The Center for Excellence in Homicide & Sex Assault Investigations

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

This panel will provide in-depth information about the Center for Excellence in Homicide & Sex Assault Investigations (CFE), a project currently being conducted in the State of Illinois involving Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, the Illinois State Police, other law enforcement and training agencies, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. The goal of the CFE is to advance knowledge and practice about the investigation and prosecution of homicide & sex assault by developing rigorous research into evidence-based practice. The objectives of CFE are to (1) conduct scientific research on the criminal investigation process that will lead to advances in knowledge; (2) facilitate an exchange between practitioners and researchers on key issues and obstacles to investigations; (3) identify best practices and new standards of performance; (4) build a bridge between science and law enforcement management that leads to the development of mechanisms for knowledge dissemination and utilization; and (5) stimulate communication and exchange between all stakeholders to improve coordination of services and the effective administration of justice.

Sub Unit

• Area IV. Criminal Justice Policy and Practice / 39. Policing and Law Enforcement

Individual Presentations

• Developing Cooperative Partnerships among Agencies - Robert Boehmer, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dennis Rosenbaum, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Methods to Document Homicide & Sex Assault Investigative Practices - Rachel Johnston, Adler School; Megan Alderden, Saint Xavier University

• Preliminary Findings from Law Enforcement Surveys - Don Stemen, Loyola University, Chicago; Steven Taylor, University of Illinois at Chicago; Tom Christoff, University of Illinois at Chicago; Matthew Cox, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Researching Sex Assault Investigations - Kathy Lorenz, University of Illinois at Chicago; Stacy Dewald, University of Illinois at Chicago

Discussant

• Robert Boehmer, University of Illinois at Chicago