NCJ Number
212302
Journal
Criminology & Public Policy Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: November 2005 Pages: 677-716
Date Published
November 2005
Length
40 pages
Annotation
This article examines gun violence intervention activities and argues that gun violence reduction programs should prioritize demand-side enforcement activities.
Abstract
Gun violence is one of America’s most pressing problems. To date, most efforts designed to reduce gun violence have focused on interrupting the supply of guns to high-risk people such as youth or convicted felons. Research concerning the effectiveness of these supply-side interventions has been limited and suggests only a modest impact on gun crime. However, available research has indicated that interventions focused on the demand for firearms may be more effective in reducing gun violence. The author argues that enforcement activities related to reducing gun violence should focus on demand-side interventions, most notably targeted police patrols designed to deter high-risk people from carrying illegal guns. The article addresses how to improve the gun violence reduction initiative Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which is a federally-funded program that focuses on supply-side interventions such as increasing the use of gun locks and reducing gun availability. PSN has devoted much of its budget to increasing the severity of punishment for those convicted of gun crimes even in the wake of research suggesting its limited effectiveness. Two model firearms programs, one in Richmond, VA and the other in Boston, are described as the author outlines his argument in favor of targeted police patrols against illegal gun carrying as the most effective means to reduce gun violence. In closing, the author argues for the continued funding of PSN after modifications to the program’s priorities. Tables, figures, footnotes, references