A discovery and exploration of the decision-making processes and influences in unsolved murder cases
Research Institution / Organisation
University of Huddersfield
Principal Researcher
Kirsty Bennett
Level of Research
PhD
Project Start Date
January 2018
Research Context
The aim of this research is to identify how police forces in the UK currently review their unsolved murders.
An exploration of the decisions made during these reviews, and how they impact the progression of cases, is explored alongside the factors which can influence a detective's final outcome(s) for the case. A further element of this research is to determine how cases are reviewed and progressed when they do not have any forensic evidence available to facilitate a thorough review in line with the ACPO's guidance.
Research Methodology
The research will utilise:
Surveys for the police, legal professionals and forensic scientists
Interviews with policing organisations in the UK and US
Decision-Board Analysis with detectives of differing ranks, and with differing levels of experience.
Interim reports and publications
Date due for completion
January 2021
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