Troubleshooting Violence: An Evaluation of Ghost Guns, Firearm-Related Violence, and Law Enforcement Policy in a Bay Area city

Abstract Similar to many cities across the nation, Hayward, CA, is experiencing an uptick in gun-related violence. From 2015 to 2021, the City of Hayward experienced a 147% increase in assaults with a firearm and a 106% increase in firearm discharges. Gun crimes continue to threaten the safety of the community and its first responders. Likewise, technological advancements and the availability of non-serialized firearms, such as ghost guns, are becoming an increasing threat to community members. Through an evaluation of firearm-related criminal cases from 2015 to 2021, researchers seek to understand the extent and nature of gun violence in the City of Hayward, crime control efforts, and how firearm-related crimes have changed over time. The goal is to analyse trends in gun-related incidents to help shape future policies, data collection, and responses to gun-related calls for service.