Facilitating Reporting of Suspicious Activity and Concerning Activity at Community Level
This project aims to fill an important gap in suspicious activity reporting by tapping a crucial source: Those closest to extremists, their families. They are best poised and able to prevent terrorism, from deradicalization to alerting authorities.
Objective/Purpose
The purpose of this project is to identify and offer solutions to technological, social, and financial barriers that family members face in recognizing, responding to, and reporting radicalization.
Methodology
In the first phase of the project, the research team will conduct a needs assessment based on semi-structured interviews with regional prevention coordinators. In the second phase, they will conduct in-depth life history interviews with family members (i.e., parents, siblings, intimate partners, and/or children) of suspected or convicted white supremacist extremists. To analyze the data collected through these interviews, the research team will employ grounded theory, a qualitative coding approach.
Investigators
- Pete Simi, Chapman University Associate Professor of Sociology
- Matthew DeMichele, Research Triangle institute Director of Center for Courts and Corrections Research
- Karyn Sporer, University of Maine Assistant Professor of Sociology