Analysis of the factors influencing multiple uses of crime guns: An exploratory study

Abstract

PurposeA broad body of literature has explored the topic of gun violence in the United States. The characteristics of communities, victims, and offenders have each been used to explain variation in gun crime. Less attention has been given to covariates of repeat use of crime guns. We examine the influence of neighborhood and initial incident characteristics on the odds that crime guns will be used in multiple incidents. MethodsWe apply binary logistic regression to a sample of 309 crime guns used in offenses in a city in the Southeastern U.S. to examine how neighborhood and initial incident characteristics influence the likelihood that a crime gun will be used in multiple incidents. ResultsWe find that neighborhood levels of disadvantage and violence, gang involvement during the initial incident, and time in circulation following initial use in a known crime impact the odds that crime guns will be used in more than one offense. ConclusionsTaken together, the findings lead to clear policy implications in terms of improved police-community relations, reconceptualization of case closures, and prioritization of crime gun seizures.