Chicago

Chicago: A Data-Driven Response to Gun Violence

A City in Crisis

In 2016, Chicago faced a devastating spike in violence, with 768 homicides—a 58% jump from the previous year. Most incidents were gun-related, erupting in public spaces from disputes that spiraled out of control. The city’s safety crisis demanded immediate, decisive action.

A New Model for Policing

In early 2017, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) launched Strategic Decision Support Centers (SDSCs) in its most violent districts. These intelligence hubs shifted the department from reactive policing to proactive, data-driven strategies that anticipated where violence would strike next.

How SDSCs Work

Each SDSC operates as a high-tech command center, occupying a dedicated space within the district station. Officers, analysts, and supervisors work side-by-side using a suite of technology to:


  • Identify hotspots where violence is most likely to occur
  • Deploy targeted patrols and intervention efforts
  • Adjust strategies weekly based on outcomes
  • Share insights across the department

This model transformed police districts—most serving 70,000+ residents—into proactive, locally informed, data-driven hubs.

Fewer Arrests, Smarter Deployment

The SDSC model did not lead to more arrests, stops, or use of force—instead it increased the effectiveness of existing personnel. Officers relied less on intuition and more on data, shifting toward precision policing without expanding enforcement.

Tangible Results

The results came quickly. In District 007 (Englewood), one of the first to adopt the model:


  • Shootings dropped 34% in the first six months in District 007 (Englewood)
  • Violent felonies fell by 11%

Violent felonies fell by 11% 

Across the city, gun violence fell by 22% in 2017 compared to 2016. Research from the University of Chicago Crime Lab and the RAND Corporation confirmed that SDSC-equipped districts consistently outpaced others in reducing robberies, burglaries, and shootings. Some by more than 40%.

“We’re not just arresting more people—we’re preventing violence in the first place.”

— District Commander

Building Trust Through Transparency

SDSCs also aligned with broader reform efforts, including CPD’s 2019 consent decree. By making data visible, involving community input, and creating a stable structure for decision-making, the centers supported accountability and trust. Community leaders praised the approach for focusing on outcomes and responsiveness, not just enforcement.

A Model with Staying Power

The project, which ran from 2017 to 2019 under external support, is now fully owned and operated by CPD. Funders like the Chicago Sports Alliance backed the effort, and the model’s success has spread to other cities, including Baltimore. Members of The Policing Lab team were the architects of this concept and guided its implementation in partnership with the University of Chicago Crime Lab.

Why It Matters

Strategic Decision Support Centers represent more than a technology upgrade, they reflect a shift in mindset. By combining data, human intelligence, and leadership, CPD showed how a city can reduce violence and rebuild trust.