Getting SMART in the South: Results from a Beat-Level Analysis of Violent Gun Crime in Savannah

• In Event: Firearms in Different Contexts

Abstract

In the past several years, the mid-sized city of Savannah, GA has experienced an increase in violent crime – particularly homicides and gun crimes – bucking nation-wide decreases in violent crime rates. This study presents preliminary results from a smart prosecution strategy, funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which focuses on police beats with high violent gun crime. Results from a quasi-experimental analysis, using an intervention and comparison beat areas, will be discussed in this presentation. Additionally, we will discuss future directions of the project and plans for subsequent analyses.

Authors

• Chad Posick, Georgia Southern University

• Ebony Turner, Georgia Southern University