Investigation

How We Fix This

Gun violence is often portrayed as an intractable problem, but a growing body of evidence shows that there are existing interventions that can save lives right now. These programs rarely get the careful, sustained attention they deserve. This project seeks to change that.

  • 37%

    The reduction in homicides achieved by the city of Chicago after implementing targeted interventions like focused deterrence between 2002 and 2004. (Many cities saw far higher reductions, and some saw no reductions at all, but researchers generally agree that focused deterrence works, when adequately supported.)

  • $115 billion

    The amount of money spent by state and local governments on police in 2017, according to the Urban Institute.

  • $25 million

    The amount of money Congress allocated in 2019 to fund gun violence research — the first such allocation since at least 1996.

Politics

The Violence Interrupter in the Mayor’s Office

Brandon Scott believes that outreach workers and social services are as important as the police in reducing Baltimore's gun violence. But political obstacles loom.

J. Brian Charles

Full Coverage

Lead Reporters

  • Ann Givens

    Ann Givens has been a staff writer at The Trace since late 2016. She covers domestic violence, suicide, and solutions to gun violence. She previously worked for NBC and Newsday.

  • Elizabeth Van Brocklin

    Elizabeth Van Brocklin was a reporter at The Trace from 2015 to 2019.