POLISCOPE
Back to feed
NewsCommunity Newspapers (Miami)August 4, 2026Miami-Dade

Researchers find environmental geography may predict homicide rates better than organized crime presence

A study by researchers from Florida International University and Georgia Southern University suggests that environmental features and geography are stronger predictors of homicide rates in Latin America than the presence of organized crime groups. The findings indicate that focusing on specific geographic locations may be more effective for violence prevention than traditional strategies targeting cartels and guerrilla groups.

criminologyLatin Americahomicide preventiongeographyorganized crime
Read the full story at Community Newspapers (Miami)

Why It Matters

This research challenges conventional law enforcement strategies by suggesting that public safety resources might be more effectively deployed by analyzing environmental and geographic data rather than focusing solely on criminal organizations.

Key Facts

  • Researchers from Florida International University and Georgia Southern University conducted a study on homicide predictors in Latin America.
  • The study concludes that environmental features and geography are better predictors of homicide rates than the prevalence of organized crime gangs.
  • The findings suggest that current strategies targeting cartels and guerrilla groups may be less effective than geographic-based interventions.

Who's Mentioned

organizationELN“Guerrilla group in Colombia”personStephen F. Pires“Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Florida International University”personPablo Escobar“Colombian drug lord”personEl Chapo“Mexican drug lord”organizationFARC“Defunct revolutionary group in Colombia”personRob T. Guerette“Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida International University”personJuan Del Rio“Adjunct Instructor in International Crime and Justice, Florida International Uni”personDylan Spencer“Assistant Professor of Criminology, Georgia Southern University”otherCrime Science“Peer-reviewed journal”organizationGeorgia Southern University“Academic institution associated with the study”organizationFlorida International University“Academic institution associated with the study”