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30 American J. Crim. Just. 1 (2005-2006)

handle is hein.journals/acnjrlocm30 and id is 1 raw text is: WHO, WHAT, AND WHEN: A Descriptive Examination of Crowd Formation, Crowd Behavior, and Participation with Law Enforcement at Homicide Scenes in One Cityt ROBYN DIEHL LACKS, Ph.D.tt Virginia Commonwealth University JILL A. GORDON, Ph.D. Virginia Commonwealth University COLLEEN MCLAUGHLIN MCCUE, Ph.D. Richmond City Police Department ABSTRACT: This study provides a descriptive look at the characteristics, behav- iors, and differences of crowds and crowd formation that emerge as a result of a homicide. The research was conducted as a result of anecdotal information pro- vided by law enforcement officers who conveyed concern over the dysfunctional behaviors and lack of participation with law enforcement occurring at homicide scenes. The theoretical foundation for the study is grounded in the literature sur- rounding crowd formation and group norms. The study uncovered a variety of factors related to crowd size and participation with law enforcement. Noteworthy is the finding that reveals the classification of the homicide (drug-related or non- drug related) is related to crowd size, participation with law enforcement, and victim characteristics. INTRODUCTION It was common for public executions to be times of great joy and laughter in the early 19th century (Pearsall, 1997). In fact, the young and old, the rich and the poor, would travel long distances to share in the events of the day. This tragic time when a person lost his/her life became a social occasion for many (Pearsall, 1997). In the current day, one would expect that our society has moved away from these dys- functional behaviors, but have we? It has been suggested by many law t The authors would like to thank the Richmond City Police Department for the opportunity to work with the members of the department. ft Direct all correspondence to: Robyn Diehl Lacks, Virginia Commonwealth Uni- versity, 923 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284-2028. Email: rdlacks@vcu.edu. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE, Vol. 30 No. 1, 2005 © 2005 Southern Criminal Justice Association