PCC calls for more support to tackle gangs and violence ahead of major government announcement

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has called for the government to provide ‘more than just warm words’ ahead of the launch of the government’s serious violence strategy on Monday 9^th April 2018.

The PCC met the Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP last month to ask the government to match his initial commitment to spend £2 million tackling gangs and violence.

The Commission on Gangs and Violence established by David Jamieson, produced a wide-ranging report and made key recommendations. As a result of their work, funding will be put in place for a wide range of projects, including:

• • A team of expert negotiators will be set up to defuse violence between gangs and to help individuals escape a life of crime.
  • A mentoring scheme will be formed to help young people, at risk of offending, make the right life choices.
  • A package of support will be put in place to rehabilitate ex-offenders as they leave prison and re-enter their communities. The aim is to break the cycle of crime.
  • A set of programmes will be established designed to provide alternative activities for young people at risk of school exclusion and offending.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson, said,
“I hope the government’s strategy to tackle violence is more than just warm words. To be successful the government needs to support schemes such as the Gangs and Violence Commission in the West Midlands, which is delivering opportunities for young people to turn their lives away from crime.

“ The West Midlands was the first area in England to bring in a public health approach to reduce violence. It means the health service are working alongside the police to reduce this kind of crime. Progress could be much quicker with support from the government.

“In order to help reverse the current rise in violent crime I am investing an extra £2 million from my budget to tackle the root causes of violence. I hope as part of the government’s strategy there is real action and additional financial support for areas such as the West Midlands that have been blighted by violence.”