Detective’s Perceptions on Psychological Barriers Needed to Effectively Solve Unsolved Homicide Cases

Date of Conferral

11-2-2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Dr. Jana Price-Sharps

Abstract

This study explored the experiences and perceptions of eight homicide detectives with current caseloads of unsolved homicides and how psychological barriers and resources contribute to those unsolved cases. This phenomenological qualitative study provided insight into how psychological barriers and resources influence successful case closures by presenting the detective's experiences and perceptions in their line of detective work. Resource Based Theory guided this study by providing a conceptualization of police techniques and resource availability and identifying the threads that led to case closures. There were semi-structured telephone and Zoom interviews, where the participants were asked open-ended questions about their feelings, experiences, and opinions regarding why cases are not closed, what psychological barriers they faced with case closures, and what resources were needed, both present and unavailable to those cases being investigated. The findings indicated that homicide detectives will need additional resources to assist with investigations, which include training and education, as well as identify the psychological needs necessary to support the barriers the detectives face when working with unsolved cases. The findings were divided into themes to better understand the barriers within the agencies. These themes included burnout, compassion fatigue, district attorney approval, lack of witnesses and evidence, education and training, road to homicide investigations, and resource availability. Ramifications for positive social change included the development of additional training programs for all law enforcement and providing additional resources to the investigation teams deemed necessary for successful case closures.

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