This study reports from the implementation and effects of the first attempt to implement a focused deterrence-based strategy to combat gun violence in a Swedish as well as a Nordic setting. The planning of what would later be called Ceasefire Malmö began in 2017 after an upsurge of gun violence that peaked in 2016-2017. 

Results and conclusion

The results show that, in line with much of previous, mainly American, implementation studies, gun violence went down following implementation and results hold in comparison to other cities and the surrounding region. Results from this evaluation are, however, not fully conclusive and should be interpreted with some care. The evidence base for interventions to counteract group- or gang-related violence and involvement is limited and, without more knowledge, authorities risk implementing strategies with no proven effect, risking lives and wasting resources. As such, this evaluation makes a valuable contribution to policy makers, providing them with guidance on how to implement focused, deterrence-based strategies in a European context and the effect of such strategies.