Did a "Minneapolis Effect" and Later De-Policing Cause Firearms Crimes to Spike in 2020?

"Rethinking Proactive Policing: Did Retreat from Aggressive Tactics Fuel Rise in Gun Violence? In the aftermath of George Floyd's tragic killing in Minneapolis, the nation witnessed widespread protests calling for police reform. As a result, many law enforcement agencies across the country scaled back their proactive policing strategies, which had been a cornerstone of crime prevention. But did this shift have unintended consequences? New research suggests that the decrease in proactive policing may have contributed to a surge in homicides and gun violence, raising important questions about the balance between community policing and public safety. As the debate over policing tactics continues, experts are re-examining the impact of this shift on crime rates and community trust."

My essay on the topic collects the available empirical research. There is support for the theory that, as police across the nation pulled back from some forms of proactive policing after protests surrounding George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis, homicides and gun violence increased as a result.