Long Interval Detections and Under the Radar Offenders

On occasion, much time passes between a homicide event and its detection. These Long Interval Detections (LIDs) are often made possible by advances in DNA science. They provide valuable learning opportunities for homicide investigators because actions taken at the time of the initial investigation can be examined in the light of knowledge of the perpetrator’s identity. This paper demonstrates how a qualitative research approach to LIDs can make knowledge about ‘under the radar offenders’ available. For example, how the offender’s behaviour and personal characteristics may have impacted on the outcome of the investigation. The hope and expectation is that such research may aid investigators in difficult to detect cases. Two LID homicide cases are examined here. Emergent findings suggest that aspects of offender personality and lifestyle, alongside common misperceptions of offending patterns, make significant contributions to detection difficulty. The argument is advanced that extensive LID research would be timely and helpful. A research programme is outlined.