Recommendations to address the problem:

1. Conduct directed patrols in gun crime hot spots focused on the detection of gun carrying by persons in that area. For gun crimes, traffic and pedestrian stops have been shown to be effective. See the Refresher on Stop and Frisk and also the “Improving Exchanges with Citizens” strategies for advice on conducting these lawfully and respectfully.

2. The High-Risk & Violent Offenders strategies have been effective when used with gun offenders and those at risk for gun violence.

3. Examine the underlying causes at high-gun crime locations. The problem may be connected to other problems, such as open air drug markets, problematic night clubs, retaliation shootings, gang disputes, etc. Consider applying High-Risk/High-Crime Location strategies or using the SARA model.

4. If there has been a recent shooting, consider the possibility of retaliation and help detectives who may not be as familiar with the area identify possible future offenders or victims. Some communities have critical incident teams or other groups that try to reduce the possibility of retaliation. There may already be such a partnership working group in place for Project Safe Neighborhoods Interventions.

5. In domestic violence cases, try to determine whether a gun is in the home and whether local and/or state laws allow you to remove guns from the home.

6. For more on directed patrol for gun violence, visit this resource.