NCJ Number
205831
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 32 Issue: 3 Dated: May/June 2004 Pages: 243-252
Editor(s)
Kent B. Joscelyn
Date Published
May 2004
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article explores the limitations of the Supplementary Homicide Reports (SHR) in researching workplace homicide.
Abstract
To further document the known limitations of the Supplementary Homicide Reports (SHR) in researching workplace homicide, this exploratory study was conducted to identify additional limitations of the SHR and make recommendations to enhance the utility of the SHR or the evolving National Incident Based Reporting System (NIBRS) database for research on workplace homicide. The National Archive of Criminal Justice Data (NACJD) database was searched for information on several high profile workplace homicide incidents. The data consisted of 125 incidents spanning the period of 1984 to 1993. Only those incidents resulting in four or more homicides were considered in the study. The SHR was searched for information on these high profile workplace homicide incidents with notable cases of workplace homicide found missing. In addition, there were examples of cases that contained either erroneous information or information that did not accurately describe the event. This was found to be consistent with the experiences of others who relied on SHR data. Recommendations to enhance the SHR data set and benefit homicide research are discussed. In regards to workplace homicide, dialog and debate on the availability and reliability of homicide data is encouraged. References