Illinois Violent Death Reporting System

The purpose of the Illinois Violent Death Reporting System (IVDRS) is to develop a state-wide data respository related to violent deaths. With these data, policy makers and researchers will be able to analyze the causes and correlates of violent deaths in order to develop effective prevention policies and programs for the State of Illinois.

When a violent death occurs, many agencies (for example, police departments, medical examiners, crime labs and health departments) collect data about the death as part of their routine procedures. But these data are not shared among the agencies. The IVDRS brings these routinely collected data together from each agency to draw a complete picture of the circumstances surrounding the death. In doing so, improved programs can be designed to prevent future violent deaths.

The IVDRS is based on the footprint of the National Violent Death Reporting System, sponsored by the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, and it includes all deaths that are the result of homicide, suicide, unintentional firearm incidents, terrorism, legal intervention, and other forms of injury where the intention is not known.

Questions may be directed to Jenifer Cartland, PhD (312/573-7772; jcartland@childrensmemorial.org).