Influential Factors on Transaction Level Gun-Involved Behavior Among Adults in Los Angeles, CA

• In Event: 398 - Visual Media Poster Session

Abstract

As researchers continue to analyze the macro-level patterns of gun crime, the micro-level factors that influence gun-involved behavior remain largely unexamined. Though limited, previous work has found that patterns of illegal gun acquisition, carrying, and use varied between adults and juvenile arrestees. Moreover, each group’s gun-involved behavior was influenced differently by various factors. The current study builds upon previous work by further interrogating the micro-level gun-involved behavior of adults in order to explore the factors that may prevent or contribute to gun-involved behavior at various stages throughout a respondent’s adult life. In this way, we hypothesize meaningful differences in patterns of gun acquisition, carrying and use that vary among adults.
This study draws upon data from two sources: 1) n=140 on-site interviews with incarcerated gun offending adults at four LA County Jail facilities and 2) n=50 adults with gun experiences in their communities at a non-profit service agency. We collected transactional data from respondents on gun acquisition, possession, carrying, use, as well as experiences related to gun victimization. We also collected data on gang membership, attitudes towards police, and knowledge of existing deterrence-based gun policies, as possible influences on gun-involved behavior. Findings have implications for gun policy, particularly in relation to felon bans, deterrence-based sanctions and demand-side interventions.

Authors

• Kelsie Chesnut, University of California, Irvine

• Melissa Barragan, University of California, Irvine

• Natalie A. Pifer, University of California, Irvine