Gun Violence
Study finds prevalence of firearms is driving soaring gun deaths in U.S.—not mental illness
Researchers compared the U.S. to 40 countries and found that Americans are 20 times more likely to die by firearms, even with a similar rate of mental health illness.
Cities are increasingly embracing violence interventions programs to control deadly violence
Initial research indicates the approach is working—saving lives and money. But supporters admit more analysis is needed.
Tennessee law to let teachers carry guns in schools caused a ruckus, but has drawn little interest
The law assigns teachers sole liability for anything that might go wrong with their gun, including an accidental shooting, or their failure to prevent a tragedy.
In some cities, second thoughts about gunshot detection sensors
Recent studies on technology that alerts police to gunfire have found it has little impact on shootings or prosecutions.
What cities should know about ShotSpotter technology
COMMENTARY | ShotSpotter may have benefits for improved gun shot detection and response, one expert says, but it offers little benefit for enforcement and did not reduce gunshot victimization.
Supreme Court upholds barring guns from domestic violence suspects
The decision keeps intact a nearly 30-year-old federal law as well as state laws in 46 states and Washington, D.C.
White House enlists doctors and hospitals to combat gun violence
Calling gun violence a “public health crisis,” the Biden administration is asking state and local health departments, health systems and hospitals to boost their data collection on emergency room visits for firearm-related injuries.
California is about to tax guns more like alcohol and tobacco—and that could put a dent in gun violence
COMMENTARY | Gun deaths and injuries aren’t just tragic—they’re expensive, too.
Majority of American teachers worry about shootings at their schools, survey shows
Most educators favor more mental health screening for students and oppose arming teachers, though their views are more divided when it comes to whether security officers should have weapons.
Chicago is the latest city rethinking disputed technology that listens for gunshots
More than 150 U.S. cities use ShotSpotter, but a growing body of research shows that the tool has not succeeded in reducing gun violence, has slowed police response times to emergency calls and often did not lead to evidence recovery.
Featured eBooks
Active shooter training: State-specific requirements for schools and law enforcement
No states mandate annual active shooter training for police officers, according to an analysis by The Texas Tribune, ProPublica and FRONTLINE. In comparison, at least 37 states require such training in schools, typically on a yearly basis.
Gunfire, screams, carnage: As mass shootings proliferate, training gets more realistic
Law enforcement and medical workers experience the sights, smells and sounds of gun violence to prepare for tragedy.
10 lessons learned from the Justice Department's review of the Uvalde school shooting
COMMENTARY | The critical review of the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting offers key takeaways to help policymakers, practitioners and schools avoid the same failures if faced with a similar situation.
States begin tapping Medicaid dollars to combat gun violence
Despite national homicide rates declining, some cities still see violence prevail. And with the number of gun purchases at a historical high in the U.S., states are turning to Medicaid funding to support violence prevention programs.
Cops want guns off the streets. But are buyback programs the way?
Some observers say buyback programs are ineffective at best and can sometimes detract from other violence prevention efforts.
A Richmond program to reduce gun violence has had rare success. Now it’s expanding.
Research shows that 76% of its nearly 2,000 participants were less likely to be readmitted to the hospital for gun violence.
New White House office will work with communities to curb gun violence
The office will look to build off of last year’s landmark gun legislation and has been applauded by national local government associations who have called gun violence an “incredibly serious issue in America.”
Researchers quantify communities' risk of a mass shooting
The new statistical analysis model would allow state and local agencies to understand the risk of a mass shooting and what they can do to prepare ahead of time.
Cities have ways to curb gun violence; feds are giving them more money
Lawmakers have recognized community violence intervention programs save lives and taxpayer dollars.
