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Modeling a needs assessment approach for policymakers to investigate, understand, and reduce gun violence

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  • Kochel, Tammy Rinehart
  • West, Matthew P.
  • Toro-Alvarez, Marlon Mike

Abstract

We conducted a needs assessment evaluation as part of a community effort to plan tailored responses to reduce gun violence in a midwestern town. Various data sources were used to analyze factors leading to gun violence. The results guided the creation of evidence-based response strategies. Study findings demonstrate that even in a small town, the nature and drivers of gun violence vary considerably at the micro level and thus should be examined at this level. In this paper, we present the recommendations that followed from our study, not as solutions for other jurisdictions to adopt on their face, but rather as an example of 1) the types of solutions that follow from a thorough analysis of a local problem, and 2) a plethora of potential responses by social institutions. The goal of the paper is to provide an example process for policymakers from jurisdictions of various sizes and locales of the application of a problem-oriented approach to understanding and preventing gun violence. Undertaking a comprehensive, micro-focus to analyze the gun violence problem and its drivers in a jurisdiction provides essential information to guide the formulation of tailored, evidence-based responses.

Suggested Citation

  • Kochel, Tammy Rinehart & West, Matthew P. & Toro-Alvarez, Marlon Mike, 2025. "Modeling a needs assessment approach for policymakers to investigate, understand, and reduce gun violence," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:108:y:2025:i:c:s0149718924001071
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2024.102505
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Johnson, Blair T. & Sisti, Anthony & Bernstein, Mary & Chen, Kun & Hennessy, Emily A. & Acabchuk, Rebecca L. & Matos, Michaela, 2021. "Community-level factors and incidence of gun violence in the United States, 2014–2017," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
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    3. Joshua C. Hinkle & David Weisburd & Cody W. Telep & Kevin Petersen, 2020. "Problem‐oriented policing for reducing crime and disorder: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis," Campbell Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 16(2), June.
    4. West, Matthew P. & Huff, Jessica & Saldana, Bailey, 2023. "Crime severity, relational distance, and bystander reporting," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 87(C).
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    1. Kochel, Tammy Rinehart & McGarrell, Edmund F., 2025. "Voices from inside focused deterrence: Implications for implementation," Journal of Criminal Justice, Elsevier, vol. 100(C).

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