Significant Progress around Serious Youth Violence

The West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner has highlighted the significant progress made to tackle serious youth violence, at a local and national level.

The Commissioner welcomed the focus of a Home Affairs Select Committee report, which states there is clear need for a concerted action across the length and breadth of the country to tackle this issue. This includes a broad, population-wide approach to prevention, with enhanced interventions to support the communities most at risk of violence.

The report detailed the substantial progress, led by the Government, through the Serious Violence Strategy which focuses on prevention, tackling root causes and effective law enforcement. 61 detailed commitments were made by the Government and other agencies, of which 45 have already been completed. Other key actions include investment in early intervention funds, a focus on public health, violence reduction units, the national County Lines Coordination Centre, plus an investment in policing, including a commitment for 20,000 additional officers.

Commissioner John Campion said “Every death from violence is one tragedy too many. This report retains the focus on serious youth violence but is not fully reflective of the significant progress which has already been made. Action is being taken, to fully address all aspects of this important issue.

At a local level I am also taking positive action, as this isn’t just an issue confined to more metropolitan areas. My commitment includes bringing together partners to tackle the issue collectively, investing in diversionary and early intervention services to tackle the issue at the root, increasing officer numbers and a relentless approach, with tough, targeted enforcement action against the criminals who seek to harm our communities, as outlined in my recent Serious Organised Crime Strategy.”

Issued: Wednesday 31st July 2019