The Same But Not Equal? How the Homicide Victim’s Age and Gender Influence the Investigator’s Involvement in the Case

Abstract

This study examines the impact of the age and gender of homicide victims on investigative priorities and actions. The aim is to understand how these characteristics influence detectives’ case solving and resource allocation. The research comprised semi-structured interviews with 32 experienced homicide detectives in three U.S. law enforcement agencies. The interviews were designed to explore detectives’ perceptions of their investigative actions and the influence of victim demographics on those actions. The results indicate that while official policy dictates equal treatment of all cases, in practice, one-fifth of the detectives prioritized cases involving female or child victims who fitted the “ideal victim” profile over those involving adult male victims. One in four interviewees reported greater emotional investment in cases involving “true victims.” However, a still higher proportion treated victim characteristics as investigative leads. The victim’s profile, including age and sex, shaped their investigations. The findings highlight some discrepancies between formal policies and actual practice in homicide investigations. This suggests that law enforcement agencies need to address these biases to ensure equitable treatment of all homicide cases, regardless of victim characteristics. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the factors that shape homicide investigations; it also underscores the importance of addressing inherent biases within the criminal justice system.