Seeking 'Closure' in Unsolved Homicide Cases

The project aims to transform conceptual understandings of ‘closure’ by studying the experiences of bereaved families and frontline police confronting unsolved homicide. Through fieldwork and interviews, it will research how police and families struggle to manage feelings of loss, frustration, blame and failure. The project will craft new language and narrative modes to better situate feelings of grief, confusion and non-resolution, and help people comprehend and ultimately even find meaning in these experiences. Results will lead to significantly improved communication between families and police, to the development of more effective support strategies, and will have social and cultural applications far and beyond the justice system.