Introduction
The topic of interest for the given literature review is gun-related violence and misuse of firearms as a firearm practice. Gun violence can be defined as a subcategory of violence that involves firearms. The scope of the review encompasses mental health, law enforcement, public health, and policy solutions; thus, the sources are presented thematically.
This review will not explore the legal or constitutional aspects of the gun debate, nor will it discuss the complete banning of firearms. The general findings of the review are that the problem is not mainly caused by mental health issues but rather unrestricted access to guns, which puts a heavy toll on public health and militarizes law enforcement. The availability of sources is high since they are accessible online.
Literature Review
Gun Violence and Mental Health
Premise
Firstly, it is essential to note that gun violence and mental health are often discussed, but it is not evident whether the interconnection is actual. Misuse of firearms and gun violence are complex and highly detrimental societal behaviors. The critical literature review will focus on Swanson et al.’s (2015) epidemiological study of mental illness, suicide, and gun violence published in Annals of Epidemiology. The primary purpose of the research is to analyze the current large body of epidemiological evidence to understand the connection between psychiatric disorders and gun violence and suicide. Thus, the objective was to see whether mental illness is the sole risk factor for gun violence.
Methodology and Findings
The core method utilized within the study is the analysis and evaluation of published research. The authors reviewed research on public perception and attitudes toward people with mental disorders. The observations from the latter were juxtaposed against clinical and epidemiological findings regarding mental illnesses and gun violence incidents.
Swanson et al. (2015) assessed the overall accuracy of risk assessment protocols conducted by psychiatrists. They provided a critical and comprehensive evaluation of laws and policies that view gun violence in the context of mental disorders. Thus, the technique used is a critical analysis of evidence, focusing on relevant areas of interest and evaluating the findings (Boaz et al., 2019).
The data obtained using these techniques include public perception data, epidemiological data, clinical data on violence and mental illness, and policy effectiveness data. The data are interpreted through critical analysis, examining the gaps between public opinion and actual evidence and evaluating the policies’ effectiveness and fairness. The information produced using these techniques includes understanding the link between gun violence, mental illness, and suicide and evidence-based policy recommendations for addressing these issues.
It should be noted that the authors gathered objective evidence from epidemiological studies, clinical studies, and policy evaluations, as well as public opinion data from polls. The findings indicate that mental illness is not a singular cause of gun violence, which means both the media and the public overestimate the role of mental disorders in shootings. The techniques included reviewing research studies, assessing public attitudes, and critically evaluating selected policies and laws (Swanson et al., 2015).
The study did not use specific statistical tests since it focuses on a qualitative synthesis of the existing literature. Each result contributes to answering the question by highlighting the gaps between public perception and actual evidence and evaluating the effectiveness, feasibility, and fairness of policies related to mental illness and gun violence prevention. The study is accurate, in-depth, and relevant, with no notable inconsistencies, errors, or omissions.
Conclusion
In summary, the findings were assessed by examining the discrepancies between public perception and factual evidence and by evaluating the policies’ efficiency and equity. They were related to the original problem by emphasizing the need for evidence-based policymaking in addressing mental illness and gun violence. The authors answered the question raised by highlighting the complex relationship between mental illness, gun violence, and suicide and providing evidence-based policy recommendations.
The research provided a new understanding of the phenomenon by synthesizing existing literature and suggesting policy directions. The significance of the work was described in terms of the need for effective and comprehensive policies to address gun violence. By contrasting and comparing the findings with research on the same topic, the writers connected their findings to the body of knowledge in the field. (Swanson et al., 2015). Thus, the reported observations challenged common misconceptions and media portrayals of the mentally ill as innately violent while supporting some interpretations made by other researchers.
Gun Violence and Law Enforcement
Premise
Secondly, it is critical to understand that gun violence profoundly impacts law enforcement, mainly how police officers operate under dangerous conditions. The theme will be explored by analyzing Silva’s (2022) study titled “A Crime Script Analysis of Fatal Police Shootings in New York,” published in the Journal of Crime and Justice Gun. Violence and misuse of firearms are public health issues that need more awareness.
Keeping communities and families safe is one of many reasons to address gun violence in communities with high crime rates. Although gun-related deaths are preventable, getting guns off the streets is difficult because they are easily accessible. Americans die from fatal and nonfatal violence involving firearms, domestic abuse, police shootings, and suicide. From 2013 to 2022, the total number of gun violence deaths, including suicide, was 44,337, and police officer-involved deaths were around 71 people (Gun Violence Archive, 2023).
This review aims to address firearm misuse, share background information, and provide ways of preventing recurring gun violence in communities. People involved in poverty and serious criminal activity often commit crimes as an opportunity for financial gain and protection. Individuals commit crimes out of anger or frustration, whereas violent crimes are not only committed by people involved in the streets.
Police officers involved in the fatal shootings of civilians lose control when assessing situations that require an arrest (Silva, 2022). Police officers’ personalities should be calm, attentive, and relaxed when approaching situations on the street. Their values differentiate them from others in society. Every officer’s approach is different depending on the severity of the scene. Gun violence occurs when situations involving guns are mishandled.
Methodology and Findings
Recent data has shown that situations involving police officers’ presence also involved violent crime, mental health, welfare checks, and domestic disputes. A study analysis was conducted to show statistics of fatal police shootings in New York from 2013 to 2020 (Silva, 2022). The study examined incident rates, subject demographics, the context of situations, subject-officer encounters, and the incident conclusion stages of fatal police shootings.
The crime script analysis is used to understand individuals and the situational dynamics of criminal events. In the study, researchers found an average of 19 gun-related deaths a year in New York. Most deaths consist of Black males aged 26 to 35 (Silva, 2022). When subjects encountered, the police did not always have guns. Non-firearm weapons included subjects using imitated weapons, baseball bats, knives, and even cars in some cases.
Officers involved with subjects have died from fatal shootings as well. For example, in 2014, an incident involving a subject with a mental health disturbance at his job (Silva, 2022). When the police arrived, he fought with the officers and got hold of the officer’s weapons. The subject shot the officer, and he died. Another incident in 2017 involved a subject with an anti-police ideology who had targeted two officers in their vehicle (Silva, 2022). The subject shot one officer and injured the officer’s partner (Silva, 2022).
These statistics show that police officers put their lives at risk while working. It also shows that shooting in the New York Community primarily involves Black civilians and gun arrests. This literature connects to the argument because it highlights the implications and understandings of a fatal shooting involving police and illegal gun ownership. The provided information is accurate and in-depth, but one error is that it did not account for racial profiling and systemic bias in law enforcement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, researchers believe that understanding fatal violence is important because policy implications impact the lives of civilians and police officers. Police officers’ recommendations for decreasing gun violence include limiting the possession of illegal guns, partnering with crisis intervention teams and mental health workers, using less lethal weapons on civilians, and strengthening officer field tactics to keep subjects and officers safe (Silva, 2022). Implementing more safety measures for officers ensures a safer community and process when arresting or detaining people. This source connects with my argument because gun violence is seen a lot more often.
Civilians experience and see gun violence through school shootings, being at the wrong place at the wrong time, social media consumption, and police brutality. People do not always need guns for protection since options, such as mace or Tasers, exist. Owning guns and using them for the wrong reasons is how people harm others and themselves, leading to a repeated cycle of fatal deaths.
The Impact of Gun Violence on Public Health
Premise
Thirdly, one should be aware that gun violence is a significant public health problem, which is why firearm injuries are a serious public health concern in many nations around the globe. The American Public Health Association (2022) estimates that firearm-related accidents result in more than 120,000 deaths and injuries annually. Firearms are becoming a bigger and bigger health and safety issue day by day as mass shootings become more common. In addition, guns cause millions of injuries and disabilities each year.
The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (2020) reports that one of the leading causes of harm and fatality in the US is firearms. Over 39,000 people lost their lives in 2019 due to firearms-related murders, suicides, and accidental injuries (Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence, 2020). Since this figure has been rising over time, firearm injuries have become a crucial public health issue. Several strategies can be used to decrease firearm injuries and increase public safety. The review will focus on Fowler et al.’s (2015) article “Firearm Injuries in the United States.”
Methodology and Findings
The methodology used in the study is epidemiological, where a large body of data was collected from the National Vital Statistics System (NVSS). The goal was to estimate how public health costs are impacted by gun violence to derive a numerical value on the expenses (Fowler et al., 2015). The writers of the papers begin by stating that gunshot wounds are a serious problem for public health in the United States, with a substantial impact on morbidity, mortality, and economic costs.
According to statistics in the article, injuries from firearms result in more than 30,000 fatalities and more than 67,000 nonfatal injuries each year, with the costs of these injuries believed to be more than $48 billion (Fowler et al., 2015). The piece from 2015 discusses the various aspects of firearm injuries’ high costs, such as the demand for immediate medical attention, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care (Fowler et al., 2015). This paper thoroughly analyzes the epidemiology of firearm injuries in the United States. The effect of gun injuries on the healthcare system, including the pressure on emergency rooms, the demand for trauma centers, and the burden on healthcare workers, is also examined by the authors.
To lower the frequency of firearm injuries and the resulting medical expenses, the paper emphasizes the need for improved prevention efforts. According to the authors, effective prevention strategies should concentrate on limiting access to firearms for high-risk people, enhancing storage and safety procedures for firearms, and raising public knowledge of the risks associated with firearms. The paper thoroughly analyzes how gun injuries affect American healthcare service demands and costs (Fowler et al., 2015).
The authors offer insightful information on the variables that affect the high costs of firearm injuries and the requirement for successful prevention measures to lower the frequency of these injuries (Fowler et al., 2015). The paper is helpful for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare workers concerned with the effects of firearm injuries on public health. To better understand the scope and character of this issue, the authors also address the limitations of the available data on firearm injuries and advocate for improved surveillance systems. Thus, there is a serious need for a coordinated effort to handle the issue of firearm injuries in the United States. The study is in-depth, relevant, and accurate, and there are no errors, omissions, or inconsistencies to be noted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the study offers a valuable overview of the epidemiology of gun injuries in the US. It emphasizes the demand for a thorough public health strategy to address this problem. The article’s writers make several important points, one of which is that injuries caused by firearms can be avoided (Fowler et al., 2015). They contend that to address this problem, a thorough public health strategy is required to limit access to guns and enhance firearm safety. They emphasize the significance of regulations like waiting periods, background checks, and safe storage rules. It serves as a timely reminder that gun injuries are a public health issue that can be prevented and calls for ongoing focus and action.
Implementing stricter gun control laws is one efficient method to lower injuries caused by firearms. The latter can involve actions like background checks, hold times, and restrictions on the kinds of weapons that can be purchased. Advancing past everyday exchanges will make a significant effort towards propelling the world past everyday weapon issues.
It is stated that states and nations with stricter gun regulations tend to have lower rates of fatalities and injuries brought on by firearms (American Public Health Association, 2022). For example, a study in the United States discovered that states with stricter gun laws had lower rates of fatalities associated with firearms than states with laxer gun laws (Cook et al., 2015). An effective way to reduce firearm injuries is to enact stricter gun control legislation. Such laws may entail measures such as background checks, waiting periods, and limitations on the categories of weapons that may be bought.
Policy Solutions to Gun Violence
Premise
Fourthly, it is vital to understand the solutions proposed for gun violence reduction based on evidence. The recommendations will be derived from the review of “Sources of Guns to Dangerous People: What We Learn by Asking Them” by Cook and Parker (2015). I chose this article because I decided that gun violence is a topic that needs to be discussed.
It is a problem that has plagued many countries, but has plagued America the most, which is why there are plenty of instances of gun violence. The latter could range from gun violence between rival gangs to innocent bystanders being killed because of gang violence, a simple argument in the street, or a mass shooting in a public area, which has occurred plenty of times in America. It is said that violent crime is regarded as the most serious and fearful crime (Kleck & Patterson, 1993). Cook and Parker’s (2015) article explains why gun violence is a problem, why it is this bad, and how it should be fixed.
Methodology and Findings
The primary method used in the study is an open-ended survey of Cook County Jail inmates, who provide information on how they became offenders and what role gun accessibility played in their criminal actions. From reading the article, I have seen many of my thoughts proven through research. The authors feel that gun violence exacts a lethal toll on public health. They feel that reducing access to firearms by dangerous offenders is the best solution to the problem, and I agree with them completely.
There is a proposition by certain political groups that if the US illegalizes guns, then the whole country will be better off, but I would like to challenge that. Even if the country illegalizes and bans all firearms, the people who illegally obtain firearms will continue to get firearms illegally. In contrast, the people who obtain them legally will not have access to firearms and will be left at the mercy of those who obtain them illegally.
The article states that 60 percent of the guns in possession of respondents were obtained by purchase or trade (Cook et al., 2015). About 1 in 7 respondents report selling guns, but only in a few cases as a regular source of income (Cook et al., 2015). Assaults that result in injury, and the use of a gun rather than commonly-used weapons, increase case fatality rates by more than a factor of ten. They feel that reducing gun use in violent crime would save lives, and quite frankly, I agree with them.
I also like that this article covered the broad policies put in place by the US to reduce gun violence. The first one is to criminalize the use of guns, including illegal carrying, brandishing, and firing, through the targeted use of law enforcement resources (Cook et al., 2015). The second one is to reduce the availability of guns to dangerous people by enforcing regulations intended to restrict the transfer of guns to those prohibited from possessing them (Cook et al., 2015).
The study is relevant, insightful, and in-depth. Still, one possible error is that it is inherently biased since it analyzes gun violence from the perpetrator’s perspective for the most part. It will also be helpful to analyze gun sellers to see if accessibility is the key reason.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gun violence can be effectively addressed through the criminalization of certain guns and the decrease of their accessibility. Different countries have dealt with this problem by illegally using firearms. It has led to a decrease in the murder rate and the murder by firearm rate. This issue can only be solved by reforming gun policies by those who hold political power or a political position.
The gun issue in America has manifested itself as a systemic plague. Because we live in a capitalist society and the exportation of guns is one of America’s largest industries, they will not take the time to reform gun policies to ensure a safer country. I hope that more coverage of this topic and more articles like the one I read expose the adverse effects of the gun industry and the lack of political change that plagues the United States.
I agree that we must have gun policy reform to protect our communities and children. In the United States, “guns have killed more children each year than car accidents” (Editors, 2022, para. 5). I will continue to advocate for gun policy reform because I genuinely believe the issue is killing our country.
Conclusion
Overall, the review concludes that mental health issues are not the primary cause of the problem. Still, rather it is the unfettered access to guns that poses a significant risk to public health and results in the militarization of law enforcement. There are valid points made on both ends of the firearms debate, and the topic continues to divide society. Others contend that their risks to public safety exceed any potential benefits, while some see firearms as necessary for self-defense and recreation.
Based on these findings, the research proposal is to directly assess how gun control laws affect law enforcement and public health. The justification is that gun violence worsens public health metrics, making police officers more militant against suspects and perpetrators due to safety concerns. Thus, it is reasonable to analyze whether states and counties with strict gun control laws lead to the demilitarization of law enforcement and public health improvement. Whatever one’s position, it is obvious that the subject of firearms is complicated and multifaceted, requiring careful evaluation and discussion.
There is no doubt that guns have the potential to be lethal weapons, and their improper use can have tragic results. Firearms must be adequately regulated and controlled through laws and policies to reduce the risk of harm to people and communities. The latter includes requiring background checks for all gun sales, offering training and instruction to gun owners, and imposing limitations on particular firearms and accessories with a disproportionately high risk of harm.
The objective should be to find a balance between protecting the rights of responsible gun owners and assuring public safety. It will be necessary for lawmakers, law enforcement personnel, gun owners, and other stakeholders to continue talking and working together on this. If we work together, we can all strive to live in a safer and more secure community.
References
American Public Health Association. (2022). Gun violence. Web.
Boaz, A., Davies, H., Fraser, A., & Nutley, S. (2019). What works now? Evidence-informed policy and practice. Policy Press.
Cook, P. J., Parker, S. T., & Pollack, H. A. (2015). Sources of guns to dangerous people: What we learn by asking them. Preventive Medicine, 79, 28-36. Web.
Editors, T. (2022). The science is clear: Gun control saves lives. Scientific American. Web.
Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence. (2020). Public health approach to gun violence prevention. Web.
Fowler, K. A., Dahlberg, L. L., Haileyesus, T., & Annest, J. L. (2015). Firearm injuries in the United States. Preventive Medicine, 79, 5-14. Web.
Gun Violence Archive. (2023). Past summary ledgers. Web.
Kleck, G., & Patterson, E. B. (1993). The Impact of Gun Control and Gun Ownership Levels on Violence Rates. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 9(3), 249–287. Web.
Silva, J. R. (2022). A crime script analysis of fatal police shootings in New York. Journal of Crime and Justice, 23(3), 1-16. Web.
Swanson, J. W., McGinty, E. E., Fazel, S., & Mays, V. M. (2015). Mental illness and reduction of gun violence and suicide: Bringing epidemiologic research to policy. Annals of Epidemiology, 25(5), 366-376. Web.