The Effect of COVID-19 on Community-Engaged Homicide Research

Abstract

COVID-19 transformed society, affecting how every sector conducted work. Researchers, law enforcement, and social service agencies had to adapt procedures to a virtual space—moving participant recruitment, warrant requests, and protection orders online. Researcher-practitioner partnerships also altered, halting in-person data collection and agencies having limited time to support guests, regardless of interest. While some COVID-19-related challenges will likely subside, the future of these partnerships seems to have permanently shifted. In this research note, we reflect on these shifts using an example of an intimate partner homicide study to discuss research adaptions to COVID-19 and the future of community-engaged homicide research.

Building a Transdisciplinary Team to Prevent Intimate Partner Homicide: A Research Note

“…Societal factors beyond the researchers' control, such as the COVID-19 pandemic that impacted the PAIR Studies, may affect the research design and implementation. Our research approach changed to accommodate the distancing due to the pandemic, as well as the overwhelming increase in service demand and changes in practice modalities that our partners were faced with (AbiNader et al, 2022). Without flexibility, sudden changes may halt research endeavors indefinitely or permanently.…”

“…The pandemic resulted in major societal shifts, including a nationwide stay at home order, which affected crime rates and the manner in which research, prevention, and suppression efforts were conducted. To respond to these challenges, the PAIR Studies team has and continues to use a variety of approaches based on current social conditions and community partner needs (see AbiNader et al, 2022). Regardless of the specific approach in each state, all states' data collection procedures are anchored by three pillars: case file data, proxy informant interviews, and IPV control surveys (Figure 2).…”

COVID-19 and Homicide Special Issue Introduction

“…As people started wearing masks, that brought another version of difficulties with masks making it easier for homicide perpetrators to conceal their identities and making it more difficult for officers to connect with people and read facial expressions and non-verbal cues. AbiNader et al (2022), in the third practice note, discuss how the difficulties faced by community partners continue to make it difficult to engage in community-engaged research on homicide. Police departments and advocates were overwhelmed with increased workloads and changing procedures and no longer have the time, energy, or resources to take on collaborations with researchers.…”

“…AbiNader et al (2022), in the third practice note, discuss how the difficulties faced by community partners continue to make it difficult to engage in community-engaged research on homicide. Police departments and advocates were overwhelmed with increased workloads and changing procedures and no longer have the time, energy, or resources to take on collaborations with researchers.…”