Contribution to Book
Murder in a Twin Island Paradise: Trends and Strategies Implemented to Address Criminal Homicide in Trinidad and Tobago
Homicide and Violent Crime
(2018)
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this chapter is to explore homicide trends in Trinidad and Tobago, to describe the factors that impact the risk for homicide perpetration and victimization, and to discuss the effectiveness of strategies implemented by law enforcement agencies to prosecute homicide cases. Design/methodology/approach – The chapter employs a detailed review of relevant literature to explore homicide trends and the strategies instituted to investigate and prosecute this criminal offense. Findings – Our findings suggest that homicide victimization and perpetration is concentrated among young men of African descent, who reside in underprivileged communities with a high population density. Gang violence prompted by a narco-drug economy, coupled with gun violence, accentuates the risk of homicide perpetration and victimization. As homicide rates remained high, law enforcement officials in Trinidad and Tobago were ill equipped to investigate and make arrests in these offenses. Originality/value – This chapter adds to the literature on homicide in Trinidad and Tobago by (1) showing that geographic and demographic factors structure homicide victimization and (2) exploring how the political economy of drugs in the Caribbean contributes to murder. © 2018 by Emerald Publishing Limited.
Keywords
- Caribbean,
- Gang violence,
- Homicide,
- Neoliberalism,
- Trinidad and tobago,
- Urban communities
Disciplines
Publication Date
2018
Editor
Deflem, M.
Publisher
Emerald Publishing Limited
ISBN
978-1-78714-876-5
DOI
10.1108/S1521-613620180000023014
Publisher Statement
Originality/value – This chapter adds to the literature on homicide in Trinidad and Tobago by (1) showing that geographic and demographic factors structure homicide victimization and (2) exploring how the political economy of drugs in the Caribbean contributes to murder.
Citation Information
Ericka B. Adams and Claudio G. Vera Sanchez. "Murder in a Twin Island Paradise: Trends and Strategies Implemented to Address Criminal Homicide in Trinidad and Tobago" Homicide and Violent Crime Vol. 23 (2018) p. 241 - 255 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ericka-adams/40/