Researchers at Niagara University have put together a map to help police see where gun violence is happening in Niagara Falls, and to understand why it happens.
The professors say one of the hot spots is located at Niagara and 19th Streets, about a mile east of the Seneca Niagara Casino, because it is where groups end up clashing.
“So the Niagara and 19th area, this is the consistent hot area and it really is where you get the right people interacting in the wrong places, where they have these contentious interactions and the opportunity to respond to it,” said Tim Lauger, Associate Producer at Niagara University.
The map is already helping law enforcement identify areas in Niagara Falls that are prone to gun violence. The professors hope their research is a jumping-off point to combating crime.
“This is really helpful for law enforcement because it allows them to target specific groups, specific individuals and communicate with them and ultimately crack down on them when problems arise,” said Lauger.
