Patrick Sharkey

Princeton University Website

Patrick Sharkey is Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs at Princeton University. He holds a Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Policy from Harvard University.

Voting History

Reducing gun violence

Taking into account both potential implementation challenges and expected efficacy, investing in police-led targeted enforcement directed at places and persons at high risk for gun crime (e.g.,\"hot spot\" policing; gang enforcement) would reduce gun violence.

Vote Confidence
Agree 5
Median Survey Vote Median Survey Confidence
Agree 7
Comments

The first part of the question is what's crucial. Some of these programs have been shown to be effective, but my sense is that in less professional departments they would not be effective.

Taking into account both potential implementation challenges and expected efficacy, investing in police-led focused deterrence programs (clearly communicating “carrots and sticks” to local residents identified as high risk, followed by targeted surveillance and enforcement with some community-based support for those who desist from crime) would reduce gun violence.

Vote Confidence
Neutral/No Opinion 5
Median Survey Vote Median Survey Confidence
Agree 6
Comments

The evidence base is very mixed. I designed and carried out an RCT to evaluate a program in NY State that did not affect crime, but I am persuaded that programs in Boston and Chicago were effective.

Taking into account both potential implementation challenges and expected efficacy, investing in purely community-led violence-interruption programs (community-based outreach workers try to mediate and prevent conflict, without police involvement) would reduce gun violence.

Vote Confidence
Neutral/No Opinion 5
Median Survey Vote Median Survey Confidence
Neutral/No Opinion 5
Comments

Some programs that fall under this description have been extremely effective, others have been disasters. The answer depends mostly on whether the organization running the program is funded at a level that allows for high-quality training, low turnover, and long-term sustainability.