Prosecuting and Preventing Gun Violence: An Overview for Prosecutors

Authors: NBP and PCE

Through research, innovation, collaboration, and outreach, prosecutor offices are developing many effective methods for investigating and litigating these violent crimes, as well as preventing future incidents. This paper provides an overview of some of the successful approaches being used by prosecutors around the country.

On July 17th, 2025 PCE hosted a National Best Practices Committee meeting on preventing and prosecuting gun violence. If you are interested in the meeting materials, please contact PCE.

Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office (Brockton, MA)

Population: 4,500,00 | Number of Full-time Prosecutors: 260 | Contact Information

With Innovative Prosecution Solutions (IPS) grant funding, the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office (PCDA) is hiring a new District Court prosecutor to vertically prosecute all firearms-related cases and an administrative assistant to enhance the prosecution of firearm offenders. 

Authors: CJPL and PCE

Authors: PCE, National Policing Institute

This article provides a basic understanding of gunshot detection system technology, its investigative and evidentiary value, and issues prosecutors may encounter when trying to admit gunshot detection system evidence at trial.

San Diego Office of the City Attorney (San Diego, CA)

The San Diego City Attorney’s Office (SDCA) is using California’s Red Flag Laws to prevent gun violence, before it happens, using a state law that allows law enforcement to seize weapons from individuals who have been proved a danger to themselves or others.

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Sep 27, 2022 – Sep 29, 2022

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

University of Pennsylvania

Assistant Professor of Criminology at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Aaron Chalfin partnered with Michael LaForest, Pennsylvania State University, and Jacob Kaplan, Princeton University, to analyze large-scale “takedowns” in New York City.

Authors: PCE, NRTAC

This paper, developed by PCE’s Executive Director Kristine Hamann and St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office Chief of Trials Rachel Smith, addresses the critical question of how best to maximize the resources of a public forensic laboratory.