Conducting Criminological Research in a Hospital: The Results of Two Exploratory Studies and Implications for Prevention

Abstract

This article discusses the results of two exploratory studies using hospital data on intentional assault injury. Study #1 was a two-year gunshot wound (GSW) surveillance effort (N = 920). A map of the EMS dispatch addresses revealed that certain neighborhoods were “hotspots” for gun violence. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that poverty, vacant housing and rental housing were significant predictors of a neighborhood's GSW rate. Study #2 involved interviews with assaulted patients (N = 30). More than half of the sample had been incarcerated, which is striking considering their young age (i.e., 21 years old and younger). Prevention implications of both studies are discussed.