Example 1: An Evaluation of a Reducing Gang Violence Project—The ‘Pathways Initiative’

The London Pathways Initiative was a 2-year community-based, multi-agency pilot which aimed to reduce gang-related violence on three London boroughs. It was grounded in the well-evidenced Boston Ceasefire approach (Braga and Weisburd 2012). The approach (and theory of change) includes three interlocked elements: firm law enforcement, expressed community disapproval of gang-related violence (termed ‘voice’) and offering help to those involved in gang related activity a way out (an exit). The approach of Pathways was agreed in late 2007, followed by an overextended period of planning and consultation (see Fig. 1). There was instability in the participation of the local areas. During the project, one of the original three boroughs pulled out to be replaced by another. The initiative requires explicit messages to gang related individuals to be delivered in particular ways. This means that the consequences of committing violence are stated explicitly by a number of criminal justice personnel and members of the community. The first ‘call-ins’ were held in June 2009 and the final ‘call-ins’ in April 2010. We were asked to evaluate the initiative—and encountered many difficulties.