Gun Violence Prevention in Hennepin County

Abstract

Through Hennepin County’s newly created Safe Communities Division, the County partnered with a team of graduate researchers from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs to better understand gun violence within the County, as well as strengthening gun violence prevention and intervention work. Our team’s research consists of an extensive literature review that details root causes of gun violence along with current gun violence prevention and intervention methods across the country. The research incorporates a mixed-methods approach of quantitative data to identify disproportionately affected areas of gun violence in the County, as well as qualitative data vis-à-vis interviews with community leaders, nonprofit representatives, local government officials, and law enforcement officers. These data work in tandem to improve the Safe Communities Division’s work by aligning its resources with highly successful and innovative strategies. The findings suggest that the County could support several effective solutions based on the qualitative data: leverage partnerships with community partners, convene community organizations, diversify funding strategy, and build capacity.