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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
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Results for firearms and crime
28 results foundAuthor: Davies, Megan Title: Court Outcomes for Firearm Offences in Australia Summary: This research examines how effective firearm penalties are in preventing firearm-related offenses. While not an evaluation of the effectiveness of penalties per se, the report examines data from New South Wales, Victoria, south Australia, Western Australia and the Australian Customs Service, to provide an overview of the type of firearm offenses commonly brought before the courts, the outcomes from these proceedings, and the severity of sentences handed down. Details: Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology, 2008. 67p. Source: Internet Resource; Technical and Background Paper Series; no. 31 Year: 2008 Country: Australia URL: Shelf Number: 113069 Keywords: Firearms and Crime |
Author: Association of Chief Police Officers Title: Gun Crime and Gangs: Response to the Home Secretary Summary: In August 2007 the U.K. Home Secretary requested a situation report following a number of gun-related tragedies. The ACPO responded with an assessment on the phenomenon of guns and gangs, with particular reference to young people. This document defines and examines the key issues emerging from knowledge of the problem and invites further consideration for what more may be done across government and law enforcement to address the issues described. Details: London: ACPO, 2007. 57p. Source: Year: 2007 Country: United Kingdom URL: Shelf Number: 118104 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGangsGun ControlGuns |
Author: Silvestri, Arianna Title: Young People, Knives and Guns: A Comprehensive Review, Analysis and Critique of Gun and Knife Crime Strategies Summary: This report is the outcome of an extensive review of international (English language) evidence about the effectiveness of interventions aimed at tackling young people's involvement in 'gun' or 'knife crime'. Such issues are currently at the forefront of public attention and a number of 'anti-knives' and 'anti-guns' initiatives are taking place in this country. The purpose of our research was to find out which strategies had been submitted to rigorous analysis and assessment, and what evidence was consequently produced about their impact on young people's perceptions, attitudes and behaviour. Studies published between 1998 (or earlier) and 2008 are covered. Our review also examines the research evidence about what factors in young people�s lives make them more or less likely to get involved in weapon carrying and violent behaviour, and about the perceptions, values and motivations of the young people involved. Additionally, we have outlined some of the interventions which have been rigorously assessed in the field of juvenile violence prevention generally: we think these provide useful contextual knowledge, as weapon use is a form of violent behaviour and cannot be understood in isolation. Details: London: Centre for Crime and Justice Studies, 2009. 106p. Source: Accessed February 19, 2019 at: https://www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/sites/crimeandjustice.org.uk/files/YP%20knives%20and%20guns.pdf Year: 2009 Country: United Kingdom URL: https://www.crimeandjustice.org.uk/sites/crimeandjustice.org.uk/files/YP%20knives%20and%20guns.pdf Shelf Number: 114820 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGunsKnife CrimeKnivesYouth and Violence |
Author: Mthembu-Salter, Gregory Title: Trading Life, Trading Death: The Flow of Small Arms from Mozanbique to Malawi Summary: In a region apparently awash with weapons and plagued with rising levels of armed crime, Malawi is a welcome exception to these characteristics. In early 2007 there were only 9,320 legally registered firearms in Malawi excluding those used by the security forces, compared to just under 87,000 in Zambia and nearly 4 million in South Africa. Though a country of an estimated 13 million people, in the 5 years between 1996 and 2000 Malawi suffered just 2,161 reported cases of armed robbery. In neighbouring Zambia, for example, where there is a population of only 10 million people, there were 3,168 recorded cases of armed robbery in the 5 years between 1998 and 2002. Details: Geneva: Small Arms Survey, 2009. 36p. Source: Working Paper 6 Year: 2009 Country: Africa URL: Shelf Number: 115395 Keywords: Armed RobberyFirearms and CrimeGuns |
Author: Sugarmann, Josh Title: Youth Gang Violence and Guns: Data Collection in California Summary: This study offers an overview of California databases containing gun and/or gang information - from the California Department of Justice, to California's Violent Death Reporting System, to local law enforcement agencies - to ascertain the type of information being collected regarding youth gang violence and firearms, how it is being collected and any inconsistencies that may exist, and to what degree it is accessible to aid in answering the many questions surrounding the issue of young gang violence and firearms. Details: Washington, DC: Violence Policy Center, 2009. 57p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 17, 2018 at: http://www.vpc.org/studies/CAgang.pdf Year: 2009 Country: United States URL: http://www.vpc.org/studies/CAgang.pdf Shelf Number: 117119 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGang ViolenceGun-Related ViolenceGunsYouth Gangs (California) |
Author: Heemskerk, Tony Title: A Report on the Illegal Movement of Firearms in British Columbia Summary: This report was commissioned because of concerns with the proliferation of illegal firearms and dramatic increase in firearms related violence, particularly with respect to organized criminal gangs who are more frequently settling disputes with guns. The report provides information on the current situation regarding the regulatory framework for firearms control; the illegal movements of firearms; the use of illegal firearms to support criminal activity; the agencies involved in regulation and enforcement and their current activities; and makes recommendations regarding changes to impact the illegal movement of firearms. Details: Victoria, BC: British Columbia Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, 2008. 89p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2008 Country: Canada URL: Shelf Number: 114639 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGang ViolenceGangsGun ControlGun ViolenceIllegal Firearms (Canada) |
Author: Moffatt, Luke Title: Crime Mapping Project: Project Safe Neighborhoods Hawaii Summary: Project Safe Neighborhoods is a partnership program designed to reduce firearm-related crime. This report presents the offender dataset and crime mapping used in the implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods in Hawaii. The report presents 37 maps constructed to show the location of offenses targeted in the program. Details: Honolulu: Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division, 2005. 56p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2005 Country: United States URL: Shelf Number: 119134 Keywords: Crime MappingFirearms and CrimeGun ViolenceGunsIllicit FirearmsProject Safe Neighborhoods (Hawaii) |
Author: Attree, Larry Title: SASP Test of North East Serbia: Evaluation Report Summary: The initial idea for the project was to implement a targeted SALW Awareness campaign around the town of Zrenjanin in North East Serbia. As well as aiming to have a positive effect on the attitudes of local people towards firearms possession and safety, the project was designed as a test for the principles of the SEESAC SALW Awareness Support Pack (SASP) in a project with limited resources at its disposal. The project also offered a local NGO, European Movement Zrenjanin, the opportunity to build capacities in carrying out an awareness campaign following the principles of SASP. The effects of SALW on the local area were made clear by a phase of initial information gathering. European Movement gathered the information from the local police department, a local hospital and the courts. Where information was confidential or not systematically collated to provide figures specifically useful to the campaign, informal methods were used to allow the initial profile of the problem to be as detailed as possible. The initial assessment identified a significant number of local casualties and criminal prosecutions related to the problems of weapons in local society. Details: Belgrade: SEESAC (South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons), 2005. 71p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2005 Country: Serbia and Montenegro URL: Shelf Number: 118681 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGun ViolenceGunsViolenceWeapons |
Author: Mozambique Ministry of the Interior Title: Firearm-related Violence in Mozambique Summary: This report examines the scope of firearm-related violence in Mozambique, as well as the circumstances surrounding this violence. It identifies some of the factors that influence the use of firearms and groups at risk of violence and risk behaviors. Details: Geneva: Small Arms Survey, Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 2009. 106p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2009 Country: Mozambique URL: Shelf Number: 118406 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeViolenceWeapons |
Author: Florquin, Nicolas Title: "A House Isn't A Home Without A Gun": SALW Survey, Republic of Montenegro Summary: The uncontrolled proliferation and illicit trafficking of small arms and light weapons (SALW) is a serious problem in South Eastern Europe. SALW proliferation has fuelled crime and insecurity, exacerbating conflict in the region and undermining post conflict peace-building. Problems related to SALW are likely to pose a serious constraint to economic and social development in South Eastern Europe. This SALW Survey examines the small arms situation in the Republic of Montenegro and seeks to shed light on the specifics surrounding a number of issues, including: firearms possession by both civilians and the government, the quantifiable impacts of weapons on Montenegro, perceptions about weapons in society, and the potential capacity of the government for future SALW control and weapon collection programmes. This study, commissioned by the UNDP and SEESAC, is designed particularly to inform a proposed SALW Control program to occur in Montenegro in 2004 and thus, provides a background for assessing the feasibility of collecting weapons in Montenegro. Details: Belgrade: SEESAC (South Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons; Geneva: Small Arms Survey, 2004. 53p. Source: Internet Resource Year: 2004 Country: Serbia and Montenegro URL: Shelf Number: 119427 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGunsTrafficking in FirearmsWeapons |
Author: Klein, Andrew R. Title: Enforcing Domestic Violence Firearms Prohibitions: A Report on Promising Practices Summary: "This report highlights promising practices currently employed around the United States and in tribal jurisdictions that represent innovative approaches to enforcing domestic violence firearm prohibitions. It provides brief descriptions of programs that are located primarily in law enforcement agencies, prosecutors’ offices, courts, and probation departments. Because comprehensive legislation represents the first step toward disarming abusers, the document also profiles the work of one state legislature in enacting statutes to protect victims of domestic violence." Details: Sudbury, MA: Advocates for Human Potential, 2006. 116p. Source: Internet Resource; Accessed August 8, 2010 at http://www.bwjp.org/files/bwjp/articles/Enforcing_Firearms_Prohibitions.pdf Year: 2006 Country: United States URL: http://www.bwjp.org/files/bwjp/articles/Enforcing_Firearms_Prohibitions.pdf Shelf Number: 119580 Keywords: Domestic ViolenceFirearms and CrimeVictims of CrimeViolent Crime |
Author: Title: Illicit Arms in Indonesia Summary: A bloody bank robbery in Medan in August 2010 and the discovery in Aceh in February 2010 of a terrorist training camp using old police weapons have focused public attention on the circulation of illegal arms in Indonesia. These incidents raise questions about how firearms fall into criminal hands and what measures are in place to stop them. The issue has become more urgent as the small groups of Indonesian jihadis, concerned about Muslim casualties in bomb attacks, are starting to discuss targeted killings as a preferred method of operation. The Indonesian government could begin to address the problem by reviewing and strengthening compliance with procedures for storage, inventory and disposal of firearms; improved vetting and monitoring of those guarding armouries; auditing of gun importers and gun shops, including those that sell weapons online; and paying more attention to the growing popularity of “airsoft” guns that look exactly like real ones but shoot plastic pellets. The problem needs to be kept in perspective, however. It is worth addressing precisely because the scale is manageable. Indonesia does not have a “gun culture” like the Philippines or Thailand. The number of people killed by terrorist gunfire in Indonesia over the last decade is about twenty, more than half of them police, and most of the deaths took place in post-conflict central Sulawesi and Maluku. The nexus between terrorism and crime is not nearly as strong as in other countries. There have been a few cases of bartering ganja (marijuana) for guns – and one case of trading endangered anteaters – but in general, narco-terrorism is not a problem. Jihadi use of armed robberies as a fund-raising method is a more serious issue, with banks, gold stores and ATMs the favourite targets. As of this writing it remained unclear who was behind the Medan robbery – although criminal thugs remain the strongest possibility – but jihadi groups have robbed Medan banks before, most notably the Lippo Bank in 2003. Such crimes constitute a miniscule proportion of the country’s robberies, but it is still worth looking at where the guns come from when they occur. The problem may increase as the larger jihadi groups weaken and split, particularly those that once depended on member contributions for financing day-to-day activities. Recruitment by jihadis of ordinary criminals in prisons may also strengthen the linkage between terrorism and crime in the future. There are four main sources of illegal guns in Indonesia. They can be stolen or illegally purchased from security forces, taken from leftover stockpiles in former conflict areas, manufactured by local gunsmiths or smuggled from abroad. Thousands of guns acquired legally but later rendered illicit through lapsed permits have become a growing concern because no one has kept track of them. Throughout the country, corruption facilitates the circulation of illegal arms in different ways and undermines what on paper is a tight system of regulation. Details: Jakarta/Brussels: International Crisis Group, 2010. 19p. Source: Internet Resource: Policy Briefing; Asia Briefing No. 109: Accessed September 7, 2010 at: http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/asia/south-east-asia/indonesia/B109-illicit-arms-in-indonesia.aspx Year: 2010 Country: Indonesia URL: http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/asia/south-east-asia/indonesia/B109-illicit-arms-in-indonesia.aspx Shelf Number: 119762 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGun ControlGun ViolenceGunsIllicit FirearmsSmugglingWeapons |
Author: Doyle, Charles Title: Armed Career Criminal Act (18 U.S.C. 924(e)): An Overview Summary: The Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), 18 U.S.C. 924(e), requires imposition of a minimum 15-year term of imprisonment for recidivists convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). Section 924(e) applies only to those defendants who have three prior state or federal convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. Violent felonies for purposes of section 924(e) are those that either (1) have an element of threat, attempt, or use of physical force against another or (2) that involve burglary, arson, or extortion, or some similar offense. Serious drug offenses are those punishable by imprisonment for 10 years or more. Constitutional challenges to the application of section 924(e) have been generally unsuccessful, regardless of whether they were based on arguments of cruel and unusual punishment, double jeopardy, due process, grand jury indictment or jury trial rights, the right to bear arms, or limits on Congress’s legislative authority. Details: Washington, DC: Congressional Research Service, 2010. 9p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed December 14, 2010 at: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41449.pdf Year: 2010 Country: United States URL: http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R41449.pdf Shelf Number: 120496 Keywords: Armed Career Criminal ActFelony OffendersFirearms and CrimeViolent Crime |
Author: Amnesty International Title: How an Arms Trade Treaty Can Help Prevent Armed Violence Summary: Over the past decade, there has been growing international momentum to conceptualise, document and address the various manifestations of “armed violence”. To date the discourse has focused largely on the causes and effects of armed violence and explored the range of available programming options to prevent and reduce it. Discussions on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) currently underway in the United Nations (UN) provide an important opportunity to examine armed violence in the context of decisions concerning international transfers and the export and import of conventional arms used in armed violence. One of the objectives of the ATT is to address the “absence of common international standards on the import, export and transfer of conventional arms.” As the UN General Assembly has noted, this absence contributes to “conflict, displacement of people, crime and terrorism” thereby undermining peace, reconciliation, safety, security, stability and sustainable development.” In other words, the absence of such common international standards contributes to armed violence. Common international standards in the ATT should require States to establish and maintain effective national regulatory mechanisms. The ATT should also require States to licence or otherwise authorise exports and other international transfers of conventional weaponry, munitions and related equipment (“conventional arms”) in conformity with an agreed list of clear criteria that take into account the potential risks stemming from such transfers. An ATT establishing such standards and rigorous procedures will help generate consistency in national arms control regulations. Importing States should be required to authorise imports of conventional arms into their jurisdiction. Such authorisations must be in conformity with each State’s primary responsibility to provide for the security of all persons under its jurisdiction and to promote respect for and observance of human rights as affirmed in the UN Charter and in other relevant international law. This report is divided into two parts, and includes three case studies drawn from recent examples of armed violence in Bangladesh, Guatemala and the Philippines. Part I examines how an ATT with a clearly elaborated risk assessment process can make a contribution to the prevention and reduction of armed violence. After a brief discussion of the definitions of armed violence and several forms of armed violence documented in recent years, the report examines the role an ATT can play in preventing and reducing those forms of armed violence in which conventional arms are used and which result in serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Part II focuses on one form of armed violence: firearms-related homicide. Discussions of armed violence have repeatedly noted that the use of firearms in non-conflict settings is the most prevalent form of armed violence and the form that results in the most deaths and injuries. This fact underscores the importance of adopting an approach to addressing armed violence that will encompass violence outside of armed conflict settings. The ATT should be one component of this approach. It should specify and address the serious violations of international law and other harmful impacts caused by conventional arms. Further, if an ATT is to make a significant contribution to the reduction of armed violence, it should require, prior to the issuance of an import authorisation or export licence, an assessment of the risk that the transfer of conventional arms will entail, including the risk presented by a pattern of significantly high levels of firearms-related homicides within the importing State. Details: London: Amnesty International and the International Action Network on Small Arms, 2011. 40p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed March 14, 2011 at: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ACT30/030/2011/en/d68a9f66-dc78-4ed0-8792-16c1d83a44b8/act300302011en.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/ACT30/030/2011/en/d68a9f66-dc78-4ed0-8792-16c1d83a44b8/act300302011en.pdf Shelf Number: 120930 Keywords: Arms ControlFirearms and CrimeHomicidesViolent CrimeWeapons |
Author: Burrell, William D. Title: Guns, Safety and Proactive Supervision: Involving Probation and Parole in Project Safe Neighborhoods Summary: The information in this monograph is intended to raise concerns and issues that agencies and officers should consider in decisions about proactive supervision as it relates to dealing with prohibited offenders who may possess guns. The document does not prescribe a template or model for this. Rather, agencies and officers may wish to use the document as a center of discussion on policies and procedures, especially with the agency’s legal counsel who is in the position to advise them on federal, state, and local laws that apply to the practice of supervision. The primary purpose of this monograph is to provide probation, parole, community supervision officers, and their agencies with a framework to assist them in planning, implementing, and enhancing services provided to offenders who may possess firearms. Information provided will neither endorse nor oppose the carrying of weapons by supervising officers. Further, references to matters of law are not intended to be legal interpretations and agencies should consult with legal counsel relative to the development of policies and procedures. Details: Lexington, KY: American Probation and Parole Association, 2008. 55p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed July 19, 2011 at: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/pdf/APPA_PSN.pdf Year: 2008 Country: United States URL: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/pdf/APPA_PSN.pdf Shelf Number: 122099 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeIllegal GunsParole SupervisionProbation SupervisionWeapons |
Author: Karp, Aaron Title: Estimating Civilian Owned Firearms Summary: Most of the world’s firearms are privately owned. They include improvised craft guns as well as handguns, rifles, shotguns, and machine guns. The legal definition of a civilian firearm varies; some states allow civilian ownership of certain firearms that are restricted to military use in other states. The word civilian is used here to refer to actual possession, not legality. In 2007, the Small Arms Survey estimated the number of civilian firearm ownership worldwide at approximately 650 million weapons out of some 875 then in existence. National ownership rates range from a high of 90 firearms per every 100 people in the United States, to one firearm or less for every 100 residents in countries like South Korea and Ghana. With the world’s factories delivering millions of newly manufactured firearms annually, and with far fewer being destroyed, civilian ownership is growing. Poor record-keeping and the near absence of reporting requirements for detailed information complicate assessments of global stockpiles of small arms and light weapons. When it comes to estimating civilian firearm ownership, differences in national gun culture - each country’s unique combination of historic and current sources of supply, laws and attitudes toward firearms ownership — often have distinct effects on the classification, ownership and perception of firearms. In addition, categories of firearm holders may overlap, as some individuals may use their private firearms at work as security guards, in armed groups, or in gangs. Details: Geneva: Small Arms Survey. Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, 2011. 4p. Source: Internet Resource: Research Note No. 9: Accessed September 15, 2011 at: http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/H-Research_Notes/SAS-Research-Note-9.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/H-Research_Notes/SAS-Research-Note-9.pdf Shelf Number: 122739 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGangsGun OwnershipGunsViolence |
Author: Kohli, Anil Title: Mapping Murder: The Geography of Indian Firearm Fatalities Summary: Rates of murder, and firearms murder in particular, vary dramatically across India's 28 states and seven union territories, as well 35 cities with over one million residents. National statistics and autopsy findings reveal the range of variation between states and cities. Murder and firearms death are declining in many regions, but much of the country still faces extreme problems. This Issue Brief identifies those areas worst affected and those most immune. Access to illegal firearms is a major element in this variation. Details: New Delhi: India Armed Violence Assessment, 2011. 12p. Source: Internet Resource: Issue Brief No. 2: Accessed September 21, 2011 at: http://www.india-ava.org/fileadmin/docs/pubs/IAVA-IB2-mapping-murder.pdf Year: 2011 Country: India URL: http://www.india-ava.org/fileadmin/docs/pubs/IAVA-IB2-mapping-murder.pdf Shelf Number: 122803 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGun ViolenceGunsHomicides (India)ViolenceViolent Crimes |
Author: United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Title: Global Study on Homicide: Trends, Contexts, Data Summary: The UNODC 2011 Global Study on Homicide brings together global, regional, national and subnational homicide data in one publication. It is hoped that the data and analysis of the most violent crime against the person will assist global efforts to design evidence-based policies to prevent and reduce crime in those areas and population groups where violence is most acute. This study was made possible because of increased efforts by countries to produce and share good quality homicide data. However, homicide data remain far from perfect—indeed, the study draws attention to the large geographic and thematic data gaps in many regions of the world—and comparisons should always be made with caution. This is also true because legal systems and practices, as well as capacities in reporting intentional homicide, can vary significantly between countries and regions. Nevertheless, there are a number of key messages that may be derived from the wealth of data in this study. First, there is a clear link between violent crime and development: crime hampers poor human and economic development; this, in turn, fosters crime. Improvements to social and economic conditions go hand in hand with the reduction of violent crime. The development agenda must also include crime prevention policies and the enhancement of the rule of law at both national and international level. Reducing violent crime should also be a priority for achieving the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in those countries where crime is disproportionally high. The study also represents an important advance in our understanding of the trends and patterns of homicide. One of the most important considerations is the recognition that different factors drive violent crime rates and trends. In some regions, organized crime, drug trafficking and the violent cultures of youth gangs are predominantly responsible for the high levels of homicide; while in others, killings connected to intimate partner and family-related violence account for an important share of homicides. Although it is important to understand that the sharp increase in homicides in some countries, particularly in Central America, are making the activities of organized crime and drug trafficking more visible, it should not be assumed that organized crime is not active in other regions as well. Another aspect is the role played by firearms in violent crime. It is crucial that measures to prevent crime should include policies towards the ratification and implementation of the UN Firearm protocol. Domestic policies in furtherance of the Protocol’s provision can help avoid the diversion of firearms to fuel violence and increase homicides. Knowledge of the patterns and causes of violent crime are crucial to forming preventive strategies. Young males are the group most affected by violent crime in all regions, particularly in the Americas. Yet women of all ages are the victims of intimate partner and family-related violence in all regions and countries. Indeed, in many of them, it is within the home where a woman is most likely to be killed. Details: Vienna: UNODC, 2011. 128p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed october 7, 2011 at: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/statistics/Homicide/Globa_study_on_homicide_2011_web.pdf Year: 2011 Country: International URL: http://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/statistics/Homicide/Globa_study_on_homicide_2011_web.pdf Shelf Number: 123002 Keywords: Crime StatisticsFirearms and CrimeGun ViolenceHomicidesViolenceViolent Crime |
Author: Marshall, Ben Title: Rationalisation of Current Research on Guns, Gangs and other Weapons: Phase 1 Summary: The Home Office report that the number of crimes involving a firearm increased year on year from 1997/98 to 2003/041. Much of this increase is widely seen to be the result of armed gangs competing for a lucrative drug market. However, there is also evidence of the emergence of a weapon carrying culture among young people with nearly one in four 15 to 16 year old boys admitting to having carried a knife or other weapon in the past year. Significant resources have been invested which have funded a number of research projects and police operations targeting gangs, guns and other weapon-related crime. The Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science has been commissioned to review the findings emerging from these projects in order to rationalise what work is currently being done and to contribute to the development of a strategy to guide future research and interventions. In particular, it aims to: • highlight consistencies and tensions in findings between selected projects; • clarify social and demographic trends from the existing research, identifying consistent risk and protective factors; and • identify gaps in existing knowledge and suggest areas for future research. This project represents one part of a larger programme of work being undertaken by the Home Office Police Standards Unit to provide guidance to law enforcement agencies in tackling guns, gangs and weapons. The report begins by outlining the methods employed in conducting the review and briefly describes the nature and scope of the projects included. Section three then discusses the emerging findings from the projects, in order of complexity. This starts with a discussion of what these projects tell us about ‘gang’ phenomena followed by the findings surrounding the use of firearms and then moves on to a discussion of the relationship between these issues. Finally, the emerging consistencies and unresolved issues are summarised, gaps in knowledge identified and potential avenues for further research highlighted. Details: London: Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science, University College London, 2005. 32p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed November 9, 2011 at: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/scs/downloads/research-reports/gangs-and-guns-report Year: 2005 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/scs/downloads/research-reports/gangs-and-guns-report Shelf Number: 123271 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGang ViolenceGun Violence (U.K.)Knives and Crime |
Author: Roth, Lenny Title: Gun violence: an update Summary: Over the past year, there have been a large number of shootings, including drive-by shootings, in South-Western and Western Sydney. This has given rise to great concern in the community. NSW Police have set up a special taskforce to tackle gun violence. In addition, on 14 February 2012, the NSW Government announced a number of legislative reforms. The NSW Opposition, the NSW Greens, and the Shooters and Fishers Party, have also proposed reforms. This e-brief updates (in part) a 2004 briefing paper on firearms restrictions.1 After a brief history of firearm laws, the e-brief outlines trends in shooting incidents since 1995, and refers to data on the prosecution of firearm offences. Next, the paper examines the sources of firearms used in crime, including theft. Finally, it refers to recent law enforcement action and proposals for law reform. This e-brief focuses on shooting incidents and does not cover armed robbery. Details: Sydney: New South Wales Parliamentary Library Research Service, 2012. 14p. Source: e-brief 5/2012: Internet Resource: Accessed February 28, 2012 at http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/publications.nsf/0/7CB135532A6EF7C1CA2579A50018533C/$File/e-brief.gun+violence.feb12.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Prod/parlment/publications.nsf/0/7CB135532A6EF7C1CA2579A50018533C/$File/e-brief.gun+violence.feb12.pdf Shelf Number: 124311 Keywords: Drive-By ShootingsFirearms and CrimeGun Violence (Australia)Guns |
Author: Langton, Lynn Title: Firearms Stolen during Household Burglaries and Other Property Crimes, 2005-2012 Summary: Victimizations involving the theft of firearms declined from 283,600 in 1994 to 145,300 in 2010 (figure 1). Overall, about 1.4 million guns, or an annual average of 232,400, were stolen during burglaries and other property crimes in the six-year period from 2005 through 2010. Of these stolen firearms, at least 80% (186,800) had not been recovered at the time of the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS) interview. The data in this report were drawn from the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ (BJS) NCVS, which annually collects information on nonfatal victimizations reported and not reported to the police against persons age 12 or older from a nationally representative sample of U.S. households. The NCVS collects data on criminal incidents for which theft or attempted theft is either a component of the victimization (i.e., robbery, personal larceny, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and other property theft) or could occur in connection with the victimization (i.e., rape or sexual assault). This report examines the theft of firearms in criminal victimizations, focusing on the rate, number, amount of loss, and recovery of guns taken during burglaries and other property crimes, which include motor vehicle theft and other theft. It presents information on how firearms may end up in the hands of persons to whom they do not belong. Trend estimates are based on two-year rolling averages centered on the most recent year (figure 1). For example, estimates reported for 2010 represent the average estimates for 2009 and 2010. This method improves the reliability and stability of estimate comparisons over time. For all tables in this report, aggregate data for the time from 2005 through 2010 are the focus. Details: Washington, D.C.: Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2012. 15p. Source: Crime Data Brief, NCJ 239436: Internet Resource: Accessed November 12, 2012 at http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/fshbopc0510.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/fshbopc0510.pdf Shelf Number: 126916 Keywords: Crime StatisticsFirearms and CrimeFirearms, Theft ofVictimization |
Author: Willits, Dale Title: Predictors of Firearm Usage in Violent Crimes: Assessing the Importance of Individual, Situational, and Contextual Factors Summary: The New Mexico Statistical Analysis Center (NM SAC) received funding from the Justice Research and Statistics Association (JRSA) to complete a study examining the degree to which person, incident, and structural characteristics predict firearm usage in violent crimes. Given the significant threat to public safety that firearm crimes pose, a better understanding of the dynamics of firearm crimes is relevant not just to researchers, but to law enforcement and to the community at large. Recognizing this, Federal, State, local and private funds have been allocated in support of a range of law enforcement initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence in communities across the country. Project Safe Neighborhoods, initiated in 2001, and its predecessor, the Strategic Approaches to Community Safety Initiative (SACSI) are notable examples of federal initiatives aimed at reducing gun violence by funding multi-agency intervention, prevention and enforcement strategies. Other interventions include the creation of gun courts and mandatory sentencing laws designed to increase penalties for firearm use and the unlawful carrying of firearms (Committee on Law and Justice, 2004). The rationale for these and other initiatives builds on the importance of reducing firearm violence in the broad interest of public safety. A large body of research on firearms has addressed the consequences of firearm usage in crimes, and reinforces the public safety rationale that guides firearm crime reduction initiatives. These studies suggest that firearm usage increases crime-related injury severity and mortality (Brennan and Moore, 2009; Hemenway, 2004; May et al., 1995; McGonigal et al., 1993). For example, Brennan and Moore (2009: 218) note that “firearms increase the likelihood of death by 40 times” compared to incidents not involving any weapon. Conversely, knives increase the likelihood of death by 4 times, highlighting the particularly serious nature of firearm violence (Brennan and Moore, 2009). Law enforcement and the courts clearly take gun crimes seriously. Studies have shown that crime clearance rates are higher for firearm crimes compared to those for crimes that do not involve firearms (Roberts, 2008). Additionally, sentences are generally longer for crimes that involve firearms compared to those that do not (Bushway and Piehl, 2011; Lizotte and Zatz, 1986). Though it is important to study the consequences of and systemic responses to firearm usage, we argue that it is also important to study the predictors of firearm usage in crimes. In fact, a better understanding of the characteristics that predict firearm use can help frame effective intervention. Most firearm crime reduction interventions are reactive—e.g., firearm enhancements to criminal sentences, targeted policing in areas with high rates of firearm violence, gun buy-back programs, etc. However, if we can identify some of the incident-level characteristics that increase the odds of firearm violence, criminal justice professionals might be able to craft preventative policies that aim to stop firearm violence before it happens. Details: Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico, Institute for Social Research, 2012. 22p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed January 17, 2013 at: http://www.jrsa.org/ibrrc/background-status/New_Mexico/NM_FirearmUsage.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.jrsa.org/ibrrc/background-status/New_Mexico/NM_FirearmUsage.pdf Shelf Number: 127343 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGun ViolenceGunsViolent Crime |
Author: Violence Policy Center Title: Gun Deaths Outpace Motor Vehicle Deaths in the DMV in 2010 Summary: Firearm-related fatalities exceeded motor vehicle fatalities in the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) in 2010, the most recent year for which data is available for both products. Firearm-related deaths include homicide, suicide, and unintentional fatal injuries (see chart below).1 Gun deaths outpaced motor vehicle deaths not only in the region as a whole, but in each of the three jurisdictions that comprise the DMV. In 2010, gun deaths in the DMV totaled 1,512 while motor vehicles deaths totaled 1,280. The statistics in the DMV offer a stark illustration of a public health emergency that often receives scant attention from policymakers. Firearms remain the only consumer product not regulated by a federal health and safety agency, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has overseen automobile safety since 1966. Nationally, firearm fatalities almost equal motor vehicle deaths despite the fact that roughly three times as many Americans own automobiles as own firearms. The tolerance for such a high level of gun death is even harder to comprehend when the relative utility of the two products is taken into account. Unlike guns, motor vehicles are essential to the functioning of the U.S. economy. Details: Washington, DC: Violence Policy Center, 2012. 7p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed February 11, 2013 at: http://www.vpc.org/studies/dmv.pdf Year: 2012 Country: United States URL: http://www.vpc.org/studies/dmv.pdf Shelf Number: 127574 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGun Control PolicyGun Violence (U.S.)Homicides |
Author: Birdsey, Emma M. Title: Criminal Offences Involving Firearms in New South Wales, 1995-2011 Summary: Aim: To investigate trends over time, spatial patterns, and characteristics of criminal offences involving firearms. Method: This study used data from the NSW Police Force Computerised Operational Policing System and the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Characteristics and spatial patterns of offences involving firearms were described and trends across 1995 to 2011 were analysed using Kendall’s rank-order correlation test. Results: The number of incidents involving a firearm declined (48% between 1995 and 2011). Robbery involving a firearm decreased (51%, 1995-2011) and unlawfully discharge firearm decreased (24%, 1995-2011), although discharge firearm into premises increased (144%, 1995-2011). The rate of shoot with intent incidents per 100,000 population in Sydney was greater than the rest of NSW. The average age of male offenders was 24.2 years for robbery, 26.6 years for murder and attempted murder, 30.9 years for assault, and 36.5 years for harassment involving firearms in 2011. Homicide, assault, abduction and kidnapping, and harassment involving firearms occurred mostly in residences in 2011. Robbery involving firearms occurred mostly in business/commercial premises. The rate of firearm theft was lower in Sydney than the rest of NSW in 2011 (0.8 and 6.4 per 100,000 population, respectively). Firearms were most frequently stolen from residences (79%, 2011). Rifles were the most stolen firearm (66%, 2011). Conclusion: Despite the recent upward trend in drive-by shootings, the long-term trend in criminal offences involving firearms is down. Details: Sydney: NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, 2012. 8p. Source: Internet Resource: Bureau Brief; Issue Paper No. 82: Accessed February 11, 2013 at: http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/bb82.pdf/$file/bb82.pdf Year: 2012 Country: Australia URL: http://www.bocsar.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/bocsar/ll_bocsar.nsf/vwFiles/bb82.pdf/$file/bb82.pdf Shelf Number: 127582 Keywords: Drive-By ShootingsFirearms and CrimeGun Violence (Australia)HomicidesViolent Crime |
Author: Cramer, Clayton E. Title: Background Checks and Murder Rates Summary: What is the statistical evidence of the effects of state mandatory firearms background check laws on murder rates? For states that adopted or repealed such laws after 1960 (which consistent and high quality murder rate data becomes available), an interrupted time series analysis shows that five out of nine states have statistically significant changes in murder rates, which three having higher murder rates during the background check period, and two having lower murder rates. Of the four states with statistically insignificant changes in murder rates, two had higher murder rates during the background check period, and two had lower murder rates during the background check period. Details: Unpublished paper, 2013. 9p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 16, 2013 at: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2249317 Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2249317 Shelf Number: 12361 Keywords: Background Checks (U.S.)Firearms and CrimeGun Control PoliciesGun ViolenceHomicides |
Author: Bryant, Rhonda Title: Taking Aim at Gun Violence: Rebuilding Community Education & Employment Pathways Summary: In a single generation, our nation is faced with the prospect of losing over 132,000 black men and boys to gun violence. Moreover, for every black male who dies from gun violence, there are another 24 others who suffer non-fatal injuries - making the impacts of such violence even greater. In black communities, gun violence is about far more than reforming gun control laws and empowering law enforcement. Gun violence for young black males predominates in communities where residents live in concentrated disadvantage with high rates of unemployment, school dropout, and poverty. The absence of opportunities in these communities gives rise to criminal activity and the loss of too many young lives. Solving the crisis of gun violence in communities requires that America address the issue of concentrated poverty and geography. The rebuilding and strengthening of these communities through creating infrastructure to provide improved education and employment opportunities for black youth will significantly reduce issues of gun violence. Details: Washington, DC: CLASP, 2013. 11p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 22, 2013 at: http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/Taking-Aim-at-Gun-Violence.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://www.clasp.org/admin/site/publications/files/Taking-Aim-at-Gun-Violence.pdf Shelf Number: 128428 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGang ViolenceGun Violence (U.S.)HomicidesViolent Crime |
Author: Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy Title: Guns, Public Health, and Mental Illness: An Evidence-Based Approach for State Policy Summary: This report calls for strengthening current policies banning access to firearms for people with histories of involuntary treatment for mental illness. But the recommendations also offer a new "risk-based" paradigm to supercede the long-established model of gun rights restrictions focused on mental health. The report calls for temporary restrictions of up to five years on the purchase and possession of firearms by individuals convicted of violent misdemeanors, domestic violence, or more than one drug or alcohol conviction within a certain period - all of which are behaviors that demonstrate an elevated risk of violence, even when not accompanied by a record of mental illness, according to research cited in the report. Details: Consortium for Risk-Based Firearm Policy, 2013. 52p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed April 23, 2014 at: http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-center-for-gun-policy-and-research/publications/GPHMI-State.pdf Year: 2013 Country: United States URL: http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/johns-hopkins-center-for-gun-policy-and-research/publications/GPHMI-State.pdf Shelf Number: 132146 Keywords: Firearms and CrimeGun ControlGun PolicyGun ViolenceMentally Ill |
Author: Steele, Paul D. Title: The Strategic Approaches to Community Safety Initiative in Albuquerque: Project Activities and Research Results Summary: The Strategic Alternatives to Community Safety Initiative (SACSI) was established by the U.S. Department of Justice in 1998. Implemented in ten cities, SACSI was a coordinated effort to reduce and prevent firearm and firearm-related violent crime. The initiative was notable for its innovative organization and approach. First, SACSI relied upon the participation of a core group of decision makers in each SACSI service area. These decision makers included local, state and federal law enforcement, prosecutorial, and corrections personnel as well as service providers and representatives from the community. Together, they constituted a working group that was charged with the responsibility of implementing new and potentially effective approaches to dealing with crime in the area served by the initiative. Second, the working group was supported by the U.S. Attorney's Office, which was charged with the responsibility of facilitating and coordinating the working group's efforts. The U.S. Attorney's Office also had the opportunity to provide resources to local violence reduction strategies, and served as a member agency in the working group. Third, a research partner also supported the working group. The research partner's role included providing information concerning general crime patterns in the community, more focused analysis in support of strategic and tactical planning, knowledge concerning best practices for reducing gun violence, and assessment of local efforts to deal with violent crime. Ten cities were selected as SACSI sites; the first five (Indianapolis, Memphis, New Haven, Portland, and Winston-Salem) were funded in 1998, and the second five (Albuquerque, Atlanta, Detroit, Rochester, and St. Louis) were funded in 2000. From the perspective of the research partner, this report describes SACSI in the Albuquerque service area, which consists of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Of particular note is the evolution of the local SACSI effort, including the development of the working group and various project initiatives in the community. Also highlighted are findings of research about criminal activities in the community, criminal justice responses to crime, and assessment of SACSI initiatives. To address these topics, the report is organized into four sections. The current section is comprised of three chapters. The current chapter concludes with a review of relevant literature concerning firearm, firearm-related, and other violent crime that was useful in orienting the project. Chapter II describes the development and implementation of the SACSI working group and initiatives in the Albuquerque service area, and Chapter III discusses research activities in the service area. The next section of the report describes crime offender, victim and crime episode patterns within the service area, highlighting trends and spatial distribution of serious violent crimes. It also covers the movement of homicide and aggravated assault cases in the service area reported to or detected by the police through the criminal justice system. Section three describes and assesses the various SACSI initiatives implemented in the community to respond to violent crime. The report concludes with a final section summarizing the findings and making recommendations for future activities. Details: Albuquerque, NM: New Mexico Criminal Justice Analysis Center, Institute for Social Research, University of New Mexico, 2005. 333p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed May 23, 2015 at: http://isr.unm.edu/reports/2005/sacsi.pdf Year: 2005 Country: United States URL: http://isr.unm.edu/reports/2005/sacsi.pdf Shelf Number: 135762 Keywords: Community ParticipationFirearms and CrimeGang-Related ViolenceGangsGun-Related ViolenceGunsHomicidesViolent Crime |