Small Arms Proliferation and Urban Insecurity: Designing Policy Interventions for Transnational Border Contraband

Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies | Vol. 5, No. 10, October 2014 | pp. 406–414

DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000067

Article Type: Policy Analysis Paper

Title: Small Arms Proliferation and Urban Insecurity: Designing Policy Interventions for Transnational Border Contraband

Names of Authors: Carlos Fuentes¹, Jean-Baptiste Remy²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Public Policy, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia; ²Faculty of Human Sciences, State University of Haiti, Port-au-Prince, Haiti

Abstract: Abstract: The unmitigated flow of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a primary catalyst for violent crime and community insecurity across developing urban centers. This policy analysis evaluates the design, implementation hurdles, and structural gaps of contemporary firearm control initiatives in three capital cities. By analyzing regional homicide databases, border seizure reports, and policy briefs from 2005 to 2013, this paper evaluates the efficacy of weapon buyback programs and legislative bans. The policy assessment indicates that isolated municipal gun control laws yield minimal results due to highly porous national borders and unregulated illicit supply chains. Quantitative trend analysis revealed that a 10% increase in illicit firearm seizures correlates with a temporary 2% drop in weapon-related crimes, indicating a weak short-term deterrent effect. The analysis identifies key structural gaps, including inadequate cross-border intelligence sharing and widespread systemic corruption within local law enforcement registries. The paper recommends transitioning toward an integrated regional tracking framework backed by standardized ballistic databases. Ultimately, a successful disarmament strategy requires combining strict border enforcement with targeted community youth development programs.

Keywords: Small Arms Proliferation, Urban Insecurity, Policy Intervention, Disarmament, Border Control, Homicide Prevention, Transnational Contraband

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 11, 2014; Revised: July 12, 2014; Accepted: August 14, 2014; Published: October 19, 2014

Citation: Fuentes, C., & Remy, J. B. (2014). Small Arms Proliferation and Urban Insecurity: Designing Policy Interventions for Transnational Border Contraband. Global Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, 5(10), 406–414. DOI: 10.46882/2014/GJPCS/000067

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