Moonshot Research Partner

The National Policing Institute has partnered with Axon to provide research support toward achieving Axon’s Moonshot goal of reducing gun-related deaths between the police and the public by 50% in 10 years.

Project Overview

A widely agreed upon issue in research and policy is the lack of reliable data and research on police use of force, including fatal encounters between the police and the public. Available national databases are plagued by measurement errors, inconsistencies in the unit of analysis, incomplete data, and validity concerns. Similarly, the evidence base examining law enforcement practices that reduce the application of force, particularly fatal force, is also plagued by significant gaps in knowledge. NPI will assist Axon by gathering perspectives from the field, research, and best practices to inform a research agenda in support of the Moonshot goal.

Methodology

The National Policing Institute (NPI) will support the Moonshot goal by applying an impartial, scientific perspective to gather and disseminate information. Through this project, NPI will assist Axon in identifying and applying methodologically sound frameworks to assess Moonshot progress and support agencies using different strategies and technologies to reduce officer-involved shootings and enhance officer safety. Further, NPI will collaborate with Axon to host and support discussions on data, patterns, and research that may inform the Moonshot goal. This project will provide an independent, research-based perspective on improving the chances of successfully achieving the Moonshot goal, increasing officers’ and civilians’ safety, and ultimately saving lives.