Describes the rationale for and approach to a study of homicide in 8 U.S. Cities -- Atlanta, Detroit, Indianapolis, Miami, New Orleans, Richmond, Tampa, and Washington, D.C. -- that experienced different trends in homicide from 1985 through 1994. Begins with a focus on the community, using homicide as the "dependent variable" in the project's inquiry into context, policy, and homicide. Describes the project design and provides additional information on the hypotheses investigated, interview development and testing, and site selection. Also presents an analysis of the homicide trends in the selected cities. Includes a summary of key policy findings.