Directed Patrol and Enforcement Activities Conducted at Firearm Violence Hot Spots
Axios
Policing
Problems addressed
Armed violence
Robberies
Effectiveness

Mixed Evidence

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Mixed Evidence

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

This is a targeted patrol intervention in gun violence hot spots.
Officers were instructed to visit assigned hot spots at least 3 times during their 8-hour shifts and remain in those areas for at least 15 minutes.
During that time, officers were to move slowly through the area, avoiding initiating contact with the public unless a crime or a situation of risk to civilians was witnessed. Intervention was limited to the afternoon and evening hours, when gun violence is most prevalent.

Impact evaluations

An impact evaluation showed that selective patrolling with inspection activities contributed to a 20% reduction in total firearm violence and a 55% reduction in armed robbery. No significant changes were observed in firearm theft or the displacement of assault crimes [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Rosenfeld, R., Deckard, M. J., & Blackburn, E. (2014). The effects of directed patrol and self‐initiated enforcement on firearm violence: A randomized controlled study of hot spot policing. Criminology, 52(3), 428-449. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9125.12043

Information source