. Issues such as family notification, grief, media, the criminal justice system, and advocacy are addressed. The multi disciplinary approach of the book makes it valuable for practitioners, researchers and students in many social science and related fields.

The address of the homicide research working group e-mail network has changed. If you want to send a message to the group be sure to use the new address.

Workshop Proceedings to be Published

Pam Lattimore reports that the 1996 proceedings of the annual HRWG workshop should be published soon. If you are a member in good standing, you should receive them in the mail.

First-Year Report on Homicide Studies

by Dwayne Smith, Editor

Two years ago, we had an idea for a journal. Last year, we had a contract to go forward with that idea. I'm pleased to report that this year, we have a journal that's been in operation for nearly a year. Here are some of the highlights from Homicide Studies' first year of operation, most of which was reported on June 9 at the HRWG workshop. The journal officially began on July 1, 1996. The reporting period for the figures below runs for the first 11 months of operation through June 1, 1997. Future reports will be based on a calendar year.

• A 36-person editorial board was established; a network of over 100 reviewers was put in place. (Trivial Pursuit question: What is the most frequently listed area of specialty among reviewers? Answer: Serial Killing/Killers).
• 2 issues of Volume 1 were published -- February and May, 1997. August, 1997 is in press; November, 1997 is in preparation.
• 46 manuscripts were received
• 47 decisions on manuscripts were made; there were 13 acceptances, 15 revise and resubmits, and 19 rejections.
• Acceptance rate at this point is 28%.
• Average time to decision is 60 days.
• The number of subscriptions is approximately 430; this includes just over 200 HRWG-based subscriptions and 38 institutional subscriptions.

Prospects for the Journal: How You Can Help

All told, the first year has been a successful one, and the groundwork laid for an even more successful second year. The journal's continued success, however, will depend on several factors. This is how HRWG members can help:

1. First and foremost, SUBMIT SOME OF YOUR BEST WORK TO THE JOURNAL. A steady flow of good manuscripts is essential to the journal's survival.
2. We need more reviewers; please contact me if you're willing to serve in this capacity.
3. Tell your colleagues about the journal, encouraging them to submit manuscripts and to take out a subscription.
4. One of the keys to the journal's long-term financial health is acquiring a good base of institutional subscriptions. Please send information about the journal to your institutional or agency library, encouraging a subscription. Given the state of library budgets these days, here's a hint: be persistent!

Special Issues Planned

In a meeting of the editorial board on June 10 at the HRWG workshop, a special issue of Homicide Studies was planned to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the publication of Patterns of Criminal Homicide. Rick Rosenfeld has agreed to served as guest editor of this issue, tentatively scheduled to appear in Volume 2, #3 (August), 1998. Watch for announcements regarding this issue.

Also, Jacquelyn Campbell has proposed a special edition devoted to the topic of femicide. As this newsletter is going to press, discussion is still underway regarding the proposal. A special issue devoted to serial killing/killers is another strong possibility for a future issue.

Thanks to Special People

Homicide Studies has become a reality because of support from some very dedicated people. While there are a number of these, several people deserve special mention because their contributions that were well beyond the call of professional duty. At the risk of inadvertently omitting some very deserving persons, I wish to acknowledge Becky & Dick Block for making the journal possible through their founding of HRWG, and express thanks for the special reviewing contributions by Jay Corzine, Lin Huff-Corzine, Steven Messner, Tom Petee, Rick Rosenfeld, Susan Sorenson, and Thomas N. Thomas. Thanks to all of you, including those who perhaps SHOULD have been named!

HRWG Business Meeting Notes

by Colleen R. McLaughlin

Business meetings were held on June 9 and 11, 1997 at the workshop in Shepherdstown. The following is a brief summary of the minutes.

John May discussed the book that he will be editing. The book will include a series of brief essays related to how building more prisons creates more violence. John is looking for people to contribute. Additional topics include incapacitation versus rehabilitation, the war on drugs, inappropriate prison populations, "get tough" policies, and essays from inmates whose lives have been altered through prison. I was suggested that the issue of domestic violence should be included in John's book.

Incorporation of HRWG. The HRWG is getting larger and it would be a good idea to incorporate. Before incorporation, the group will need to adopt bylaws. Proposed bylaws were available for review, and the members were asked to take time to review them. The need for officers and committees should be addressed. Chris Rasche requested help and feed back. Bylaws were discussed at the second meeting. A voice consensus approving bylaws for submission to the general membership for formal approval was obtained.

Cheryl Maxson gave a financial report. The HRWG currently has 195 members. Overall, membership has increased. At this time last year there were 146 members. The increase was attributed to the journal. The financial balance is just under $15,000. Part of this money will go to Sage for mailing costs, and by the end of the year we should have just under $10,000. The membership was asked to consider possible uses for these funds.

Suggestions for the funds were as follows.

• Possible funds to offset the costs of special journal issues.
• Subsidize the annual meeting registration fee (e.g., pay for the reception).
• Reserve at least one year of estimated costs for the journal as a buffer.
• Provide recognition for a student, young practitioner, or individual making a significant contribution to the journal a the annual meeting. $100 was suggested as a possible monetary award.
• Recognize anonymous reviewers that make a significant contribution to the review process. It was suggested that they be given a membership that they could then award to a new member (e.g., a student).
• Provide a subsidy to students or members with limited resources. Offer travel award to members that cannot attend meeting due to economic constraints. It was suggested that one or two travel awards could be available, and that the recipients would be required to make a presentation at the meeting.
• Find a private foundation to give us additional funds (this suggestion was tabled).

There was a voice consensus for a buffer for the journal, and that a scholarships and awards committee be developed.

Alan Abrahamse suggested the possibility of an institutional membership. Institutional members would be publicized in the journal as "institutional members, " however, they would have no rights. It was suggested that the addition of institutional members would increase the journal subscription, while increasing the prestige of the group through the inclusion of prestigious institutional members.

Institutional membership would consist of a small institutional membership fee ($18, which is the individual fee above the journal was suggested), in addition to the library rate for the journal. In return, institutional members would receive some small recognition (e.g., listing in the proceedings and journal, websites and links) for their role as an institutional member, however, they would have no right to vote or hold office.

It was suggested that institutional members would need to be approved by the steering committee, and it would be made clear that they were institutional members, not sponsors. A vote was taken; 27 to approve, 6 no.

1998 meeting. Ann Arbor was approved by consensus vote (2-3 did not vote, 2-3 voted nay). A Wednesday evening through Saturday meeting was suggested to maintain attendance through the duration of the meeting. Consensus vote approved a Wednesday evening (about 6 PM), June 10 through Saturday, June 13, 1998 meeting. A registration fee of $75-85 was proposed. This would include one banquet lunch, one banquet dinner, meeting room space and refreshments during the meeting. Hotel accommodations approximately two blocks from the meeting room were available for approximately $100 per night. A block of rooms will be reserved, and the possibility of a lower cost will be pursued. The list of people volunteering for the Program Committee was reviewed, and suggestions for possible program themes were solicited.

THE NEWSLETTER NEEDS NEWS! PLEASE SEND ANY ITEMS THAT YOU THINK MEMBERS MIGHT FIND INTERESTING TO EITHER EDITOR. NAMES AND ADDRESSES ARE IN THE PUBLISHER'S STATEMENT SECTION OF THE PRINTED NEWSLETTER.

HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ANY INTERESTING OR USEFUL WEBSITES THAT MIGHT HELP OTHER HOMICIDE RESEARCHERS? SEND THE ADDRESS TO THE NEWSLETTER FOR INCLUSION IN FUTURE ISSUES!

Publisher's Statement

This newsletter is published bi-annually by the Homicide Research Working Group. We carry no advertising but gladly accept both private and commercial underwriting. This issue was edited by Kim Vogt at the Univ. of Wisconsin- La Crosse, Dept. of Sociology, 435 North Hall, La Crosse, WI 54601, and Victoria Brewer at Sam Houston State University, Criminal Justice Center, Huntsville, TX 77341.

THIS ISSUE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER, SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY, HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS.

Sam Houston State's support is greatly appreciated!

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