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NewsMiami's Community NewspapersAugust 4, 2026Miami-Dade

Researchers find environmental geography predicts homicide rates better than organized crime presence in Latin America

A study conducted by researchers from Florida International University and Georgia Southern University suggests that environmental features and geography are more reliable predictors of homicide rates in Latin America than the presence of organized crime groups. The findings indicate that focusing on specific geographic locations may be more effective for violence reduction than traditional strategies targeting cartels and guerrilla groups.

criminologyLatin Americahomicide preventiongeographypublic safety
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Why It Matters

This research challenges conventional public safety strategies by suggesting that local environmental factors, rather than the prevalence of criminal organizations, should be the primary focus for homicide prevention efforts in Latin American regions.

Key Facts

  • Researchers from Florida International University and Georgia Southern University conducted a study on homicide predictors in Latin America.
  • The study concludes that environmental features and geography are stronger predictors of homicide rates than the prevalence of organized crime gangs.
  • The findings suggest that current strategies targeting cartels and guerrilla groups may be less effective than strategies focused on geographic environmental factors.

Who's Mentioned

organizationELN“Guerrilla group in Colombia”personStephen F. Pires“Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Florida International University”personPablo Escobar“Colombian drug lord”personEl Chapo“Mexican drug lord”organizationFARC“Defunct revolutionary group in Colombia”personRob T. Guerette“Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida International University”personJuan Del Rio“Adjunct Instructor in International Crime and Justice, Florida International Uni”personDylan Spencer“Assistant Professor of Criminology, Georgia Southern University”otherCrime Science“Peer-reviewed journal where the study was published”organizationGeorgia Southern University“Academic institution associated with the study”organizationFlorida International University“Academic institution associated with the study”