Reference: Braga A. A., Kennedy D. M., Waring E. J., & Piehl, A. M. (2001). Problem-oriented policing, deterrence, and youth violence: An evaluation of Boston's Operation Ceasefire. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 38, 195-225.

Strategy: Pulling levers

Matrix Dimensions:
X-axis: Groups
Y-axis: Focused
Z-axis: Highly Proactive

Results: Statistically significant success
Operation Ceasefire was associated with significant reductions in youth homicide victimizations, shots-fired calls for service, and gun assault incidents. In particular, the intervention suggests a new approach to controlling violent offenders from a more focused application of deterrence principles. A comparative analysis of youth homicide trends in Boston relative to youth homicide trends in other major U.S. and New England cities also supports a unique program effect of the Operation Ceasefire intervention.

Methodological Rigor: Moderate- comparison of Boston crime trends to other similarly sized cities

Abstract (from NCJRS): This article evaluates a problem-oriented policing intervention aimed at reducing youth homicide and youth firearms violence in Boston, MA. Operation Ceasefire, part of the Boston Gun Project, was an innovative partnership between researchers and practitioners to assess Boston's youth homicide problem and implement an intervention designed to have a substantial near-term impact on the problem. Operation Ceasefire was based on a deterrence strategy that focused criminal justice attention on a small number of chronically offending gang-involved youth responsible for much of Boston's youth homicide problem. The Operation had two main elements: a direct law-enforcement attack on illicit firearms traffickers supplying youth with guns, and an attempt to generate a strong deterrent to gang violence. The second element included letting gang members know that violence would not be tolerated and would be dealt with by every legal means available. Simultaneously, streetworkers, probation and parole officers, churches, and other community groups offered services and help to gang members. The Ceasefire intervention was associated with a significant reduction in youth homicide victimization, shots-fired calls for service, and gun assault incidents.