Research in Brief: Addressing Violent Crime through Focused Deterrence

Violent crime, especially violent gun crime, remains a significant and persistent issue in many communities. The destructive effects of gun violence ripple throughout neighborhoods, often causing fear among residents as well as encouraging future retaliatory attacks. Dealing with violent crime often places the police in a difficult position—more aggressive strategies may damage relationships with community members, while a lack of a response will allow violence to continue unchecked. One strategy that has shown substantial promise in reducing violent crime is known as focused deterrence.