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The Effectiveness of Policies and Programs That Attempt to Reduce Firearm Violence: A Meta-Analysis

NCJ Number
306514
Journal
Crime & Delinquency Volume: 58 Issue: 2 Dated: 2012 Pages: 222-244
Author(s)
Matthew D. Makarios; Travis C. Pratt
Date Published
2012
Length
23 pages
Annotation

The authors of this research review conclude that comprehensive community-based law enforcement initiatives performed the best out of the analyzed policy interventions, to reduce violent crimes committed with firearms.

Abstract

In response to rising rates of firearms violence that peaked in the mid-1990s, a wide range of policy interventions have been developed in an attempt to reduce violent crimes committed with firearms. Although some of these approaches appear to be effective at reducing gun violence, methodological variations make comparing effects across program evaluations difficult. Accordingly, in this article, the authors use meta-analytic techniques to determine what works in reducing gun violence. The results indicate that comprehensive community-based law enforcement initiatives have performed the best at reducing gun violence.