NCJ Number
240755
Date Published
November 2011
Length
32 pages
Annotation
This guide describes notable programs and policing strategies that can be implemented to reduce gun violence, regardless of agency size.
Abstract
A section on "Understanding and Responding to Gun Violence" provides guidance in an agency's self-assessment of gun violence in the community and the establishment of a foundation for effective gun-violence reduction efforts. This foundation consists of agency internal action steps, advanced action steps, and agency external action steps. The second section of the guide is entitled, "Gun Violence Reduction Programs: Origins of Success." It addresses lessons learned from three effective programs that have reduced gun violence in two cities and nationwide. The programs are Operation Ceasefire, which was implemented in Boston, MA; Project Exile in Richmond, VA; and Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national gun violence reduction initiative. The third section, "Firearms Diversion and Trafficking: Establishing Enforcement and Prevention Efforts," focuses on the work of Federal Firearms Trafficking Task Forces; additional services of the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Services; and a firearms tracing program called "eTrace." The fourth section, "Working with Federal Firearm Licensees (FFLs)," suggests ways that Federal representatives can partner with FFLs to prevent gun violence and gun theft, target those dealing in firearms without a license, and identify and develop relationships with businesses that sell ammunition. Another section of the guide focuses exclusively on how to manage gun shows so as to reduce the likelihood that a buyer will be a high risk for gun violence. Other sections of the guide address preventing gun violence by gang members, preventing gun violence by youth, the promotion of community safety and the prevention of gun violence, and addressing the danger of gun violence in domestic disputes. Eight appendixes discuss related issues.