| A large number of studies have examined the contextual level influence of firearm availability on firearm-related violence; yet extant literature has failed to simultaneously consider the effects of structure, culture, and firearm availability on the likelihood of firearm violence. The current study adds to the literature by engaging the use of race- and offense-specific non-linear multi-level analyses to examine the relative influence of structure, violent subculture, firearm availability, and incident characteristics on the likelihood of firearm use during aggravated assaults and robberies. Drawing upon data contained in the National Incident Based Reporting System, American Community Survey, and Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database, this study examines these relationships in an urban context of U.S. counties and concludes with discussion of policy initiatives that may reduce the likelihood and frequency of firearm violence. |
