Urban violence is one of the most divisive and allegedly intractable issues of our time. But as Harvard scholar Thomas Abt shows in Bleeding Out, we actually possess all the tools necessary to stem violence in our cities.
Coupling the latest social science with firsthand experience as a crime-fighter, Abt proposes a relentless focus on violence itself -- not drugs, gangs, or guns. Because violence is "sticky," clustering among small groups of people and places, it can be predicted and prevented using a series of smart-on-crime strategies that do not require new laws or big budgets. Bringing these strategies together, Abt offers a concrete, cost-effective plan to reduce homicides by over 50 percent in eight years, saving more than 12,000 lives nationally. Violence acts as a linchpin for urban poverty, so curbing such crime can unlock the untapped potential of our cities' most disadvantaged communities and help us to bridge the nation's larger economic and social divides.
Urgent yet hopeful, Bleeding Out offers practical solutions to the national emergency of urban violence -- and challenges readers to demand action.
Reviews (11)
Yes, we can we solve the urban violence problem
Can we solve the urban violence problem? After reading, the "yes" sounds less delusional. The book pays impressive attention to the best literature on urban violence, in a digestible and engaging way. As important, it carefully avoids letting ideological preconceptions blind the debate. Although most of the book is dedicated to the US, there is reason to believe that this rich summary of evidence-based knowledge is useful in any violent country. As a Brazilian, I would like every Brazilian governor to have access to this material, as well as the sensitivity to use more evidence and less emotion when designing public safety policies. Maybe we would stop being the country that kills the most in the world.
Should be required reading for local policymakers
This is a tremendous and outstanding book that should be a required reading for local officials who oversee law enforcement agencies. Abt does a masterful job weaving together individual stories and experiences with rigorous empirical research and policy evaluations, providing a clearly written and compelling call to action. Overall, Abt argues that effective policy must focus on: (1) hot spots/areas; (2) the "hot" people who cause a disproportionate amount of crime in these areas; and (3) prioritize violent crime. The author also cautions about the need to limit collateral damage (e.g., through random stop-and-frisks) of "citizens," as doing so only undermines the legitimacy of law enforcement in the eyes of the community. Abt's passion for and dedication to helping our most disadvantaged neighborhoods really comes through. You walk away from the book energized and motivated to accomplish policy change.
A balanced and evidence-based approach to the problem of homicide.
This book describes innovative ideas for reducing the murder rate. It points out that mass murders are rare, and that they get attention partly from the fact that, unlike more common murders, middle-class white people are among the victims. The book is an impassioned call for effective preventative measures, and provides sound statistical evidence for its assertions. There is a lot of useful information here for the public, as well as for criminologists and crime fighters. The book favors neither the political right nor the left in their respective analyses.
Urban Gun Violence Thinkers- This Is For You
One of the most thought provoking books on a topic that our society must address. I do not care where you hail from on this subject matter, Mr. Abt will engage your brain and judgment . There is wisdom here, will we be astute enough to apply it in your city?
Clear, evidence-based analysis and prescriptions for action about a critical issue
Abt makes a strong case that urban gun violence is, and has been for a long time, a problem that is dragging down urban communities. But, this is a hopeful book. He presents evidence that we know how to address the problem - as he says "we know what works." He has the experience, expertise, and writing skills to lay out what we know about how to solve the problem, culminating in an outline of a plan, including what it would cost (surprisingly little) to make a real, substantial difference in the cities of this country. With gun violence currently spiking higher than it has been in over a decade, it is time to put his ideas into action.
Very good book on gun violence
This is an excellent book addressing the gun violence in urban communities. Well researched and well written.
Great book, was used properly.
I honestly thought I bought a new book, until about into the first chapter I found highlighter. luckily, the previous reader had highlighted the same ideas or points I thought were important as well.
Could not put it down
An eye-opener.
BIRD'S EYE VIEW ON URBAN GUN VIOLENCE
GR8 URBAN OBSERVATION.
A solid exploration of one of the most important issues we face
Abt was raised around policy research, worked as a public school teacher and prosecutor, and saw the development of federal crime policy from a high perch during a time when that perch hosted some truly fine people. His review of American violence and the available evidence base for reducing it provides a solid introduction and is easy to read, which means it is accessible beyond an academic audience. I'm not persuaded by everything. I think he is too eager to extrapolate from a research base which is still very much in a formative stage. But then, he would say that I'm too eager to believe that American society is ready and willing to confront the social inequities that sustain our violence problems. I know he would say that because we've had this conversation. After you read "Bleeding Out," see what kind of conversations you have.
Yes, we can we solve the urban violence problem
Can we solve the urban violence problem? After reading, the "yes" sounds less delusional. The book pays impressive attention to the best literature on urban violence, in a digestible and engaging way. As important, it carefully avoids letting ideological preconceptions blind the debate. Although most of the book is dedicated to the US, there is reason to believe that this rich summary of evidence-based knowledge is useful in any violent country. As a Brazilian, I would like every Brazilian governor to have access to this material, as well as the sensitivity to use more evidence and less emotion when designing public safety policies. Maybe we would stop being the country that kills the most in the world.
