The challenge
Youth gun homicides were surging in Boston, driven by a small number of gang members.
The case
In 1996 Boston police, prosecutors, probation officers, clergy and outreach workers began meeting directly with gang-involved young men. The message was that any killing by a group would bring swift, coordinated enforcement against the whole group, alongside offers of help with jobs and services. An evaluation found youth homicides fell by about 63% after the program started. The 'focused deterrence' approach has since been used in many cities, with generally positive results.
Why it worked
Concentrating attention on the small number of people driving violence, and giving them a clear choice, was more effective than broad crackdowns. Results faded in Boston when the partnership lapsed.
Sources
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