The first two chapters present an overview of crime in the region, an original quantitative analysis of the main determinants of violence, and a discussion of the costs of crime. A series of subsequent chapters focus on three key drivers of crime and violence (drug trafficking, youth gangs, guns), and a critical contributing factor (weak criminal justice systems). These specific issues were selected in consultation with stakeholders in the region to ensure that the report was responding to their demands and needs. The report ends with a chapter on public policy responses to crime in the region.