About The Violence Prevention Project
Founded by a psychologist and a sociologist, we bring an interdisciplinary approach to understanding violence—generating knowledge that enlightens the public, guides practitioners, and drives policy.
202+
Mass shooter cases analyzed
6
Research databases
50+
Peer-reviewed publications
100+
Major media features
TEDx Talks
Watch our founders share their research and insights on violence prevention.
How to Prevent School Shootings
Dr. Jillian Peterson
Based on research into the life histories of over 202 mass shooters, Dr. Peterson explains why current school safety strategies have failed and proposes data-driven prevention approaches.
Violence in the Age of Social Media
Dr. James Densley
Dr. Densley explores how technology has created an economy of consumers, producers, and distributors of violent victimization, and offers tools to minimize exposure.
Our Mission
Based at Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, we transform data into insights that empower action. Our foundational studies on mass shooters' life histories, funded by the National Institute of Justice, have created the most comprehensive databases available on mass violence in America.
Our research serves journalists, academics, policymakers, and communities seeking to understand and prevent violence. We bring an interdisciplinary approach—combining psychology, sociology, and criminology—to develop evidence-based strategies that save lives.
What We Do
Research
We conduct comprehensive research on mass violence, analyzing demographics, behaviors, warning signs, and patterns to inform prevention strategies.
Data & Databases
We maintain publicly accessible databases that serve as primary resources for understanding violence across schools, workplaces, and communities.
Education
We provide training, resources, and publications to help communities recognize warning signs and implement effective prevention programs.
Policy
We translate research into actionable policy recommendations, working with lawmakers and institutions to create safer environments.
Our Databases
Our publicly accessible databases serve as essential resources for researchers, journalists, and policymakers working to understand and prevent violence.
Mass Shooters Database→
Comprehensive life histories of mass shooters
K-12 School Homicides→
Incidents at elementary and secondary schools
Higher Education Homicides→
Violence at colleges and universities
Workplace Homicides→
Patterns in workplace violence
House of Worship Homicides→
Violence at religious institutions
Twin Cities Homicides→
Regional homicide pattern analysis
Leadership
Dr. Jillian Peterson
Executive Director & Co-Founder
Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Hamline University. Ph.D. in Psychology and Social Behavior from UC Irvine. Expert in mental illness and violence, mass shootings, and forensic psychology. Trained in restorative practices, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention.
Personal Website →
Dr. James Densley
Deputy Director & Co-Founder
Professor and Department Chair of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Metro State University. D.Phil. in Sociology from Oxford. Global expert on street gangs, youth violence, and online violence. Author of 11 books and 150+ scholarly works.
Personal Website →Lead Researchers
Jaycee Johansson
Lead Researcher
Psychology graduate from Hamline University, transitioning into clinical psychology after serving as a law enforcement officer for the City of Minneapolis from 2018 to 2022. Research assistant at The Violence Project for four years, focusing on gun violence in the Twin Cities. Combines frontline experience with academic research to contribute to policies addressing mental health, trauma, and public safety.
Advisory Board
Nicole Hockley
Sandy Hook Promise Foundation
Co-founder and CEO of Sandy Hook Promise. Mother of Dylan, who was murdered in the Sandy Hook tragedy. Named one of "25 Women Changing the World" by People Magazine.
Morgan Gerhart
The Walt Disney Company
Director of Global Workplace Security Programs. Expert in workplace violence prevention, active assailant response, and de-escalation. M.A. in Forensic Psychology.
Bryan Muehlberger
The GracieStrong Foundation
Founder of The GracieStrong Foundation. Father of Gracie Anne, who was killed in a mass shooting. Advocate for addressing the root causes of gun violence.
David Riedman
K-12 School Shooting Database
Creator of the K-12 School Shooting Database. Leading expert on school safety. M.A. in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Curtis Shanklin
Minnesota DOC (Former)
Former Deputy Commissioner of Minnesota Department of Corrections. Co-Director of Minnesota Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative. 20+ years in corrections.
Jenny Stone
Partner Forces LLC
Founder and CEO of Partner Forces LLC. Expert in infrastructure protection and homeland security. M.A. in Security Studies from Georgetown University.
Michael Chambers
CHS Inc.
Security leader with 20+ years of experience protecting people and strengthening organizational resilience. Oversees physical security for CHS, a leading farmer-owned agriculture and energy cooperative. Previously led corporate security at General Mills and served as a special agent with the U.S. Department of State. M.S. in International Management from Colorado State University.
6
publicly accessible research databases on mass violence in America.
202+
mass shooter cases analyzed with comprehensive life histories.
50+
peer-reviewed publications and research reports.
100+
features in major media outlets including CNN, NYT, and BBC.
Get in Touch
For media inquiries, research collaborations, or general questions, we'd love to hear from you.