A community may choose to implement several programs and strategies simultaneously or sequentially. Communities should consider carefully whether selected strategies and programs need to be adapted to meet local conditions. In considering different programs and strategies, communities will want to consider existing local and Federal gun laws that govern how guns are legally possessed, who may possess them, and what the comparative penalties are for criminal possession and use of guns. Finally, it makes sense to balance programs and strategies that impact all three phases of the gun violence continuum and emphasize prevention in addition to punishment. Having selected a mix of programs and strategies, a community should carefully develop a plan to assess the effectiveness of their particular combination as applied.
Communities differ in the way they implement their comprehensive plans.
All communities should, however, take certain basic steps. Gearing up for implementation, stakeholders will likely want to seek broad community support through a public awareness campaign. Participants also will need to be trained in implementation of the program or strategy. Continuous monitoring and assessment are critical steps in the actual implementation of the plan. Evaluation is a critical component of a comprehensive gun violence reduction plan.