A Realistic Evaluation of Homicide Reduction Programmes

The adapted EMMIE framework is based on the realist evaluation approach that seeks to understand what, how, for whom, and under what circumstances policies work. Realist evaluators aim to identify the underlying mechanisms that explain the functioning of policies. The framework refers to the (E) effect, (M) mechanism, (M) moderator/context, (I) implementation, and (E) economic costs of a policy. This research uses the adapted EMMIE framework to evaluate and assess the characteristics of 89 homicide reduction programmes. Results show that the EMMIE components for mechanisms and implementation were included to some extent by policymakers, but the remaining three components (i.e., moderators/context, effect size, and economic costs) registered low scores. It is concluded that the ineffectiveness of homicide reduction programmes may be due to deficiencies in programme evaluation and cost planning, but it may also be related to a lack of understanding of the contexts in which these programmes are supposed to work.