NCJ Number
238572
Editor(s)
David B. Wilson
Date Published
April 2012
Length
91 pages
Annotation
This analysis examined the use of pulling levers focused deterrence strategies to reduce crime.
Abstract
This report presents the results of a meta-analysis of evaluations of 10 programs that used pulling levers focused deterrence strategies to prevent gang and group-involved violence. The analysis found that 9 of the 10 programs evaluated reported statistically significant reductions in crime. The 10 evaluations in the study had to meet 3 criteria: 1) the program had to have the core elements of a pulling levers focused deterrence strategy present; 2) a comparison group was included in the evaluation; and 3) at least 1 crime outcome was reported in the evaluation. The analysis of the evaluations found that focused deterrence strategies are very effective at producing statistically significant, medium-sized reductions in crime. Focused deterrence strategies are part of a problem-oriented policing framework that combine core deterrence ideas, such as increasing risks faced by offenders, with new and creative ways of using traditional and non-traditional law enforcement tools to prevent gang and group-involved violence. The 10 programs were based in the following cities: Boston, MA; Indianapolis, IN; Stockton, CA; Lowell, MA; Cincinnati, OH; Newark, NJ; Los Angeles, CA; Chicago, IL; Nashville, TN; and Rockford, IL. Tables, figures, appendixes, and references