Vera Institute of Justice

Overview

Gun violence problem analysis (GVPA) is an important tool for jurisdictions seeking to make meaningful, data-informed improvements to public safety. GVPA uses local data on fatal and non-fatal shootings to establish a common understanding of violence dynamics. Typically, jurisdictions have used GVPA to inform near-term violence reduction strategies—including violence intervention, focused deterrence, and targeted mentorship programs.

This concept paper proposes an expanded version of GVPA that can inform the system changes and strategies needed for more comprehensive and sustained improvements in public safety. By pulling in a wider range of data, the expanded analysis helps jurisdictions develop prevention strategies that tackle root causes of violence. These include strategies to improve access to economic opportunity, housing, and healthcare. This paper makes the case for a more holistic approach to problem analysis—one that prioritizes civilian-led public safety infrastructures outside the criminal legal system and sets them up for long-term success.