Reporting Gunshots: Prevalence, Correlates, and Obstacles to Calling the Police

Problem

The problem the study aimed to address: 

The study investigated the widespread underreporting of gunfire incidents to law enforcement by residents, analyzing the factors that influence individuals' decisions to call or not call 911 when hearing gunfire.

General impact on the system and/or public: 

Underreporting affects the accuracy of data on firearm discharges, undermining efforts to prevent gun violence and allocate law enforcement resources effectively. It also limits the response time for emergency services, potentially increasing victim mortality.
 

Research Questions Answered:

1. How often do people report gunshots?
2. What are the reasons for not reporting gunfire?
3. Are women, older people, and minorities more likely to report gunshots?
4. Does repeated exposure to gunfire reduce reporting?
5. Is reporting positively associated with trust in the police?
6. Is reporting positively associated with safety concerns?
7. Would gunshot detection technology (GDT) suppress citizen reporting?
   
    

Method and Analysis

Program Evaluated or Gaps Addressed: 

The study evaluated underreporting of gunfire incidents and the feasibility of using alternative systems like GDT to supplement traditional reporting methods.
 

Data and Sample Size Used: 

• Survey Area: Portland, Oregon
• Sample: 1,240 respondents from neighborhoods with above-average gun violence rates.
• Sampling Approach: Random and open sampling via mailed invitations and online community outreach.
• Survey Topics: Frequency of hearing gunfire, reporting behavior, trust in the police, safety concerns, and attitudes toward GDT.
   

Analysis Used:

• Multivariate logistic regressions to identify demographic and situational correlates of reporting.
• Qualitative analysis of open-ended responses on non-reporting reasons.
• Bivariate analysis of demographic and safety-related factors.

Outcome

Key Findings:

• Prevalence of Reporting: Only 11.5% of respondents who heard gunshots called 911. Key obstacles included:
  • Uncertainty about the sound or its source (43.8%).
  • Perceived inefficacy of police response (29.6%).
  • Concerns about harm caused by police intervention (13%).
• Demographic Factors: Reporting was not significantly associated with sex, age, race, or ethnicity in multivariate models.
• Trust in Police: Trust was a strong predictor; individuals with high trust in law enforcement were six times more likely to report incidents.
• Impact of GDT: 76.3% of participants believed GDT would not affect their reporting behavior, but 20.1% said they would be less likely to call if GDT were implemented.
  
   

Implications or Recommendations: 

• Enhance community trust in law enforcement to increase reporting rates.
• Address obstacles like perceived inefficacy and fear of police escalation through education and system improvements.
• Consider the use of public campaigns (e.g., "See Something, Say Something") to reduce ambiguity and diffusion of responsibility.
• Reevaluate the cost-effectiveness and societal impacts of GDT before implementation. Prioritize user-friendly reporting mechanisms and adequate dispatcher staffing.