LEADS Scholar Spotlight — Reducing Gun Violence

• NCJ Number: 251698
• Author(s): Cory Nelson
• Date Published: May 2018
• Length: 1 page
• Agencies: NIJ
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance)

Annotation

In this video and associated transcript, Cory Nelson, a captain with the Madison Police Department (Wisconsin), explains how his agency reduced gun violence in Madison by implementing the Koper Curve Theory.

Abstract

He learned of this theory through his participation in the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) 2015 LEADS Program (Law Enforcement Advancing Data and Science Program). As a LEADS scholar, he participated in the Evidence-Based Policing symposium at George Mason University. Cory notes that prior to the implementation of the Koper Curve in Madison, gun violence had been increasing in Madison. As recommended under this model, some "hot spots" of gun violence in Madison's West District were identified by crime analysis. Police patrols were concentrated in these areas for the purpose of increasing police personal interactions with residents, rather than making arrests and writing tickets. Nelson notes that "hot spot" residents apparently appreciate the relaxed, non-threatening interactions with officers. After two months of this concentrated police presence and officers' friendly and helpful interactions with residents, reported incidents of gun violence in the targeted areas have decreased.