Impact of ATF Zero Tolerance Policy and Dealer Inspections on Firearm Homicide: Evidence from Jiru & Worrall (2026)
Source: Jiru, G. B., & Worrall, J. L. (2026). Disaggregating enforcement: Evidence on certainty, severity, and firearm homicide under the ATF zero tolerance policy. Journal of Criminal Justice, 104, 102643. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrimjus.2026.102643 Which violence-prevention policies actually "work," or are most effective for reducing gun violence? Here is a fascinating new study about the Biden-era crackdown on gun dealers. Warning letters and expectation of inspections reduced gun violence; severe sanctions like FFL revocation, not so much. For those of us advocating for safer gun laws, a new study in the Journal of Criminal Justice (Jiru & Worrall, 2026) offers a critical piece of evidence-based strategy. The researchers analyzed the impact of federal enforcement on firearm homicides, and the results are revelatory for our policy agendas. The article is Disaggregating Enforcement: Evidence on Certainty, Severity, and Firearm Homicide Under the ATF Zero Toler...