West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson has written to the Home Secretary asking him to re-consider fund matching the PCC’s £2 million investment in tackling violent crime.
The PCC has also asked for the Home Secretary to meet a cross-party group of MPs with himself to hear the work that is on-going in the region and discuss how the Government can support.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson’s letter to the Home Secretary:
Dear Sajid,
You will be only too aware of the increase in violent crime in the West Midlands in recent weeks. Whilst not at the levels seen in London, the level of violent crime is disturbing and requires us all to take action. We are all responsible for building a society in which our young people have the opportunities they deserve and don’t end up in a life of criminality and violence.
Earlier this year, I asked your predecessor if she would be willing to match fund the work of my Commission on Gangs and Violence, through which I am investing £2 million to tackle the root causes of criminality and divert young people away from crime. The Commission has brought together agencies from across the region with community groups to work together to end the violence.
I would ask that you reconsider this ask, especially as much of the work undertaken by the Commission has subsequently been included in the Home Office’s Serious Violence Strategy.
The threats that the West Midlands faces are higher than elsewhere in the country, therefore I hope the Governments focusses its efforts and resources on areas like ours.
I would also ask that in the near future you meet a cross-party group of MPs and myself, to hear first-hand the work underway by the Commission and how the Home Office can support us to tackle violent crime.
It is crucial that we all come together to end the tragic loss of young lives.
Yours sincerely,
David Jamieson
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