NIJ Day: New Scientific Evidence for What Works in Combating Firearm Violence

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

This panel will provide an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the latest scientific breakthroughs in firearm violence research. Three different research teams will be presenting their findings and providing recommendations that are practical and relevant to law enforcement operations, researchers, and strategic decision makers. The first presentation will explore the impact of gun carrying laws on police-citizen encounters, and how such laws affect gun violence in Kentucky and Oklahoma. The second presentation will focus on a study that offers a strategy to reduce gun-related crimes committed by street gangs, using an example from the State of New Jersey. Finally, the third team will discuss the impact of plea bargaining in firearm cases, including how it affects criminal sentencing outcomes and subsequent patterns of violent recidivism in Maryland. A follow-up discussion will focus on implication for researchers and practitioners.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. The Criminal Justice System / 54. Guns and Gun Laws

Individual Presentations

• The Impact of Concealed and Open Carry Legislation on Urban Violence, Arrests, and Police-Citizen Encounters - Robin Engel, University of Cincinnati

• Gun Wars and Community Terrorization: Investigating Longitudinal Gang Violence in New Jersey from a Networked Perspective - Jared R. Dmello, The University of Adelaide

• Lawyers, Guns & Punishment: Assessing the Impact of Plea Bargaining on Weapons Cases in Maryland - Brian D. Johnson, University of Maryland, College Park

Chair

• Basia E. Lopez, US DOJ / OJP / National Institute of Justice

Discussant

• Basia E. Lopez, US DOJ / OJP / National Institute of Justice