Violence in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) began with its history of colonialism and battles for independence. Later, violence intensified with the politically turbulent period of the Cold War from military coups, revolutions, and civil wars. Violence expanded with the transshipment of cocaine from the Andean region through the Caribbean corridor into the United States. Drugs intensified gun and gang violence. The present study describes the experiences of academics conducting fieldwork regarding violence in the LAC region. Findings from a sample of 13 academics is presented along with ethnographic data from my fieldwork experience of researching violence in Kingston, Jamaica. The present study identifies the environmental, ethical, and identity challenges associated with conducting risky research in dangerous contexts. I outline some "pre-fieldwork" and "during fieldwork" strategies that can make qualitative fieldwork research safer for researchers and participants.