HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-2025 Public Input (Police) #1What is the Average Cost of a Shooting?
The costs associated with a shooting incident are multifaceted and impact various sectors
including law enforcement, healthcare, the legal system, and the community. Here's a detailed
breakdown of the potential costs involved that could be averaged by researching Actual Budget
Amounts:
1. Initial 911 Call and Emergency Response
• 911 Call Center Operations:
o Cost per call: $10 - $50
• Dispatch and Police Response:
o Average cost per officer per hour: $50 - $100
o Typical response involves multiple officers and vehicles.
2. Detective Work and Investigation
• Crime Scene Processing:
o Forensic analysis and evidence collection: $1,000 - $10,000
• Detective Hours:
o Average cost per detective per hour: $50 - $100
o Complex investigations may require hundreds of hours.
3. Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
• Ambulance Services:
o Cost per transport: $500 - $1,500
• Emergency Room (ER) Costs:
o Treatment for gunshot wounds: $5,000 - $50,000+
o Intensive care costs can be significantly higher.
4. Trauma and Psychological Aftercare
• Immediate Trauma Care:
o Psychological first aid and crisis intervention: $500 - $2,000 per incident
• Long-term Psychological Care:
o Therapy and counseling sessions: $75 - $200 per session
o Long-term treatment costs can run into thousands of dollars per individual.
5. Morgue and Funeral Costs
• Morgue Services:
o Autopsy and body storage: $1,000 - $3,000
Filed in Clerk's Office
Bianca Tirado
City Clerk, South Bend, IN
• Funeral Costs:
o Funeral and burial expenses: $7,000 - $15,000
6. Forensic Analysis
• DNA Testing:
o Cost per test: $500 - $2,000
• Gun Analysis:
o Ballistics testing: $300 - $1,500
7. Arrest and Legal Process
• Arrest Costs:
o Police processing and booking: $200 - $500 per individual
• Prosecution Costs:
o Average cost per trial: $5,000 - $20,000
o High -profile or complex cases can exceed $100,000
• Public Defender Costs:
o Average cost per case: $1,000 - $10,000
8. Incarceration Costs
• Pre-trial Detention:
o Daily cost per inmate: $75 - $150
• Incarceration:
o Annual cost per inmate: $25,000 - $60,000
9. Community and Economic Costs
• Property Value Loss:
o Reduction in property values in affected areas: 5% - 20%
• Property Restoration:
o Repair and clean-up costs for crime scenes: $1,000 - $10,000
• Increased Insurance Costs:
o Higher premiums for residents and businesses in high -crime areas
o Average increase: 10% - 30%
10. Long-term Economic Effects
• Business Losses:
o Decreased revenue for local businesses due to reduced foot traffic and increased
crime perception
• Healthcare System Impact:
o Long-term costs for treating chronic conditions related to injuries
• Social Services:
o Increased demand for social services, including housing and unemployment benefits
for affected families
11. Indirect Costs
• Lost Productivity:
o Impact on victims' ability to work: $20,000 - $100,000 per individual annually
• Community Impact:
o Long-term social and economic effects on neighborhoods, including reduced quality
of life and community disintegration
Total Estimated Costs per Shooting Incident
Combining all these factors, the total cost of a single shooting incident can range from tens of
thousands to several million dollars, depending on the severity and complexity of the case. For
instance:
• Non -fatal shooting incident: $50,000 - $500,000+
• Fatal shooting incident: $500,000 - $2,000,000+
Conclusion
The financial burden of gun violence extends far beyond immediate medical and law enforcement
costs, impacting the entire community and economy. Comprehensive violence prevention
strategies can mitigate these costs and improve community safety and well-being.
Analysis supplied by Sue Kesim, Michiana Observer