The GunStat Process

The GunStat model provides a process for sharing data systematically, discussing challenges collaboratively, and leveraging existing resources to disrupt gun offenders. The process involves readily collecting and distributing data between agencies, analyzing trends in gun cases, and regularly meeting to review cases and discuss challenges.

The GunStat process begins with the gathering and analysis of gun-related data. Many jurisdictions initiate this process by monitoring daily gun arrests. These gun arrests are methodically screened for federal prosecution and evaluated by trained crime analysts to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies within gun cases. The analysts use cross-agency data to examine the offender's criminal history, National Integrated Ballistic Network (NBIN) patterns, and conditions of bail, probation, and parole.

Fig. 1: The GunStat Process

Data Gathering and Analysis

Fig. 2: Example of Baltimore’s shared database used to centralize intelligence and track gun cases

In Baltimore, a small group of federal task force officers examined daily gun arrests to determine if the offender was eligible for federal prosecution. The task force team then worked with the assigned federal and local prosecutors to determine the most appropriate venue for prosecution. A shared database was created to centralize intelligence and track gun cases. While this process was occurring, analysts in the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice began tracking the case, compiling data, and examining trends across cases and offenders. It was made accessible to all the participating GunStat agencies.

Fig. 3: Example of an information synopsis of a gun arrest prepared by a Wilmington analyst and distributed to all GunStat agencies
Fig. 4: Example of portions of the GunStat spreadsheet used in Wilmington to track all gun arrests.

In Wilmington, Delaware, an experienced crime analyst within the police department completes a comprehensive review using cross-agency data and creates an information synopsis on every gun arrest. This report is then forwarded to designated individuals within all of the GunStat agencies, and the case is tracked on a detailed spreadsheet. GunStat agencies use this information to quickly triage and prioritize actions on specific cases and offenders.

Download the Arrest Synopsis

Download the Spreadsheet

Preparation and Distribution of the GunStat Agenda

During the second stage of the process, the GunStat coordinator works with analysts to prepare an agenda for the regularly scheduled GunStat meeting. The agenda often focuses on case reviews of recent gun arrests. It is important that the agenda identifies the specific gun cases that will be discussed during the meeting. Additionally, the agenda can be used to identify other points of discussion related to specific issues, challenges, and benchmarks. The agenda is then circulated to all the GunStat agencies, giving them adequate time to prepare for the GunStat meeting.

Download Sample Agenda
Fig. 5: Wilmington Sample Agenda This sample agenda was provided to the National Policing Institute in 2024. Names of individuals listed above from the city of Wilmington may have changed and are only meant to serve as an example from the field.

The GunStat Meeting

The GunStat meeting is designed to be a roundtable discussion based on the distributed agenda and should be facilitated by the GunStat coordinator. The meeting traditionally focuses on a case review of recent gun arrests, in which participating agencies take the lead by presenting different components of information.

Fig. 6: Sample GunStat Meeting Room

The GunStat coordinator may also facilitate discussions related to specific system trends identified in the analysis of the data. These discussions often examine trends related to bail, sentencing, post-conviction monitoring, and recidivism. It is recommended that agency leaders and operational decision-makers attend and participate in the GunStat meetings. The agency leaders' participation adds credibility and urgency to the GunStat process.

It is also critical to schedule GunStat meetings on a regular, recurring basis. Most jurisdictions implement GunStat meetings monthly, on a consistent day and time. Consistency in scheduling GunStat meetings helps participating agencies develop an operational cadence in the review of cases and related data. It also provides an opportunity for GunStat discussions to build upon information shared during previous meetings.

 

Post-Meeting Action Items

In Baltimore, a series of GunStat meetings focused on trends in gun cases that resulted in a declination to prosecute. Through analyzing the data, it was determined that many of these cases were related to challenges associated with the collective possession of a particular firearm. In these situations, patrol officers were making arrests after recovering an illegal firearm that was in the collective possession of several people, usually in a vehicle or residence. GunStat discussions focused on strategies to address this issue through improving patrol officers' training.

As part of the follow-up process, the prosecutor’s office implemented a comprehensive training program on search and seizure guidelines for patrol officers throughout the agency. The training progress was tracked by a manager in the prosecutor’s office, who provided regular updates during future GunStat meetings. After implementing the training, additional data analysis revealed a substantial drop in declinations to prosecute gun cases related to collective possession issues.

Aerial view of Baltimore, Maryland, featuring the cityscape illuminated by the sunset with prominent buildings and the harbor in view.

Discussions during GunStat meetings often result in the need for specific follow-up actions by the participating agencies. These post-meeting action items may include clarifying or updating information on a specific case or monitoring the progress of an expected case outcome. They may also involve changing or refining internal procedures, training, or policy. Some cities have used GunStat data and discussions to help pursue legislative changes. These post-meeting action items should be assigned to specific individuals within the impacted agency and monitored by the GunStat coordinator. The GunStat coordinator should also add status updates for these follow-up actions to the agenda of the next GunStat meeting.

 

Access the GunStat Process: Download the Detailed PDF Guide

The GunStat Process
What is Gunstat?
Use Case