The Baltimore Youth Ammunition Initiative: A Model Application of Local Public Health Authority in Preventing Gun Violence

Author: Lewin, Nancy L. / Vernick, Jon S. / Beilenson, Peter L. / Mair, Julie S. / Lindamood, Melisa M. / Teret, Stephen P. / Webster, Daniel W.
Publication: American Journal of Public Health
Link to Published Abstract
Topics: Age Group Legislation and Policy Local Public Health Supply
Keywords: AMMUNITION BALTIMORE Maryland PUBLIC health YOUTH & violence
Bibliographic information +

In 2002, the Baltimore City Health Department, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research launched the Youth Ammunition Initiative, a program designed to address Baltimore’s problem of youth gun violence by targeting illegal firearm ammunition sales to the city’s young people. The Police Department conducted 11 “ammunition stings” in which a police cadet under the legal age for purchasing ammunition attempted to do so. The “stings” were widely publicized by the local media. Local legislation resulting from Baltimore’s Youth Ammunition Initiative reduced the number of eligible sales outlets for firearms and ammunition by 46% and mandated improvement in business practices for those outlets still permitted to sell ammunition.