Factors preventing gun acquisition and carrying among incarcerated adolescent males

Author: Freed, L. H. / Webster, D. W. / Longwell, J. J. / Carrese, J. / Wilson, M. H.
Publication: Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med
Topics: Adolescents, Crime, Prevention
Keywords: Adolescent Views At Risk Populations Firearm Prevention Policing strategies TEENAGERS
Bibliographic information +

Forty-five (45) randomly selected incarcerated adolescent males at a Maryland residential juvenile justice facility were interviewed from January to May 1998 to determine factors that discourage the acquisition or carrying of guns. The authors found that both those with gun experience (71%) and those without identified similar deterrents to gun involvement. For this sample group, issues of fear of incarceration and arrest, peer and family opinions, and the possibility of harming oneself or others seemed to exert more powerful curtailments on gun involvement than difficulty in acquiring guns. Forty-five (45) randomly selected incarcerated adolescent males at a Maryland residential juvenile justice facility were interviewed from January to May 1998 to determine factors that discourage the acquisition or carrying of guns. The authors found that both those with gun experience (71%) and those without identified similar deterrents to gun involvement. For this sample group, issues of fear of incarceration and arrest, peer and family opinions, and the possibility of harming oneself or others seemed to exert more powerful curtailments on gun involvement than difficulty in acquiring guns. Forty-five (45) randomly selected incarcerated adolescent males at a Maryland residential juvenile justice facility were interviewed from January to May 1998 to determine factors that discourage the acquisition or carrying of guns. The authors found that both those with gun experience (71%) and those without identified similar deterrents to gun involvement. For this sample group, issues of fear of incarceration and arrest, peer and family opinions, and the possibility of harming oneself or others seemed to exert more powerful curtailments on gun involvement than difficulty in acquiring guns.