Uncovering a Murder Mystery
In 2000, the Los Angeles Times’s created a Homicide Report making it possible to track the homicides of individuals, represented as nodes, within the county. The interactive map allows users the ability to easily and quickly navigate the area to get an idea of how Los Angeles is segregated in terms of deaths. Not only is this map a useful tool in mapping the homicides, but it can be used most effectively to help identify potential killers. The database includes race and ethnicity because it feels that identifying individuals to the best of their ability helps share the stark racial inequality. From the website, the Los Angeles Times states, “Given the magnitude of difference in homicides along racial and ethnic lines — and the suffering that the killing inflicts on family members, friends and neighborhoods — we opt to present the racial and ethnic contours.” The report also acts as a blog allowing users the ability to post below each individual case with caring thoughts or relevant information.
The Times states that across the County, “Men account for nearly 85% of homicide victims. One of every three males killed is between the ages of 17 and 25. Latinos, about half of the county’s population, account for nearly half of all killings since 2007.” Using this data the Los Angeles Times also produced an article discussing the area with the highest homicide rate, Vermont Ave in Westmont (http://homicide.latimes.com/post/westmont-homicides/). The Times stated, “Sixty people have been killed along this corridor since 2007, most shot to death.”
Using the data, a more vivid picture begins to get painted for the differences in well-being of LA County citizens. It becomes increasingly clear that trying to understand the issues facing this area, to create a safer, better city are is one goal that must be accomplished. This issue has multiple facets, from under representation in local politics, to a lack of opportunity presented at the individual level. Areas such as Westmont continue to see increased violence in the area, mostly attributed to gang violence. This network is related to networks in illustrating how strong ties are formed. The idea from Chapter Four of homophily, the principle that we tend to be similar to our friends, may play a key role in why violence is persistent. With data suggesting that violence is a large, common practice, it should not be surprising to expect more and more individuals participating in the act of homicide who are already present in a violent environment. While it is hard to understand why individuals act in negative ways, by using data and understanding the context for each data set, our society as a whole may be better suited to fight issues in the future. By using new techniques such as computerized policing software, or simply increasing funding to affected areas, we can prevent more violence. It’s fairly clear that a majority of these network nodes are not interconnected, but in looking at the proximity of homicides it becomes clear that a pattern starts to emerge, which can hopefully be dealt with creating safer environments through knowledge.
http://homicide.latimes.com/post/westmont-homicides/
http://homicide.latimes.com/