Improving street lighting to reduce gun violence in urban neighborhoods
Official title: Evaluation of the Philadelphia Smart Street Lighting Initiative
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10811210 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether putting in new, energy-efficient street lights in certain neighborhoods of Philadelphia can help reduce gun violence, like shootings and assaults, to see if better lighting makes those areas safer for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $689,180 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MD019163-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10811210 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are residents of urban neighborhoods in Philadelphia that experience high levels of gun violence and crime.
✕Less likely to help
Patients living in areas with low crime rates or those not residing in Philadelphia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research evaluates the impact of upgrading street lighting in Philadelphia on reducing gun violence, particularly in neighborhoods facing significant disadvantages. By implementing energy-efficient 'smart' street lights, the study aims to determine if better illumination can lead to a decrease in shootings, gun assaults, and related crimes. The project will utilize a quasi-experimental design to assess changes in crime rates before and after the installation of the new lighting. This approach will provide valuable insights for policymakers on effective crime control strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer urban environments by demonstrating that improved street lighting can significantly reduce gun violence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that place-based interventions like street lighting can effectively reduce violence, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chalfin, Aaron James — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chalfin, Aaron James
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.