Police crackdowns on illegal gun carrying: A systematic review of their impact on gun crime

Author: Koper, Cristopher S. / Mayo-Wilson, Evan
Publication: Journal of Experimental Criminology
Topics: Crime Gun Carrying Law Enforcement
Keywords: gun crime illegal gun carrying illegal possession police crackdowns police strategies
Bibliographic information +

The authors conducted a systematic review of the impact of police strategies to reduce illegal possession and carrying of firearms on gun crime. A total of 4 studies met the criteria for review, reporting 7 tests of directed patrols focused on 3 U.S. cities (Kansas City, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Pittsburg, Pennsylvania) and 2 Colombian cities (Cali and Bogotá). 6 of the 7 tests suggest that directed patrols, assigning additional officers to high-crime areas at high-risk times and allowing them to focus on proactive investigation and enforcement, reduced gun crime.