Wherever violence is a means to achieve a criminal objective, illegal firearms are usually involved—fuelling violence and empowering criminal groups worldwide. We are now confronting larger-scale, more systematic forms of violent crime, including those perpetrated by gangs and transnational criminal syndicates. Trade in illicit small arms and light weapons is also opening new markets, making firearms one of the main commodities to be exchanged in illegal markets. These dynamics shape an ever-evolving landscape, requiring constant cross-border action by law enforcement.

Reliable data and analysis, both national and international, are critical to the success of law enforcement action against violent crime involving the use of firearms. The Small Arms Survey 2013: Everyday Dangers offers valuable new information on the use of firearms around the globe. This includes domestic violence; the structured, rule-based use of firearms by organized crime groups; as well as the evolution of gang violence in response to internal and external factors. This volume also presents an analysis of illicit small arms and light weapons through selected case studies, casting new light on the kinds of weapons held by armed groups and their key role in driving armed violence.

Law enforcement must address and anticipate new trends in the illegal acquisition, use, and transfer of firearms to ensure the safety of our communities. Evidence-based research provided by the Small Arms Survey 2013 can help us better understand the problem of violent crime involving the use of firearms. In turn, having a better understanding of the problem can bring law enforcement a step closer to meeting the challenges of fighting violent crime in the 21st century.