Transforming gun violence through group intervention: the Swedish experience of implementing focused deterrence
February 10th, 2026
The article “Transforming gun violence through group intervention: the Swedish experience of implementing focused deterrence”, published in 2025 in Policing and Society, presents the findings of the first evaluation of both the implementation process and the impact of a focused deterrence–based strategy aimed at addressing gun violence involving members of criminal groups in Malmö, Sweden.
The study examines the implementation process and the effects of the Ceasefire Malmö strategy, launched in 2017 in response to a spike in gun violence recorded between 2016 and 2017. An integrated evaluation of the process and outcomes was conducted, drawing on a range of empirical sources, including 42 interviews, field observations, documents related to the implementation of the programme, materials concerning the delivery of its core components, and statistical data on shootings. Preliminary findings indicate a reduction in gun violence following the implementation of the strategy in Malmö, while simultaneously identifying the challenges that need to be addressed in future implementations.
In particular, the study highlights how the Swedish experience demonstrates the feasibility of adapting focused deterrence–based intervention models to European contexts, offering valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to effectively address group-related gun violence. However, the authors stress the need for further empirical research to consolidate the evidence on the observed effects and to gain a deeper understanding of the specific challenges associated with implementation in contexts different from that of the United States.
The article can be read and downloaded at this link.