This paper reports the results ofthe application of intervention analysis, an interrupted times series methodology, to test the deterrent response of criminal offendersfaced with changes in the penalty structure for the crime of robbery with a firearm. The results are consistent with the hypothesis of general deterrence as set out by Becker and extended theoretically and tested empirically b y others. Offenders in Arizona metropolitan areas rapidly reduced the number of robberies with a firearm supplied as penalties for firearm use became more severe. This finding suggests legislation which punishes those who choose to use such weapons in illegal activities may be effective while leaving intact the rights of private citizens to own firearms. One disturbing finding was that a POTtion of the deterrent effect of harsher mandatory sentencing for firearm use in robbery may have been offset by substitution of other types of robbery not covered b y the new legislation. I.In August of 1974, certain revisions became effective in the criminal code of Arizona which raised substantially the expected costs to those convicted of committing robbery armed with a firearm. In response to record levels of armed robbery experienced in the 19705, this legislation imposed mandatory prison sentences for robbery with a gun: Robbery committed by a person armed with a gun or deadly weapon is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison, for the first offense, for not less than five yqars, for a second offense, not less than ten years, for third or subsequent offenses, not less than twenty years nor more than life imprisonment, and in no case, except for a first offense committed by a person armed with a deadly weapon other than a gun, shall the person convicted be eligible for suspension or commutation of sentence, probation, parole, or pardon until such person has served the minimum sentence imposed.Further, all judicial options relating to probation or suspension of sentence were excluded specifically for those offenders, including first offenders, convicted of

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