Michigan State University criminologist's team helping police solve murders in Puerto Rico

David Carter, 7 specialists going on mission to help local officers with investigative techniques

Published On: Nov 15 2012 07:22:40 AM EST   Updated On: Nov 15 2012 08:36:15 AM EST
David Carter
EAST LANSING, Mich. -

A team led by a Michigan State University criminologist is helping police investigate homicides in Puerto Rico, whose murder rate is six times higher than in the continental U.S.

David Carter and seven homicide and forensic science specialists are helping local officers improve their investigative techniques. They've conducted a similar mission in New Orleans.

Carter says solving more cases and reducing the murder rate requires changing how police do business.

One goal is getting Puerto Rico's agencies to collaborate. Carter says many drive-by killings involve a stolen car, so auto theft investigators should participate in the murder investigation. Also, officers who deal with gang prevention could collaborate with homicide investigators to solve gang-related murders and prevent retaliation.

The U.S. Justice Department is funding the project.

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