Evidence-Based Policing Matrix
Research on Groups
Groups – Interventions which target gangs or other co-offenders (individuals who offend in concert). Note that any study targeting groups is included here, regardless of the level at which the results were analyzed (e.g., individuals, neighborhoods).
KEY: Rigor: M=Moderately Rigorous; R= Rigorous; VR=Very Rigorous Y-axis: F=Focused and Tailored; G=General Z-axis: R=Reactive; P=Proactive; H=Highly Proactive Dots: Black=Effective; Gray=Mixed Results; White=No Evidence of Effect; Red=Backfire effect
| Author |
Intervention and Findings |
Result | Rigor | Y-Axis | Z-Axis |
| Ariel et al. (2019) | Proactive engagement of prolific offenders led to lower offending in treated groups |  |
R | F | HP |
| Braga et al. (2001) | Operation Ceasefire was associated with significant reductions in youth homicide victimizations, shots-fired calls for service, and gun assault incidents. | |
M | F | HP |
| Braga (2008) | Pulling levers intervention associated with significant decline in monthly gun homicide | |
M | F | HP |
| Braga et al. (2008) | Pulling levers intervention associated with significant decline in monthly gun homicide and gun-related assault | |
M | F | HP |
| Braga et al. (2014) | Operation Ceasefire associated with significant reduction in gang-related shootings | |
R | F | HP |
| Bynum & Varano (2003) | Aggressive patrol and order maintenance anti-gang initiative associated with substantial reported crime decreases in two target precincts | |
M | G | P |
| Corsaro & Engel (2015) | Focused deterrence strategy targeting violent gangs led to significant decreases in various measures of violent crime | |
M | F | HP |
| Engel et al. (2013) | Focused deterrence significantly reduced group/gang-member-involved homicides and violent firearm incidents | |
M | F | HP |
| Fox & Novak (2018) | Focused deterrence targeting violent offenders significantly reduced homicides and gun-related assaults during the first year of the intervention | |
M | F | HP |
| Fritsch et al. (1999) (curfew) | Truancy and curfew enforcement associated with reduction in gang violence | |
M | F | P |
| McGarrell et al. (2006) | A “lever-pulling” strategy was associated with a 34.3% reduction in the monthly homicide rate | |
M | F | HP |
| Ratcliffe et al. (2017) | Gang interdiction operation led to a 22% violence reduction in the area where the gang operated | |
M | F | P |
| Ridgeway, Grogger, et al. (2019) | Gang injunctions were estimated to reduce total reported crime by 5% in the short term (5 years), and 18% over the long term (27 years). | |
R | F | P |
| Cahill et al. (2008) | Gang reduction program led to decrease of gang-related incidents in the target area, but similar decrease observed in the comparison area |  |
M | F | P |
| Decker & Curry (2003) | Curfew and gun enforcement anti-gang initiative leads to a very limited significant crime change in target neighborhoods |  |
M | F | HP |
| Fritsch et al. (1999)(saturated patrol) | Undirected, saturated patrol has no impact on crime | |
M | G | P |