Near real-time tracking tool of firearm incidents in Europe: the contribution of open sources

• In Event: Guns and Crime

Abstract

An effective strategy for addressing illicit firearms trafficking involves the systematic collection, analysis and investigation of comprehensive, precise and reliable cross-border intelligence information. However, the current European landscape presents significant obstacles in the implementation of this strategy, since it is characterized by fragmented systems and various shortcomings such as data inconsistencies, disparate data collection methods and data formats, and lack of systematic data sharing.
In the context of the Horizon Europe CEASEFIRE Project (Advanced versatile artificial intelligence technologies and interconnected cross-sectoral fully operational national focal points for combating illicit firearms trafficking), this study advocates for the development of a user-friendly, near real-time tracking tool of firearm incidents in Europe. This tool is intended to enhance the collection and exchange of intelligence information among different cross-border stakeholders involved in combating firearms trafficking. The study outlines the approach followed in developing this tracking tool, which relies on open-source data analysis to extract relevant information from each firearm-related incident. Additionally, the study explores a preliminary attempt to identify risk indicators and red flags from the data.

Authors

• Marina Mancuso, Transcrime - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

• Caterina Paternoster, Transcrime - Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore