Inspection of the Ban on Carrying Firearms
Solution types
Firearms Regulation
Problems addressed
Homicides
Robberies
Interpersonal violence or injuries
Effectiveness

Effective

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Effective

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Life periods served
People of all ages
Where the program was applied
Community (streets or community centers)
Country of application
Colombia
Description

This is an enforcement strategy related to the ban on carrying firearms, with the objective of reducing the homicide rate. The intervention is part of a larger development, security, and peace program.
The strategy was implemented on weekends after paydays, holidays, and election periods. During the intervention, pedestrian inspection points and traffic barriers were installed around the city. Individuals in possession of firearms during those periods were fined, and their weapons were permanently confiscated.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation found that intermittent gun bans were associated with a reduction in homicide rates. The authors suggest that such a program may not have a similar effect in cities where homicides are less common, and that constitutional restrictions on police search procedures would prevent the transfer of methods used in Cali and Bogotá to any US city [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Villaveces, A., Cummings, P., Espitia, V. E., Koepsell, T. D., McKnight, B. & Kellermann, A. L. (2000). Effect of a ban on carrying firearms on homicide rates in 2 Colombian cities. JAMA, 283(9), 1205–1209. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.283.9.1205

Information source