There’s Much to Be Done

Police can reduce gun violence if properly motivated, staffed, and guided. Given the multiple dimensions of gun violence problems, a portfolio of somewhat effective programs is recommended, developed through systematic analysis of local conditions. There are five key areas in which the police can better position themselves to control gun violence: (a) Address gun violence hot spots by reducing illegal gun carrying and modifying opportunities for gun crime in these locations; (b) deal with gangs, street crews, and other dangerous offenders through focused deterrence; (c) strengthen shooting investigations to hold violent gun offenders accountable; (d) reduce shootings by police by improving engagement protocols, organizational culture, and training; and (e) disrupt the underground gun markets that arm violent offenders. Police departments also need to embrace reform, redouble community policing efforts, and ensure lawful and procedurally just encounters with the public. Police are far from perfect but essential in gun violence prevention.