A Descriptive Analysis of Homicide Duringthe First Stage of Plan Colombia

Abstract

During the short period between 2000 and 2006, the homicide rate in Colombia decreased by almost 40 percent. This significant drop coincided with the first stage of the implementation of Plan Colombia. Using information from vital statistics, this paper describes the changes in the homicide rates for demographic groups (in terms of age, gender, and geographic location). Results show that the reduction in homicide occurred accross almost all age groups, both genders, and almost all departments of the country. The reduction in homicides for young men, as well as the reduction of homicide in the department of Antioquia, account for almost 50 percent of the general reduction during the period. The paper also analyzes the mechanisms through which Plan Colombia may have contributed to the reduction of homicides.