Disrupting Illegal Firearms Markets in Boston: The Effects of Operation Ceasefire on the Supply of New Handguns to Criminals

Author: Pierce, Glenn L. / Braga, Anthony A.
Publication: Criminology & Public Policy
Topics: Crime Law Enforcement Legislation and Policy Local Supply Urban/Rural
Keywords: CRIMINALS PREVENTION Supply Reduction Violence gun crime
Bibliographic information +

In 1995, the Boston Gun Project began and, on May 15, 1996, “Operation Ceasefire” was implemented. One of the two main elements of the Ceasefire initiative was a direct law-enforcement attack on illicit firearms traffickers supplying youth with guns. Analysis of the results of the initiative indicate that focused enforcement efforts, guided by strategic analyses of ATF firearms trace data, can have significant impacts on the illegal supply of new handguns to criminals.