Gun incidents at the local level: understanding the demographic variables

Abstract

To maintain public safety and improve system response, a strong need exists for understanding the demographic variables associated with gun offenders and gun cases. This paper was focused on exploring these variables by creating and analyzing a weapon-related database at a local police department. The findings, although limited due to the explorative nature of the study and the quality of case files, shed some light on the personal background variables of suspects such as age, race, residence, and prior record and the weapon offenses they were involved in. The research also reveals certain challenges in developing and analyzing a gun-case database at the local level. Future researchers need to resolve these difficulties before achieving a more accurate and systematic understanding of individuals involved in gun crimes.